METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1922, Page 5

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

REARRANGEMENT OF CIRCUITS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Feb. 24. The Methodist Conference agreed upon a division of the Hamilton Circuit and an increase in the minis.-,;; al staff wae agreed upon, an additional appointment being a matter of urgency. Huirca, Tututawa and Douglas were incorj rated in the Stratford Circuit. The proposal to divide the Rangiora Circuit was not carried. It was agreed to divide Riverton and Tuatapere and appoint a home missionary at each. Queenstown was attached to the Gore Circuit. It was agreed to appoint an additional minister to Auckland East, and probationers to Frankton, Wanganui East, Gisborne, Kilbirnie, Masterton, Picton, and Sumner and home missionaries to Ngatea and Dovedale. Extension work on the East Coast is to be considered by the Home Mission Executive during the year. It was decided to appoint a home missionary to Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay) with a suitable grant. The following candidates for the ministry were received:—Messrs. J. F. Jack, G. R. Waterson and E. O. Haddon.

Auckland, Last Night. At the Methodist Conference the Sunday schools and young people’s departments report showed an increase in all branches. Some discussion arose as to the advisability of continuing the office of organising secretary of the movement. It was decided the office should be retained and the Rev. E. P. Blamires was appointed. The conference recorded appreciation of the Rev. H. Old’s work on retirement from the position.

The Revs. T. A. Joughin, T. R. Clark and J. Cocker were placed on the supernumerary list for the year for health reasons.

The home mission and church extension fund report showed an income of £10,485 and an expenditure of £10,839. To-night a meeting was held to welcome overseas delegates.