AUSTRALASIAN WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1267, 20 November 1884, Page 3

AUSTRALASIAN WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

At the .Wesleyan Conference on Mon day the Rev. J, Watsford moved—“ That this Conference, deeply feeling the great loss sustained by the death of the late General Secretary of our Foreign Mission Society, the Rev. B. Chapman, gratefully records its high appreciation of his earnest and valuable labors in the mission work. *nd expresses its sincere sympathy with his bereaved family and friends.” The Rev. Dr Waugh seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Mr D. Nock moved a vote of thants to Mr David Berry, for the munificent gift of a ship to the foreign missions. The Con'crence accepted the suggestion, and agreed to pass a more formal resolution, which could be sent to Mr Berry. The Rev. E. Bavin moved —“ That a vote of heart) thanks be given to the Rev. D. Kelynack for his valuable services in connection with the special help fund, and that the Conference record its gratitude to God for the success of the fund.” The motion was seconded and carried unanimously, several raembers-speaking in favor of it. The Wesleyan Conference on Tuesday was occupied all day, sitting with closed doors, considering the subject of the Tonga Mission. At tbs luncheon several ministera of other denominations were present, including the Revs, J. Elmsjie, j. WMt. aad.T. E. JWier. President took occasion to say that

the brethren of the Conference would never forget the courtesy and kindness of the ladies of the Christchurch congregation. He also welcomed the visiting ministers. The Rev. J. Elmslie expressed satisfaction at being present, and the Rev. W. H. Fitchett spoke on behalf of the Conference. The Rev. J. C. Symons submitted a report on the superannuation fund, which showed the income for the year to be £18,196, and the expenditure £7796 3s. The capital accounts showed assets £138,074, an increase over liabilities during the year of £B6BB Os 3d. The number of superannuated ministers on December 31st was 47 and widows 26. The Missionary Committee in London had paid all arrears due to this fund. The Rev, Mr Symons stated that Mr Black, the actuary, had estimated the amount necessary to make the fund solvent at £9990, whilst another actuary, Mr Templeton, estimated the necessary capital at £14,849, but as the actual capital was so large the difference between these estimates amounted only to | <■■■ cent. The Rev. John Cope gave Its c-vu est - mates, which were much lo ■ r than the above. He recommended frequent valuations by actuaries. He thought the present scale of premiums and allowances perfectly safe. The Rev. W. F. Fitchett, seeing that there were such conflicting estimates, advocated sending Mr Cope Home for the highest actuarial opinion. The Rev. J. Cope did not see the need for incurring so large an expense. The Rev. W. L. Blamires thought there was satisfaction in the fact that however much the reports of the actuaries differed, they agreed in showing that the fund was improving in its position. After further discussion the report was adopted, and the auctuaries reports ordered to be printed in tiio minutes. The Conference also agreed that the number of Treasurers of the fund he increased from 6 to 8, and that the words “by other means ” be inserted in the rule providing for raising a contribution of six guineas from each district. Votes of thanks were passed to the Hon. A. Fraser, the Rev. J. Cope, and the General Treasurers of the past three year*. The following were appointed Treasurers till the next General Conference ; —Dr Waugh, Rev. J. C. Symons, H. Bath, H. P. Wills, Dr Cutts, Mr S. G. King and Hon. J. E. Beaver, M.L.C. The former auditors were reelected.