A n Act to confirm t h e U n i o n in N e w South
W a l e s of t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h in
N e w South W a l e s , t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h in N e w South W a l e s , and t h e U n i t e d
M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h e s in N e w South W a l e s
u n d e r t h e n a m e of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of
Australasia ; to deal w i t h t h e real and per­
sonal p r o p e r t y in N e w South W a l e s of t h e
said u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s ; to g i v e certain p o w e r s
to t h e N e w South Wales Conference of t h e
said t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a ;
to a m e n d t h e W e s e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
P r o p e r t y T r u s t Act, 1889, t h e P r i m i t i v e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h T e m p o r a l i t i e s Act, 1879,
and t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y
Act, 1897 ; and for o t h e r p u r p o s e s c o n n e c t e d
w i t h or incidental to t h e above objects. [28th
October, 1902.]
W
H E R E A S t h e G e n e r a l Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , h e l d a t Adelaide, i n t h e t h e n P r o v i n c e of
South Australia, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninetyfour, e m p o w e r e d a n d a u t h o r i s e d each A n n u a l Conference of t h e said
C h u r c h t o c a r r y i n t o effect w i t h i n its o w n h o u n d s u n i o n w i t h a n y '
or all of t h e o t h e r M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h e s w i t h i n its b o u n d s , on t h e
c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis defined b y t h e said G e n e r a l Conference, a n d set
f o r t h in t h e p r i n t e d m i n u t e s of s u c h G e n e r a l C o n f e r e n c e of t h e y e a r
one t h o u s a n d e i g h t h u n d r e d a n d n i n e t y - f o u r , h u t s u b j e c t t o a
provision t h a t u n t i l M e t h o d i s t U n i o n h a d become general t h r o u g h o u t
A u s t r a l a s i a t h e n a m e of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s should, w h e n u n i t e d , be
"The Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church," and that thereafter
t h e u n i t e d c h u r c h should be d e n o m i n a t e d " T h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of
A u s t r a l a s i a " : A n d w h e r e a s w i t h t h e consent of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s
Conference (being a n A n n u a l Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , e m b r a c i n g w i t h i n its j u r i s d i c t i o n t h e S t a t e of N e w
S o u t h W a l e s , a n d w h i c h said A n n u a l Conference is d u l y c o n s t i t u t e d
b y , a n d forms a n i n t e g r a l p a r t of, t h e said G e n e r a l Conference) a n
agremeent
a g r e e m e n t was d u l y m a d e b e t w e e n t h e following c h u r c h e s , d e n o m i ­
n a t i o n s , or religious c o m m u n i t i e s in N e w S o u t h W a l e s , t h a t is t o say,
t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s (being t h a t p a r t
of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h w h i c h is in N e w
S o u t h W a l e s ) , t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h in N e w S o u t h W a l e s ,
a n d t h e U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h e s in N e w S o u t h W a l e s ,
h e r e i n a f t e r called t h e " u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , " t o e n t e r i n t o a n o r g a n i c
u n i o n as o n e c h u r c h u n d e r t h e n a m e of t h e " A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h " as a n d from t h e first d a y of J a n u a r y , one
t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o , on t h e said c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis, a n d
i n t e r m s of a p l a n of u n i o n agreed to b y t h e respective A n n u a l
Conferences or Assemblies c o n s t i t u t i n g t h e g o v e r n i n g bodies of t h e
u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , w h i c h said p l a n of u n i o n is fully set f o r t h i n t h e
p r i n t e d m i n u t e s of t h e New S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n
W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , held a t S y d n e y , i n t h e S t a t e of N e w
S o u t h W a l e s , i n t h e y e a r one t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d one, it b e i n g
a g r e e d t h a t w h e n M e t h o d i s t U n i o n h a d b e c o m e general t h r o u g h o u t
A u s t r a l a s i a t h e u n i t e d c h u r c h should b e d e n o m i n a t e d " T h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a " : A n d w h e r e a s M e t h o d i s t U n i o n b e c a m e
g e n e r a l t h r o u g h o u t A u s t r a l a s i a on t h e first d a y of J a n u a r y , one
t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o : A n d w h e r e a s p u r s u a n t to s u c h
a g r e e m e n t t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s did, on t h e first day of J a n u a r y , o n e
t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o , e n t e r i n t o a n o r g a n i c u n i o n as one
c h u r c h u n d e r t h e n a m e of " T h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a "
on t h e said c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis, a n d i n t e r m s of t h e said p l a n of u n i o n :
A n d w h e r e a s t h e c h u r c h n a m e d i n t h e said c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis is
t h r o u g h o u t s u c h basis called " T h e A u s t r a l a s i a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , "
a n d t h e m i s s i o n a r y society n a m e d t h e r e i n is called " T h e A u s t r a l a s i a n
M e t h o d i s t Missionary Society." :
And whereas the New South
W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of Australasia, held a t
S y d n e y i n t h e m o n t h s of F e b r u a r y a n d M a r c h , one t h o u s a n d n i n e
h u n d r e d a n d t w o , a n d w h i c h Conference included m i n i s t e r i a l
a n d l a y r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of all t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , m a d e a n d
passed c e r t a i n a p p o i n t m e n t s , resolutions, a n d orders : A n d w h e r e a s
t h e G e n e r a l Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h e m p o w e r e d e a c h A n n u a l Conference of t h e said c h u r c h to
o b t a i n s u c h legal e n a c t m e n t s as m i g h t be necessary t o give effect
to s u c h u n i o n , a n d also t o frame for itself r e g u l a t i o n s dealing w i t h
t h e t e r m d u r i n g w h i c h a m i n i s t e r m a y b e a p p o i n t e d to t h e s a m e
circuit, c h u r c h , or c h a p e l s u b j e c t to c e r t a i n conditions fixed b y s u c h
G e n e r a l Conference, and w i t h o t h e r m a t t e r s : A n d w h e r e a s g r a n t s h a v e
from t i m e to t i m e b e e n m a d e b y t h e C r o w n t o t r u s t e e s of c e r t a i n l a n d s
i n t h e S t a t e of N e w S o u t h W a l e s for t h e erection t h e r e o n respectively of
c h u r c h e s , chapels, schoolhouses, m i n i s t e r s ' residences or for o t h e r p u r ­
poses for or i n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s severally, or some
of
of t h e m : A n d w h e r e a s b y reason of t h e said u n i o n of t h e u n i t i n g
c h u r c h e s , a n d for o t h e r reasons, some of s u c h l a n d s are u n s u i t a b l e for
t h e p u r p o s e s for w h i c h t h e y were respectively granted, a n d i n respect
of o t h e r of such lands it is or m a y be u n d e s i r a b l e to carry o u t t h e
specific t r u s t s u p o n which t h e y w e r e g r a n t e d , a n d it is e x p e d i e n t t h a t
s u c h l a n d s should be h e l d u p o n t h e t r u s t s a n d w i t h t h e powers,
a u t h o r i t i e s , a n d discretions a n d s u b j e c t to t h e provisions of t h e m o d e l
deed referred to in section three hereof : A n d w h e r e a s it is necessary
a n d desirable to o b t a i n legislative a u t h o r i t y to confirm t h e u n i o n of t h e
said u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s a n d t o declare t h e t r u s t s u p o n w h i c h all real a n d
personal p r o p e r t y i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s now or hereafter held i n t r u s t for
or in a n y w i s e b e l o n g i n g to t h e said u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , n a m e l y , t h e W e s ­
leyan Methodist Church in New South Wales, the Primitive Methodist
C h u r c h i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s , a n d t h e U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t Free C h u r c h e s
i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s , or a n y of t h e m , shall h e n c e f o r t h be held,
a n d also to give to t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a p o w e r t o m a k e a p p o i n t m e n t s of
m i n i s t e r s or p r e a c h e r s on t r i a l to t h e same circuit, c h u r c h or c h u r c h e s ,
c h a p e l or chapels, or premises y e a r b y y e a r successively for five years
or for s u c h g r e a t e r or lesser n u m b e r of y e a r s as m a y from t i m e to
t i m e be a u t h o r i s e d b y t h e G e n e r a l Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a , a n d to a m e n d t h e provisions of t h e said m o d e l
deed, a n d o t h e r p o w e r s : A n d w h e r e a s it is also necessary to a m e n d
t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y T r u s t A c t , ' 1889, t h e
P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h T e m p o r a l i t i e s A c t , 1879, a n d t h e P r i m i t i v e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y A c t , 1897, a n d to provide for o t h e r
m a t t e r s a p p e r t a i n i n g to t h e said u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s or one or m o r e of
t h e m : B e it therefore e n a c t e d b y t h e K i n g ' s M o s t E x c e l l e n t Majesty,
b y a n d w i t h t h e advice a n d c o n s e n t of t h e L e g i s l a t i v e C o u n c i l a n d
Legislative A s s e m b l y of N e w S o u t h W a l e s i n P a r l i a m e n t assembled,
a n d b y t h e a u t h o r i t y of t h e s a m e , as follows :—
1. This A c t m a y be cited as t h e " M e t h o d i s t U n i o n A c t , 1 9 0 2 . "
2. E x c e p t so far as is inconsistent h e r e w i t h t h i s A c t shall be
i n c o r p o r a t e d a n d read w i t h t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y
T r u s t A c t , 1889, a n d t h e said l a s t - m e n t i o n e d A c t . a n d this A c t m a y be
cited as t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y A c t s , 1889-1902.
3. I n this A c t , u n l e s s t h e c o n t e x t or s u b j e c t - m a t t e r otherwise
indicates or r e q u i r e s , —
" C o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis " m e a n s t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis defined b y
t h e G e n e r a l Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , held a t Adelaide, in t h e t h e n P r o v i n c e of
S o u t h A u s t r a l i a , i n t h e y e a r one t h o u s a n d e i g h t h u n d r e d a n d
ninety-four, as set forth i n t h e p r i n t e d m i n u t e s of s u c h
Conference.
" Model
" M o d e l deed " m e a n s t h e " W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t M o d e l D e e d of
N e w S o u t h W a l e s , 1 8 8 8 , " . referred t o in t h e P r i n c i p a l A c t ,
a n d a n y d u l y a u t h o r i s e d a l t e r a t i o n or modification thereof.
" P l a n of u n i o n " m e a n s t h e p l a n of u n i o n agreed to b y t h e
respective A n n u a l Conferences or Assemblies c o n s t i t u t i n g
t h e g o v e r n i n g bodies of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s as set forth i n
t h e p r i n t e d m i n u t e s of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of
t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , held a t S y d n e y ,
in t h e S t a t e of N e w S o u t h W a l e s , i n t h e y e a r o n e t h o u s a n d
nine hundred and one.
" P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t s " m e a n s t h e m e m b e r s of t h e religious
c o m m u n i t y commonly known by t h a t name, and includes
t h e people i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s c o n n e c t e d i n religious
fellowship a n d c h u r c h g o v e r n m e n t , a n d called b y t h a t n a m e ,
a n d , a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , f o r m i n g p a r t of
t h e c o n n e c t i o n established i n G r e a t B r i t a i n , a n d k n o w n as
the Primitive Methodist Connection.
" Primitive Methodist C h u r c h , " means t h e church, connection,
society, religious d e n o m i n a t i o n , or c o m m u n i t y of t h e P r i m i t i v e
M e t h o d i s t s in N e w S o u t h W a l e s .
"Principal A c t " means the Wesleyan Methodist Church Property
T r u s t A c t , 1889.
" Uniting Churches " means the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the
Primitive Methodist Church, and the United Methodist
Free Churches.
" U n i t e d F r e e M e t h o d i s t s " m e a n s t h e m e m b e r s of t h e c o m m u n i t y
c o m m o n l y k n o w n b y t h a t n a m e , a n d includes t h e people i n
N e w S o u t h W a l e s c o n n e c t e d i n religious fellowship, a n d
called b y t h a t n a m e , a n d , a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s
A c t , f o r m i n g p a r t of t h e c o n n e c t i o n or religious c o m m u n i t y
established i n G r e a t B r i t a i n u n d e r t h e n a m e of t h e U n i t e d
M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h e s , u p o n t h e u n i o n or a m a l g a m a t i o n
of t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t Association w i t h t h e W e s l e y a n
Methodist Reformers.
" United Methodist Free C h u r c h e s "
means the churches
societies, c o n n e c t i o n , religious d e n o m i n a t i o n or c o m m u n i t y
of t h e U n i t e d F r e e M e t h o d i s t s i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s .
" Wesleyan Methodist Church " means the Australasian Wesleyan
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h in N e w S o u t h W a l e s .
4 . T h e U n i o n of t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , a n d t h e
Primitive Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Free Churches,
o n t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis a n d p l a n of u n i o n , on t h e first d a y of
J a n u a r y , one t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o , is h e r e b y confirmed.
5 . (1) T h e c h u r c h formed b y s u c h union shall be d e n o m i n a t e d
" T h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a . "
(2)
(2) T h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis shall be read a n d c o n s t r u e d as if
t h e w o r d s " T h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a " w e r e inserted in
p l a c e of t h e w o r d s " T h e A u s t r a l a s i a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h " w h e r e v e r
s u c h w o r d s o c c u r ; a n d a s if t h e w o r d s " T h e M e t h o d i s t M i s s i o n a r y
Society of A u s t r a l a s i a " were inserted i n place of t h e words " T h e
A u s t r a l a s i a n M e t h o d i s t Missionary S o c i e t y " w h e r e v e r s u c h w o r d s
occur.
(3) T h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a shall for all
purposes be deemed to be t h e Wesleyan Methodist Church within t h e
m e a n i n g of t h e P r i n c i p a l A c t , a n d t h e A n n u a l Conference of t h e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a i n New S o u t h W a l e s shall b e d e e m e d
t o b e t h e New S o u t h W a l e s a n d Q u e e n s l a n d Conference w i t h i n t h e
m e a n i n g of t h e said A c t .
(4) T h e m o d e l deed shall, after t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , b e
k n o w n , referred t o , a n d cited as " T h e M e t h o d i s t M o d e l D e e d of New
South Wales."
(5) T h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h R e g i s t e r of T r u s t e e s
for New S o u t h W a l e s , referred t o i n section six of t h e P r i n c i p a l A c t ,
shall, after t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , b e called a n d i n s c r i b e d a s " T h e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h R e g i s t e r of T r u s t e e s f o r New S o u t h W a l e s . "
6. T h e New S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
of A u s t r a l a s i a , held i n S y d n e y i n t h e m o n t h s of P e b r u a r y a n d M a r c h ,
one t h o u s a n d n i n e h u n d r e d a n d t w o , a n d a l l elections, a p p o i n t m e n t s ,
resolutions, a n d orders, held, m a d e , a n d passed b y s u c h conference, a r e
h e r e b y confirmed a n d declared t o b e valid for all p u r p o s e s .
7 . A l l lands, t e n e m e n t s , a n d h e r e d i t a m e n t s of w h a t s o e v e r
t e n u r e , i n c l u d i n g c h a t t e l s real, s i t u a t e i n New S o u t h W a l e s , t o g e t h e r
w i t h all r i g h t s , e a s e m e n t s , a n d a p p u r t e n a n c e s r e l a t i n g t h e r e t o , w h i c h ,
a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , a r e held u p o n t h e t r u s t s of t h e
m o d e l d e e d o r of a n y deed t h e r e i n referred t o , or are otherwise held
o n behalf of or i n t r u s t for t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h s h a l l
from a n d after t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t be h e l d for t h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a u p o n t h e t r u s t s , a n d w i t h t h e p o w e r s , a u t h o r i t i e s
a n d discretions, a n d s u b j e c t t o t h e t e r m s , provisions, a n d c o n d i t i o n s
of t h e m o d e l d e e d , b u t s u b j e c t a n d w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e t o a n y
r e s e r v a t i o n , m o r t g a g e , c h a r g e , e n c u m b r a n c e , lien, or lease affecting
t h e s a m e respectively, a n d subject a n d w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e t o a n y
r e s u l t i n g t r u s t o r a n y t r u s t of a n y s u c h l a n d s , t e n e m e n t s , a n d
h e r e d i t a m e n t s , i n favour of t h e donor o r a n y p e r s o n o r corporation
o t h e r t h a n t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , a n d u p o n a n d s u b j e c t to
n o o t h e r t r u s t s o r provisions w h a t s o e v e r .
8 . A l l l a n d s , t e n e m e n t s , a n d h e r e d i t a m e n t s of whatsoever
t e n u r e , i n c l u d i n g c h a t t e l s real, s i t u a t e i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s , t o g e t h e r
with all rights, easements, and appurtenances relating thereto, which,
a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , a r e held u p o n t h e t r u s t s of, a n d
with
w i t h t h e powers conferred by, a n d subject to t h e provisions of t h e
P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h T e m p o r a l i t i e s A c t , 1879, a n d t h e P r i m i t i v e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h P r o p e r t y A c t of 1897, or u p o n a n y o t h e r t r u s t s for
t h e c h u r c h or people or religious c o m m u n i t y or d e n o m i n a t i o n called or
k n o w n as t h e " P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , " or t h e " P r i m i t i v e
M e t h o d i s t s " or t h e " P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C o n n e c t i o n , " or u p o n t r u s t
for a n y P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t Society, a n d also all lands, t e n e m e n t s ,
a n d h e r e d i t a m e n t s of w h a t s o e v e r t e n u r e , i n c l u d i n g c h a t t e l s real, s i t u a t e
i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s , t o g e t h e r w i t h all r i g h t s , e a s e m e n t s , a n d
a p p u r t e n a n c e s r e l a t i n g t h e r e t o , w h i c h , a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of
t h i s A c t , are held u p o n t r u s t for t h e c h u r c h or people or religious
c o m m u n i t y or d e n o m i n a t i o n called or k n o w n as t h e " U n i t e d F r e e
M e t h o d i s t s " or t h e " U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h e s , " or u p o n t r u s t
for a n y U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h Society, shall, from a n d after
t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , b e held for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a
u p o n t h e t r u s t s , a n d w i t h t h e powers, a u t h o r i t i e s a n d discretions, a n d
subject t o t h e t e r m s , provisions a n d conditions of t h e m o d e l deed, b u t
subject a n d w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e to a n y r e s e r v a t i o n , m o r t g a g e , c h a r g e ,
e n c u m b r a n c e , lien or lease affecting t h e s a m e respectively, a n d subject
a n d w i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e to a n y r e s u l t i n g t r u s t or a n y t r u s t of a n y s u c h
l a n d s , t e n e m e n t s , a n d h e r e d i t a m e n t s i n favour of t h e d o n o r or a n y
person or c o r p o r a t i o n o t h e r t h a n t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h or
U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t F r e e C h u r c h e s , or e i t h e r of t h e m , a n d u p o n a n d
subject to n o o t h e r t r u s t s or provisions whatsoever.
9 . A l l personal p r o p e r t y , a n d all lands, t e n e m e n t s , a n d
h e r e d i t a m e n t s of w h a t s o e v e r t e n u r e , i n c l u d i n g c h a t t e l s real, s i t u a t e
i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s , t o g e t h e r w i t h all r i g h t s , easements, a n d
a p p u r t e n a n c e s r e l a t i n g t h e r e t o , w h i c h , a t t h e t i m e of t h e passing of t h i s
A c t , a r e h e l d u p o n t r u s t for t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h for
college p u r p o s e s or collegiate school p u r p o s e s or for t h e purposes of a
theological i n s t i t u t i o n shall, f r o m a n d after t h e passing of t h i s A c t , b e
h e l d u p o n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a , a n d u n d e r
t h e direction a n d control of t h e New S o u t h W a l e s Conference thereof,
b u t otherwise subject to t h e t r u s t s w h i c h prior to t h e passing of t h i s
A c t h a d b e e n declared a n d existed c o n c e r n i n g t h e same.
1 0 . A l l l a n d s heretofore g r a n t e d or dedicated b y t h e C r o w n u p o n
t r u s t for t h e erection t h e r e o n r e s p e c t i v e l y of c h u r c h e s , chapels, school
h o u s e s or m i n i s t e r s ' residences, or for o t h e r p u r p o s e s for or in c o n n e c t i o n
w i t h t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , and w h i c h a r e now h e l d
u p o n t h e said t r u s t s , shall, from a n d after t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , b e
d e e m e d to h a v e been g r a n t e d , a n d shall be held for t h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a , u p o n t h e t r u s t s , a n d w i t h t h e powers, a u t h o r i t i e s ,
a n d discretions, a n d s u b j e c t t o t h e t e r m s , provisions, a n d conditions of
t h e m o d e l deed, a n d u p o n a n d s u b j e c t to no o t h e r t r u s t s or provisions
whatsoever.
11.
1 1 . (1) A l l l a n d s heretofore g r a n t e d , reserved, dedicated, or n o w
h e l d u p o n t r u s t , as cemeteries or b u r i a l g r o u n d s for t h e b u r i a l of t h e dead
of t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , or
t h e U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t Free C h u r c h e s shall, from a n d after t h e passing
of t h i s A c t , b e deemed t o h a v e been g r a n t e d , reserved or dedicated, a n d
shall b e h e l d i n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a for t h e
b u r i a l t h e r e i n of t h e dead of s u c h l a s t - m e n t i o n e d c h u r c h , subject,
nevertheless, i n all o t h e r respects to t h e t r u s t s , a n d w i t h t h e powers
declared a n d e x i s t i n g c o n c e r n i n g t h e s a m e .
(2) T h e Governor m a y , i n respect of a n y s u c h l a n d s as t o
w h i c h h e h a s n o w n o power of a p p o i n t m e n t of t r u s t e e s , a n d n o t w i t h ­
s t a n d i n g a n d in place of a n y o t h e r p o w e r of a p p o i n t m e n t of t r u s t e e s of
s u c h l a n d s , u p o n t h e r e q u e s t in w r i t i n g of t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e N e w S o u t h
W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a , from t i m e
t o t i m e , b y notification in t h e G a z e t t e , a p p o i n t t r u s t e e s of s u c h lands.
(3) T h e G o v e r n o r m a y m a k e rules a n d r e g u l a t i o n s for t h e
m a n a g e m e n t a n d control of a n y s u c h lands, a n d m a y impose a p e n a l t y n o t
e x c e e d i n g t w e n t y p o u n d s for t h e b r e a c h of a n y s u c h r u l e or r e g u l a t i o n .
(4) S u c h rules a n d r e g u l a t i o n s shall u p o n notification in
t h e G a z e t t e h a v e t h e force of law.
(5) A l l p e n a l t i e s imposed b y a n y s u c h r u l e or r e g u l a t i o n m a y
b e recovered in t h e s a m e m a n n e r as if t h e y h a d been imposed by t h i s A c t .
1 2 . W h e n e v e r b y a n y will, deed, or o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t a n y
p r o p e r t y real or p e r s o n a l has been or shall b e devised, b e q u e a t h e d ,
g i v e n , g r a n t e d , released, conveyed, or appointed, or has been, or shall
be declared or directed to be held u p o n t r u s t , to or for t h e benefit of t h e
W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h or t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h or t h e
U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t Free C h u r c h e s , or i n t e n d e d so t o be, or to or for t h e
benefit of a n y c h u r c h , chapel, school, fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or
a u x i l i a r y i n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h a n y of t h e said c h u r c h e s , or i n t e n d e d so
t o be, or shall b e or b e c o m e receivable b y or p a y a b l e to a n y s u c h
c h u r c h , fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or auxiliary, or receivable b y or
p a y a b l e t o a n y officer thereof, a n d w h e n e v e r by a n y will, deed, or o t h e r
i n s t r u m e n t a n y power, a u t h o r i t y , discretion, or power t o consent, is
given to or becomes exercisable b y or is r e q u i r e d from t h e W e s l e y a n
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , t h e P r i m i t i v e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , or t h e U n i t e d
M e t h o d i s t Free C h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , or of a n y Conference,
A s s e m b l y , district c o m m i t t e e , district m e e t i n g , or district synod of
a n y of t h e said c h u r c h e s , or of t h e president, c h a i r m a n , secretary,
or o t h e r officer thereof respectively, or of a n y m i n i s t e r thereof i n
h i s official capacity, every s u c h will, deed or o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t , a n d
every devise, bequest, legacy, t e s t a m e n t a r y disposition, gift, g r a n t ,
c o n v e y a n c e , transfer, a s s i g n m e n t , a p p o i n t m e n t , declaration of t r u s t ,
power, a u t h o r i t y , discretion, a n d consent t h e r e i n contained or referred
to, or i n t e n d e d so to be, shall be read a n d construed a n d operate
a n d t a k e effect as if t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a h a d been
c
named
n a m e d a n d referred t o t h e r e i n i n place of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h n a m e d
or referred to, or i n t e n d e d so t o he, a n d as if t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s
Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a h a d b e e n n a m e d
a n d referred t o t h e r e i n i n place of t h e Conference or A s s e m b l y of
t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h n a m e d or referred to, or i n t e n d e d so to be, a n d
as if t h e district m e e t i n g or district synod or corresponding c h u r c h ,
court, or c o m m i t t e e of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a h a d b e e n
n a m e d a n d referred to t h e r e i n i n place of t h e district c o m m i t t e e ,
district m e e t i n g , or district synod n a m e d or referred to, or i n t e n d e d
so t o be, a n d as if t h e p r e s i d e n t or secretary of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s
Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a h a d b e e n n a m e d
a n d referred t o in place of t h e p r e s i d e n t or s e c r e t a r y n a m e d or referred
t o , or i n t e n d e d so to be, a n d as if t h e c h a i r m a n , m i n i s t e r , officer, c h u r c h ,
chapel, school, fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y of t h e u n i t i n g
c h u r c h n a m e d or referred to, or i n t e n d e d so to be, h a d been n a m e d a n d
referred t o as a c h a i r m a n , m i n i s t e r , officer, c h u r c h , c h a p e l , school,
fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of
A u s t r a l a s i a , a n d t h e s i g n a t u r e of t h e president for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e
N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a
signifying t h e exercise of s u c h power, a u t h o r i t y , or discretion, Or t h e
g i v i n g of s u c h c o n s e n t shall b e evidence of t h e exercise of s u c h power,
a u t h o r i t y , or discretion, a n d of t h e g i v i n g of s u c h consent respectively,
a n d t h e receipt of t h e said president, or of a n y person or persons d u l y
a p p o i n t e d by h i m from t i m e to t i m e i n t h a t behalf, for a n y s u c h b e q u e s t
or gift s h a l l be a sufficient discharge t o t h e person or persons liable to
p a y , deliver, or t r a n s f e r a n y m o n e y or p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y u n d e r s u c h
will, deed or o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t , a n d all p r o p e r t y , r e a l or personal, so
devised, b e q u e a t h e d , given, g r a n t e d , released, conveyed, or a p p o i n t e d ,
or declared or directed to be h e l d u p o n t r u s t shall, subject to t h e
provisions of this Act, a n d t o t h e t r u s t s of s u c h will, deed or o t h e r
i n s t r u m e n t , a n d s u b j e c t to a n y directions t o t h e c o n t r a r y t h e r e i n
contained so far as t h e s a m e are capable of t a k i n g effect, be u n d e r t h e
direction a n d c o n t r o l of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a .
1 3 . A l l personal p r o p e r t y w h i c h a t t h e t i m e of t h e p a s s i n g of
t h i s A c t is h e l d i n t r u s t for t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , or
for a n y fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y thereof, shall from a n d
after t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t b e h e l d u p o n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a or for t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g fund, i n s t i t u t i o n ,
society, or a u x i l i a r y thereof, as t h e case m a y be :
P r o v i d e d t h a t if b y reason of t h e u n i o n of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s
t h e p a r t i c u l a r t r u s t u p o n w h i c h a n y personal p r o p e r t y is held fails,
s u c h personal p r o p e r t y shall b e h e l d u p o n s u c h t r u s t s a n d for such
p u r p o s e s as shall from t i m e t o t i m e b e declared or directed b y t h e N e w
S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a .
14.
1 4 . (1) All personal p r o p e r t y situate i n N e w S o u t h W a l e s to
w h i c h t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , or a n y fund, i n s t i t u t i o n ,
society, or a u x i l i a r y of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , is entitled,
a n d all p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y to w h i c h t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a ,
t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of s u c h c h u r c h , or a n y fund,
i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y of s u c h c h u r c h , is or m a y hereafter
from t i m e to t i m e become entitled, o t h e r t h a n personal p r o p e r t y w h i c h
is or m a y hereafter be vested in t r u s t e e s u p o n t r u s t for a n y s u c h
c h u r c h , conference, fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y , is h e r e b y
vested or shall vest, as t h e case m a y be, i n t h e p r e s i d e n t for t h e t i m e
b e i n g of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
of A u s t r a l a s i a a n d his successors in office, a n d shall be held by h i m or
by his said successors i n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a ,
u p o n s u c h t r u s t s a n d for such purposes as shall from t i m e to t i m e b e
declared or directed b y t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e said
church.
(2) (a) W h e n e v e r b y a n y will, deed, or o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t ,
or b y a n y gift or o t h e r disposition of p r o p e r t y m a d e before b u t n o t
t a k i n g effect u n t i l after t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , or b y a n y will, deed,
or o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t , or by a n y gift or o t h e r disposition of p r o p e r t y
m a d e after t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , a n y real or personal p r o p e r t y h a s
b e e n or is devised, b e q u e a t h e d , or given to or for t h e benefit of t h e
u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , or a n y of t h e m , generally, or to or for t h e benefit of
t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a in N e w S o u t h W a l e s g e n e r a l l y ,
or to or for t h e benefit of a n y fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or a u x i l i a r y of
a n y such c h u r c h or c h u r c h e s g e n e r a l l y (other t h a n real or personal
p r o p e r t y devised, b e q u e a t h e d , or given to t r u s t e e s u p o n t r u s t for a n y
such c h u r c h or c h u r c h e s , or for a n y s u c h fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society, or
a u x i l i a r y ) , s u c h r e a l a n d personal p r o p e r t y shall vest in t h e president
for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s C o n f e r e n c e of t h e
M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a a n d his successors in office.
(b) T h e said p r e s i d e n t a n d his said successors shall
h o l d s u c h real a n d personal p r o p e r t y u p o n t h e t r u s t s , if a n y , d e c l a r e d
i n r e s p e c t thereof, and, if n o s u c h t r u s t s h a v e been declared, shall hold
a n d deal w i t h such real a n d personal p r o p e r t y a n d t h e proceeds thereof
i n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a for s u c h p u r p o s e s a n d
i n s u c h m a n n e r as t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e said c h u r c h
from t i m e t o t i m e directs, a n d shall, if so directed by t h e said Conference,
convey, t r a n s f e r , or deliver a n y s u c h real or personal p r o p e r t y t o s u c h
persons, a n d u p o n s u c h t r u s t s , as t h e said Conference d i r e c t s ; a n d t h e
said p r e s i d e n t a n d his said successors, a n d a n y persons to w h o m a n y
s u c h real or personal p r o p e r t y is so conveyed, transferred, or delivered,
m a y , subject to a n d i n conformity w i t h a n y s u c h direction, sell, lease,
m o r t g a g e , or otherwise deal with a n y s u c h real or personal p r o p e r t y .
15.
1 5 . N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a n y t h i n g c o n t a i n e d h e r e i n or i n t h e
P r i n c i p a l A c t or i n t h e m o d e l deed or t h e deed poll referred to t h e r e i n ,
h u t s u b j e c t t o t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l basis a n d p l a n of u n i o n , t h e N e w
S o u t h W a l e s C o n f e r e n c e of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a m a y
from t i m e t o t i m e , —
(1) A p p o i n t a n y minister, b e i n g a m e m b e r of s u c h conference, or
a n y p r e a c h e r o n trial, to t h e s a m e circuit, c h u r c h or c h u r c h e s ,
c h a p e l or chapels, or premises, y e a r b y y e a r successively for a
period n o t e x c e e d i n g i n t h e whole five years or for s u c h l o n g e r
or s h o r t e r period as m a y from t i m e to t i m e be a u t h o r i s e d
b y t h e G e n e r a l Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of
A u s t r a l a s i a : P r o v i d e d t h a t a n y s u c h yearly a p p o i n t m e n t
for m o r e t h a n t h r e e successive y e a r s shall b e m a d e only i n
accordance w i t h s u c h conditions as s u c h G e n e r a l Conference
h a s d e t e r m i n e d or m a y h e r e a f t e r from t i m e to t i m e d e t e r m i n e .
(2) W i t h t h e a p p r o v a l of s u c h G e n e r a l Conference, m a k e s u c h
rules a n d r e g u l a t i o n s for t h e a p p o i n t m e n t of its m i n i s t e r s a n d
p r e a c h e r s o n t r i a l a n d t h e election of its officers as i t t h i n k s
fit, a n d from t i m e t o t i m e repeal, alter, or v a r y s u c h rules a n d
regulations.
(3) W i t h t h e a p p r o v a l of s u c h G e n e r a l Conference, b u t subject
t o t h e r e s t r i c t i o n as t o doctrines c o n t a i n e d in t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n a l
basis, m a k e a n y o t h e r a l t e r a t i o n s or modifications of t h e
provisions of t h e m o d e l deed or a n y S c h e d u l e t h e r e t o :
P r o v i d e d t h a t w h e n e v e r t h e m o d e l deed is a l t e r e d or modified
b y t h e said N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference, a copy thereof s h o w i n g s u c h
a l t e r a t i o n s or modifications, a n d certified by a n d u n d e r t h e h a n d of t h e
p r e s i d e n t for t h e t i m e b e i n g of s u c h Conference, shall f o r t h w i t h , after
s u c h a l t e r a t i o n or modification, b e deposited i n t h e office of t h e
R e g i s t r a r - G e n e r a l of N e w S o u t h W a l e s .
1 6 . N o t h i n g i n this A c t shall limit, restrict, t a k e away, or a l t e r a n y
r i g h t s or powers w h i c h a n y t r u s t e e of r e a l or personal p r o p e r t y b y t h i s
A c t directed to b e h e l d i n t r u s t for t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a
or a n y fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society or a u x i l i a r y thereof h a d or possessed
p r i o r t o t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t , t o sell, or m o r t g a g e , or b e indemnified
o u t of s u c h p r o p e r t y i n order t o l i q u i d a t e a n y d e b t s or oblgations
properly i n c u r r e d b y or r e s t i n g u p o n h i m i n respect of s u c h p r o p e r t y .
1 7 . (1) T h e N e w South W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a a n d t h e president f o r t h e t i m e b e i n g thereof shall
h a v e a n d possess a n d a r e h e r e b y invested w i t h t h e like p o w e r s to
c o n s e n t a n d t o a p p r o v e of all m a t t e r s a n d t h i n g s w h i c h , a t t h e t i m e of
t h e p a s s i n g of this A c t , were h a d o r p o s s e s s e d b y t h e N e w S o u t h
W a l e s Conference of t h e A u s t r a l a s i a n W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
a n d t h e p r e s i d e n t thereof respectively.
(2) W h e n e v e r a n y act, m a t t e r , or t h i n g is r e q u i r e d to b e done,
testified to, or certified b y t h e p r e s i d e n t of t h e Conference or Assembly
of
of a n y of t h e u n i t i n g c h u r c h e s , s u c h a c t , m a t t e r , or t i l i n g m a y b e done,
testified to, or certified b y t h e p r e s i d e n t for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e N e w
S o u t h W a l e s Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a .
1 8 . (1) E v e r y e n t r y a n d i n s e r t i o n i n t h e W e s l e y a n M e t h o d i s t
C h u r c h R e g i s t e r of Trustees for N e w S o u t h W a l e s referred t o i n section
six of t h e P r i n c i p a l A c t , m a d e before t h e passing of t h i s A c t i n respect
of persons n o m i n a t e d a n d a p p o i n t e d u n d e r t h e m o d e l deed t o b e
t r u s t e e s for t h e p u r p o s e of increasing t h e n u m b e r of t r u s t e e s , shall b e
as valid a n d effectual, for all purposes w h a t s o e v e r , as if such e n t r y a n d
insertion h a d b e e n expressly a u t h o r i s e d b y t h e said section, a n d not­
w i t h s t a n d i n g t h a t s u c h persons were n o t so n o m i n a t e d a n d a p p o i n t e d
b y reason of a n y v a c a n c y i n a n y t r u s t , a n d t h e provisions of section
e i g h t of t h e said A c t s h a l l h a v e a n d b e d e e m e d t o h a v e h a d t h e s a m e
effect as if s u c h persons h a d been n o m i n a t e d a n d a p p o i n t e d t o b e new
t r u s t e e s i n t h e p l a c e of some o t h e r t r u s t e e or t r u s t e e s .
(2) (a) After t h e p a s s i n g of t h i s A c t t h e entries a n d
insertions prescribed b y section six of t h e P r i n c i p a l A c t i n r e s p e c t of
t h e t r u s t e e s i n t h e said section referred to shall b e m a d e n o t only i n
respect of s u c h t r u s t e e s b u t also i n respect of all persons n o m i n a t e d
a n d a p p o i n t e d u n d e r t h e model deed to b e t r u s t e e s for t h e p u r p o s e of
i n c r e a s i n g t h e n u m b e r of t r u s t e e s , provided t h a t i n place of a n insertion
as to h o w t h e v a c a n c y i n t h e t r u s t occurred t h e words " a d d i t i o n a l
t r u s t e e " shall be i n s e r t e d ;
(b) t h e provisions of section e i g h t of t h e said A c t shall
h a v e t h e s a m e effect as if s u c h persons so n o m i n a t e d a n d a p p o i n t e d for
t h e p u r p o s e of i n c r e a s i n g t h e n u m b e r of t r u s t e e s h a d b e e n n o m i n a t e d
a n d a p p o i n t e d t o b e n e w t r u s t e e s in t h e p l a c e of some o t h e r t r u s t e e or
trustees.
1 9 . J u d i c i a l n o t i c e shall b e t a k e n of t h e s i g n a t u r e s of t h e
p r e s i d e n t a n d secretary for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e G e n e r a l Conference
of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of A u s t r a l a s i a a n d of t h e p r e s i d e n t a n d
s e c r e t a r y for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s Conference of
t h e said c h u r c h .
2 0 . T h e p r e s i d e n t for t h e t i m e b e i n g of t h e N e w S o u t h W a l e s
Conference of t h e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h of Australasia m a y sue a n d b e
sued i n all actions a n d proceedings w h e t h e r a t l a w or i n e q u i t y as
n o m i n a l plaintiff or defendant, as t h e case m a y be, for t h e p u r p o s e of—
(a) a s c e r t a i n i n g or d e t e r m i n i n g t h e t r u s t s u p o n w h i c h a n y r e a l or
p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y hereinbefore m e n t i o n e d or referred t o a r c
or shall b e h e l d ;
(b) a s c e r t a i n i n g or d e t e r m i n i n g w h e t h e r a n y real or personal
p r o p e r t y is subject to a n y t r u s t i n favour of a n y c h u r c h ,
d e n o m i n a t i o n , religious c o m m u n i t y , fund, i n s t i t u t i o n , society,
or a u x i l i a r y referred t o in t h i s Act.
An