METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9027, 14 January 1908, Page 6

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

11Y TBI.IWBAPII —PKESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN, January 13. Several members had expressed their intention at Saturday's sitting of handing in their resigrations owing to what they regarded as the undemocratic action of the majority of the conference in applying the Closure to the Union of Churches debate on Friday, but on the conference resuming this morning the storm had apparently all blown over, and the members settled down calmly to business. A deputation was received from the Methodist Church of Australasia, consisting of the Revs. Slade (president), C Laws, 8.A., J. Ward and Mr Caldwell. The deputation was welcomed by the- president. The Rev. Slade, in referring to the Methodist Union, pointed out that in his Church there was room for every variety of Christian effort. The Union had been successful in Australia. Mr Ward, president of the New South Wales Conference, stated that the Union was complete, and the fusion perfect. He stated that while the population of the dominion was 900,000, there is church accommodation for only 375,000, and only 225,000 in church attendance. Hence, he urged that the churches should present a united front. The Rev. W. Hay and the gentlemen already named, represented the Council of Churches, and Mr Hay pointed out that the Christian church is the one power that makes for good. The true genius of Christianity was to be in harmony with all that helps on the cause of God. Rev. C. E. Ward and the Hon. C. M. Luke replied on behalf of the conferer.ee. A deputation from the temperance organisations was received. Mr J. D. Adams urged that a practical effort should be made to accomplish the objects of the party. The Rev. J. Dawson, chairman of th<=s executive of the New Zealand Alliance, showed that much needed to be done. The convictions for drunkenness were appalling in number, those for 1904 being 9,615, for 1905 8,707, for 1906 9,210. The clubs are a serious peril to the sobriety of the community. The Working Men's Club, Wellingon, had a bar and other liquor receipts for the six months ending June, 1907, amounted to £5,600. Mr W. Dobbs showed that the laymen of the church were at one with the Ministers in this work. The afternoon session was taken up considering the reports o!; the executive.