METHODISM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 154, 25 November 1914, Page 4

METHODISM.

TAI4ANAKI-WAX G AN CI DISTRICT. ANNUAL SYNOD. WELCOME TO DELEGATES. The. Taranaki-Wanganui district's Manual Synod of the Methodist Church: commenced yesterday, there being aboutfifty members present, under the presidency of the Rev. T. G. Hammond. Tha meeting extends over three days, and_ includes committee work besides that of" the Synod sessions and the Social Service Union. The members met at 10 a.m. yesterday, in the Whiteley Church, the openingproceedings being of a devotional character, followed by a most appropriateaddress by the Rev. A. Reader (Stratford), after which the Sacrament waa. administered by the Revs. W. Cannell: and T. G. Hammond. The members resumed again in committee at 2 p.m., the acting-chairman, the ■ Rev. T. G. Hammond, presiding. A cordial welcome was extended to the chairman by the Revs. W. Cannell and A. B. Chappell, M.A., and heartily endorsed by all present. The chairman,, in reply, expressed his deep appreciation of the kindly welcome accorded to him.; ITe also extended a welcome to the W. Rowe, A. 0. Harris, C. A. Olds, and Messrs. C. Aker and J. R. Nelson. ;

HOME MISSIONARIES. It was decided that the best wishesof the committee be conveyed to th<i chairman of the district (Rev. H. lij Blamires), who is absent with the E» petitionary Force as chaplain. After hearing the report of the trial sermon of the Rev. W. Rowe, and of hiej circuit work, also an oral examiwutiontl in theology, he was unanimously reconw mended to the ensuing conference for OM dination, subject to his written examined t'on being satisfactory. ' The Rev. A. A. Bensley was also re-< commended to pass in his year, subjectt to his written examination being satis-! factory. Very favorable reports were re< ceived of his trial sermon and circuit work. In the case of Eakcna Riripi, it waa( recommended that he be admitted taj probation, and be credited with one yeaij of probation. I The report of the principal of the Theological Institution was and gratification expressed at the nature, of its contents. A vote of appreciation was passed ttf the Rev. 'A. Reader for the address ot the morning. The. committee adjourned at 5.30 till 9 o'clock this morning, in order to conn plete its work, prior to the meeting of Synod in representative session at lfl a.m.

WELCOME CONVERSAZIONE. ' The members of Synod were enter* tained last evening at the Whiteley Hall, which was well filled, a large number of members of the local Methodist Church! being present, including many Rev. T. H. Roseveare, on behalf of the \ Ttiranaki Ministers' Association, and Mr< V. Carter t (circuit steward) cordial] J( welcomed the members of Synod to Newi Plymouth, the Rev. T. J. Hammond, Messrs 10. JDixori line "l. P. Hugh son ftc-. knowledging tlie courtesy. Addresses were given by Revs. Hudson (AVanganui), H. White (Eltbam)] and. Rakena Piripi, after which an ex-i ee!*cnt programme of vocal and instrumental music was rendered, and greatly, appreciated by all present. Songs were contributed by Mrs. Chappell, Misses B. Gilbert and R. Okey, Messrs. Ilaslam and Lambert, Misses Buckman and* Cannell gave an artistically executed? violin duet, and Miss Douglas played pleasing piano solo, besides acting as accompanist for the evening. At the conclusion of tho programme lefreshments, provided by the ladies of the local Methodist Churches, wera handed round. Tho Rev. Chappell thanked all those who had assisted in' making the gathering so successful^ Many old friendships were renewed, and several new ones commenced, at this social function, the hearty geniality of which was evident to the most easual obsirver