CONGREGATIONAL UNION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 241, 17 February 1911, Page 2

CONGREGATIONAL UNION

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Duncdin, Wednesday. At the Congregational Union Conference to-day, Rev. R. McNaugton moved,. ''That in view of the forthcoming triennial poll, and of the increased facilities provided by recent legislation for dealing effectively with the licensed liquor traffic, the Council urge ministers and churches to an earnest effort in the hope that as speedily as possible .the abolition of the trnllic, which is one of the greatest obstacles in the way of social and religious progress may be brought about, and that the Council suggest to churches the desirability of affording an opportunity for the minister to renuer special services to the cause of temperance during the latter half of the year." Rev. B. L. Thomas seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was resolved to strongly urge upon churches the absolute necessity for men of the churches taking a larger interest in denominational affairs, and that there be sent to the annual meetings of the Council a larger proportion of male representatives. The London Missionary Society's report stated that the amounts contributed during the year were: Auckland £202, Wellington £284, Canterbury £IOB 10s sd, Otago £348 9s 10(1; total',£943 0s 3d. The report urged the appointment of a New Zealand committee for examination of candidates. The report was adopted, and the Rev. Hunt was appointed the Union representative on the Society. The Rev. AY. Saunders moved that the Council take into serious consideration the question of limiting the number of paid delegates to each Council or that Council meetings be held every second year. Mr. Saunders pointed out that the expenses of the Council were out of all proportion to its revenue. He believed it possible that £SO a year might be saved. A report was read, which stated the expenses of the Council meetings amounted to £IOO, about one-seventh of the revenue. It was moved that only half fare be paid to delegates. Discussion was adjourned till to-morrow.

Rev. D. Herd (Palmeraton North) read a paper on "Opium Traffic," After tracing the history of the traffic, he moved that the Imperial Government be urged, without delay, to formally release China from treaty obligations to admit opium, and that the Indian Government's connection with opium export be terminated. The motion was carried unanimously.