WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 358, 7 March 1902, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph —Press Association.) Dunedin, last night. At the Wesleyan Conference an appli cation from the Rev. Orchard to become supernumerary minister was agreed to. Testimony was given of the applicant’s long and effective service, formerly in connection with the Bible Christian Church, and later with the United Methodist Church. Mr Orchard acknowledged the kind expressions, stating that since entering tho United Church ho had received every consideration, and was treated as an equal by those of the former Wesleyan Church. A similar application from the Rev. W. G. Thomas was granted, and appreciation expressed of his faithful services, extending over 34 years. A request from the Rev. Leonard Isitt to be continued a member without pastoral charge was agreed to. Tho Conference agreed to transfer Mr Morley to tho Victoria Conference. The Rev. Burton was released from foreign mission work. In representative session consideration of the church loan fund was resumed. The Committee was reappointed, with the addition of the minister at Lyttelton. An interesting interruption occurred in the Conference business when tho Rev. Gibbs (Moderator), Dr Dunlop, Revs. Willis, and Scorgie, and Mr Wiso waited upon the Conference as a deputation from the Presbyterian Church. Addresses were delivered suitable to the occasion. The Rev. Gibbs referred to tho subject of church unions, and mentioned the possibility of a union between the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, also his intention to move for the appointment of a committee at the next Presbyterian Assembly to confer with a committee of the Methodist Church with a view to finding common ground for union. The Rev. Garland replied on behalf of tho Comerence. A deputation of tho United Temperance Council also waited on the Conference, and addresses were delivered by Dr Delautour and Mr Adams acknowledging tho services rendered by tho Methodist Church to temperance reform. Mr Smith (Christchurch) replied. Later. —In representative session, on consideration of the Church loan fund being resumed, the committee were reappointed with the addition of tho minister of Lyttelton and also Rev. Flcsher. The committeo for the Home Mission Connexional Secretaryship was appointed. The Secretary moved that tho President and Secretary of the Conference be elected by the preceding conference. The Rev. Bull moved an amendment that the question be referred to a committee to report at ■ next conference. After discussion the amendment was carried. Tho reports of tliq custodian'of deeds, an authorised re-

presentative, was read and adopted. At the afternoon session the Rev. Mr Buttle moved that the Conference express satisfaction with the appointment of the Rev. Mr Dutton as chaplain of the Ninth Contingent, and commends his pastoral care as tho member of the Methodist Church attached to the above contingent. The motion was carried. The report of the Trustees of tho Dlainpin bequest was received and adopted. The balance in band was distributed to a suitable case. The report of the supernumerary fund was presented. Discussion followed on the subject of arrears of subscriptions, in committee of the whole Conference. Dr Morley reported the proceedings of the special committee appointed by the general Conference. Numerous questions wore asked, and information sought and given concerning the proposals of the committee. On resuming Dr Morley moved the adoption of the proposal of the special committee. The vote taken resulted : For, 74 ; against, 8. At the evening session, on the motion of tlie Rev. Lee, a committee was appointed to consider the establishment of a deaconess’s training home. The balancesheets for the following funds were read and adopted, viz., children’s and contingent. Discussion ensued on several items, and it was decided to appoint a committee, to collect information concerning ; the establishment of a fund for the payment of circuit removal expenses.