WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1266, 18 November 1884, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

At the Conference at Christcburch o.n Friday, the Rev. W. Morley moved—- " That this Conference accede to the recommendaiion of the Conference that a New Zealand Conference he constituted independent and self-governing;, and that the plans submitted for the same be approved." He said the resolution was not intended as a slight on the Australian Conference. He sincerely thought the proposal would tend to develope the Methodist cause in this land. It was not a new proposal. It had been received favorably at the Adelaide. Conference in 1881 ; carried by three-fourths of a majority in the New Zealand Conference in 1881; and agreed to unanimously in 1884. Ninety-five per cent, of the New Zealand Methodists would be disappointed if it were not carried now. Mr R. Hobbs, M.H.K., seconded the motion. He thought the New Zealand Conference should be allowed to walk alone, but if the request were refused he hoped they would meekly kfss the rod. Several members having expressed their opinion for and against the proposal, the Rev. H. Bath moved as an amendment—- " That this Conference nfter carefully considering the plau of separation submitted by the New Zealand Conference, and while fully sensible of inconvenience and expense incident to the administration of a Church so large, yet deems it inexpedient and unnecessary to sacrifice tbe great advantages of that connexion, besides incurring the cost and risk of so area*, a change for the sake of the comparatively small gain sought by the dissolution of the existing union, especially on the plan proposed." New Zealand, he paid, should Dot cut herself off from mission work among the islands, which was far from complete. The proposal was inconsistent with the Methodist Union. The other churches were moviog towards federation, and the Meihodist Churches should not endeavor to dissolve their union. The Rev. G. Marliu seconded tl:e amendment, but sdd he would not object to separation if the New Zealand Church would engage to perpetuate the Wesleyan Methodism which they all lovel. . , After a short further discussion, the amendment .vas carried. A deputation from the Christchurch Ministers'Association was then introduced, »id on behalf of the other Protestant denominations welcomed the members of the Conference. The Revs. E. J. Watkin, R. M. Hunter, and Mr Hobbs acknowledged the welcome of the Association, At the AustralasiaD Wesleyan Conference on Saturday, a long discussion took place on iuteroo'onial appointments and interchanges of Ministers between .New Und and other Conf*v enceS- jt waa ultimately resolved "That it be a. further instruction to the QonvflHtee on (■X'-hanges to depart aa to the definite "WVilw of exc.ban.ges to be made on grounds of connexional polioy between rlie Conferences, either at once or at intervals distribu,te,d over the next three years,'