METHODISM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 211, 6 March 1914, Page 5

METHODISM.

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, Thursday. At the Methodist Conference yesterday appreciative reference was made to the following ministers, whose deaths occurred during the year:—Chas. E. Beecroft, Wm, Townsley and Barton H. Ginger. A suitable hymn was sung, and the Rev. Fairclough engaged in prayer. Reports of the welfare of the Church were presented, and many members of the conference bore testimony to the good work of the visiting missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. Vallance Cook, Rev. W. V. Trigge and Sister Francis. A series of resolutions was carried placing on record the success that had attended the labor of the missionaries. The Rev. Flcsher spoke of the difference between the church records of Methodist members and members returned according to the last census. Rev. Mr. Dawson had paid a great deal of attention to the question, and would suggest a means of tracing those not within the influence of the Church. The report showed an inexplicable decrease of 3069 in the number of adhuents, whereas formerly the Church return approximated to the census figures. The recommendations were agreed t». BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS QUESTION. OPINIONS DIFFER. Dunedin, Last Night. At tho Methodist Conference this evening, the Bible-in-schools question was introduced by the Rev. J. J. Lewis moving, in an eloquent speech:—''That this conference affirms its adherence to the platform and objects of the Bible in State Schools and congratulates the League on the success that has attended its efforts: during the past year, and urges the Government to pass the necessary legislation to enable tho people of the Dominion to express their will concerning this important ouestion at tlie next general election." This was seconded Jiy Mr J. A. Fleslier. The Rev. J. W. Burton moved as an amendment:—"That the Conference regards- the proposed refe'emlum on the Bible-in-schools question, in its present form, as distinctly unfair, in that it disfranchises so many members of the community who, while afrrecin/r with the first section of the proposal, which aims at the introduction of the Bible in schools, cannot, consequently, vote for the section which seeks to introduce an odioiiß form of sectarian instruction to children." The amendment was lost by SO votes to 35, and the motion was earned bv 95 votes to 14. The Rev. J. J. Lewis l received a great ovation on the conclusion of his reply.