The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1893. THE PRIMITIVE CONFERENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2877, 20 January 1893, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1893. THE PRIMITIVE CONFERENCE

Ihe Conference of delegates from the Primitive Methodist churches throughout New Zealand, which has baen sitting for the last eight days, is the first event of the sort in the history of Ashburton, anil is worthy of sortie notice. It is the first occasion on which a body of about a hundred visitors has been assembled in Ashburton for more than a week, and we are glad to know that, though the weather has not been favorable t5 showing them many of the most interesting sights of the district, they will take away with them pleasant recollections of their visit and better impressions of Ashburton than those which previously prevailed amongst them. We are sorry that the delegates and thoir companions could not be taken to see the fruitful fields of Wakanui and Longbeach, fast ripening unto harvest, have had a day among the hills, and another by the seaside, or have seen West street in the grain season. They would then have seen still better than they have been able to do under the circumstances that there is more— very much more—in Ashburton and its vicinity than meets the eye o£ the casual visitor at a quiet time of year, who does not' extend his explorations beyond the centre of the town. The visit of so large a number of public men and their return to their homes with good reports of our tojwa and district constitute the best of advertisements, and we are glad that the Borough Council/ as representing the public of Ashburton, took official part in the welcome to tho visitors. Our residents have also had the benefit of much pleasant and valuable interchange of opinion and information with the visitors, with what important results who can tell. Those who have attended the sittings of the Conference have b©(jn impressed by the earnestness which characterised the deliberations on the many important questions at issue, and the unselfish spirit which was manifested even when personal interests were involved. We hope that the church of which the Conference is the representative and ruling body will increase and prosper. It also may not be in vain to hope that, now that the, ice has beeen broken by one visit, Ashburton may be selected as the place of meeting of the parliaments of other bodies. Ashbufton wishes its Primitive Methodist visitors a.safe return to their homes, and as ill be glad to entertain them again when the time j comes. !