METHODIST SYNOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1915, Page 8

METHODIST SYNOD.

THURSDAY'S SESSION. (From Hawera Star). The Synod proceedings were preceded by a meeting of the district members of the Social -Service Union, the Rev. A. B. Chappeil presiding. The Rev. F, Rands opened a discussion Upon the subject "Christianity and our Wages System," as set forth in a booklet by S. E. Keeble. An interesting feature was the reading of a letter of greeting received from the author. A few members took part in the discussion 011 the question, tne interest of which ivas shown in the number present. The Maori work in the district was reported upon by the Superintendent, by Sister Nellie (deaconess at Okaiawaf, and by the Rev. R. Haddon. It was represented that the past year had been one of peculiar and great difficulty, despite the fact that the laborers bad worked well. The Synod expressed its unbounded sympathy with them in the difficulties of their work, as well as its deep joy in the achievements that can be chronicled, and urged the Conference to give its most earnest heed to the needs and claims of the native department of the Methodist Ohureh enterprise in New Zealand. The following were nominated to Conference as the District Home Mission Advistorv Committee: Messrs. R. Pepperell, G. H. White, T. P. Ilnghson, E. Dixon, E. 0. Olivers, and F, J. Denton, and the members of the Taranaki Ministers' Council who are in full connection, the council secretary to be convener. The same members were nominated as the AVest Coast Maori Mission Advisory Committee for next year as at present, with the exception of Rev. R. B. Tinsley. The report presented by the committee set up in connection with ex officio members of Synod and Conference was. received and approved. It was decided that, should the report he adopted and immediately given effect to by the Conference, Mr. R. Pepperell be nominated the lay representative for the West Coast Maori Mission, Mr. G. H. White being his substitute. The question of the election of the president and secretary of conference at the conference preceding that at which they take office was dealt with, and the proposal disapproved. The majority required to allow the stationing of a minis, ter for more than five years in any circuit was recommended to he 55 per cent. Manaia was reported as prepared to undertake its obligations should conference need an additional married ■preacher's station.

Mr. Bassett, district secretary for fclie trust property returns, was thanked for his services, and his name forwarded to Conference for re-appointment. Foreign Mission matters were dealt with at length by the Synod. The amounts raised in the various circuits were not completed, but an increased contribution was assured.

The presentation of the district statistics on church membership and Sunday schools provoked discussion, and a resolution was passed expressing thanks to God for such success as had attended clmrc.h work in the district. The Synod tendered its thanks to the Rev. T. 0. Hammond, chairman of the district, for the able manner in which he conducted the business of the Synod; to the secretary, assistant secretary, Journal secretary, and corresponding secretary. the press, hosts and hostesses, the local church committee, and the church trustees.

It was decided to accept an invitation to hold the next Synod- meetings at Wanganui.