The Committee has some satisfaction in expressing the conviction that the aims of the Committee are gradually impressing themselves upon the Connexion, and that there is a general awakening to the necessity of a higher standard of efficiency amongst the men who occupy the pulpits. Perhaps the process cannot be otherwise than slow, but that progress is being made is indisputable. Evidence of it comes both from Circuits and Districts.

Another increase in the number of fully accredited Local Preachers, after filling up all vacancies occurring during the year, is shown in the Statistical Returns of this Report. This year the total number is 19,804, an increase of 132 on the year. The number on trial, however, 1,656, shows a decrease of 136, while 149 have been accepted for the ministry of our Church at home and in the Colonies.

It is impossible for the Committee to speak too highly of the assistance rendered to Local Preachers by the Correspondence Classes conducted by a body of tutors-ministerial and lay-whose services are voluntary. Growing appreciation of these classes is evident throughout the Connexion. There is pleasure also in testifying to the increasing usefulness of Cliff College to Local Preachers, for besides the six Students maintained at the cost of the Committee, a large section consists of men whose sole aim is, by a brief residence in the College, to fit themselves more on returning to their Circuits for their work as preachers. Unabating interest in the cheap book list is evidenced by the fact that 950 separate orders have been received during the year, a large increase on the year.

From the Returns it will be observed that the total number of fully-accredited Local Preachers in the Connexion is the largest number ever reported, namely, 19,804. After filling vacancies occasioned by 98 being accepted for the English ministry and 51 for other Conferences, 230 who have ceased to be Local Preachers, and 317 who have died, the increase for the year in the total number of Local Preachers is 132. It is satisfactory to notice that 862 came on to the full plan during the year, and that there are still 1,656 on trial.

Fewer candidates entered for the last Connexional Examination the twelfth in succession-held on Monday, March 2, 1908, than last year. Altogether there were 88 entries. 18 obtained honours, 29 were placed in the First Division, and 30 in the Second, there being 11 failures. The text-books

were Laidlaw's Foundation Truths and Paterson's Apostles' Teaching. The report by the Examiners (Mr. H. Arthur Smith, M.A., and the Rev. John T. Waddy, B.A.), is not without praise for the answers given, some of which are spoken of as of a high order. The following is the honours

For the future the Committee have determined to constitute Sermon Making a part of the Examination, which will take effect next March. For date of next Examination, text-books, and Examiners, see page 90.

Great appreciation continues to be shown for the Correspondence Classes of the Union for Biblical and Homiletic Study, conducted under the direction of this Committee. The tutors give their services gratuitously. Books selected from the Committee's recommended list have been purchased to the gross value of £850, and there have been 950 separate orders. Much, however, in the way of assistance in the Committee's work is still left to be desired from the Districts, but there is evidence of improvement.

Statistics showing the Usefulness of the Correspondence Classes for the year ending March 31, 1908.

Number of Individual Students (and Subscriptions paid during

the Session)

...

Number of Entries into Classes

Since the foundation of the Classes sixteen years ago, the total number of Individual Students who have joined amounts to

860

1,588

7,836

A book list is issued by the Committee, containing books suitable for the reading and study of Local Preachers, which can be had under the Committee's concession as to price.

This concession is intended only for Local Preachers fully accredited or on trial who need the assistance, and extends to examination books, and books used in the Correspondence Classes, which may not be in the book lists.

Descriptive notes on the books in the list have been prepared with great care, and will be very serviceable in helping and guiding the brethren in their selection of books.

APPENDIX XII.

THE WESLEY GUILD.

Channel Islands

Devonport and Plymouth

APPENDIX XIII.

THE WESLEY DEACONESS INSTITUTE.

Abstract of Report.

THE Wesley Deaconess Order comprises at present 108 Deaconesses and 64 Probationers and Students, who are stationed as follows:

On Circuits and Missions in Great Britain, 119; on Foreign Appointments, 18; Deaconess Evangelists, 2; Convalescent and Children's Home at Doddington, 2; Resting, 8; College Staff, 3, together with 3 training in hospitals and 17 Students training at the Ilkley College-making a total of 172.

Since September 1, four Students have been sent into the work. One Deaconess and one Probationer have resigned.

Deaconess' work has established itself securely in our large missions and in a considerable number of our most progressive circuits; but our work appears to be still unknown in many parts of England in which it might be of the greatest use to our Church.

The work of the College at Ilkley has progressed very satisfactorily during the year. Sister Emily Orr, B.A., proves herself a very efficient teacher. Her subjects comprise Biblical Introduction, English Literature, History, Study of the English Language, Physiology and Hygiene, Church History. We are indebted to the Rev. Dr. Maggs, of Leeds, for a most helpful course of lectures in Theology, and to T. Browne Hearder, Esq., M.B.C.M., of Ilkley, for his invaluable help in training the Students in Physiology and Nursing. C. J. Fearnside Atkinson, Esq., LL.B., of Leeds, has kindly consented to give us some very useful lectures on Local Government. Miss Lilian Hovey, of Sheffield, is training the Students in Elocution and Voice Production; and W. H. Ibberson, Esq., Mus. Bac., of Ilkley, in Singing. The Warden's department has been Biblical Exposition, Methodist Polity, and Elementary Psychology for Teachers.

The Students have worked well, and there is every reason to be gratified at the progress they have made. The health of the College has been good, and the morale excellent.

Wednesdays are devoted from 1 to 10.30 to Visitation Work in Bradford, Leeds, and the neighbouring towns. The Students