LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 208, 7 September 1897, Page 2

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Auckland branch of the above Society held its annual meeting last evening in tbe Beresford - street Congregational Church, when the Rev. R. Rhodes presided. The Revs. G. Burgess, B, L. Thomas and Geo. Williams were also on the platform. The Chairman introduced the deputation from the parent society, after which the Rev. R. Baron delivered an address upon missionary work in Madagascar. This was a subject upon which Mr Baron was peculiarly well qualified fco speak, as he laboured for 25 years in Madagascar. Speak ing with regard to the French occupation of that country, Mr Baron admitted that if any power had a right to annex that Island it was France. The expedition under General Duchesne was, he considered, carried out humanely, and with as little bloodshed as possible.' The General he described as a skilful officer, but a kindly disposed and just man. The first Civil liesident General, Mr C Laroohe, Mr Baron described as a thoroughly impartial, just ! man, of high integrity and also a Protes--1 tant. Unfortunately, owing to the'subse- ' tjuentrebellion, thisgentlemanwas recalled, and General Gallieni was sent to restore l peace,and through his strong measure the j country was now settling down. Mr Baron | thought that the French really meant to | act justly although difficulties had recently arisen with regard to the Mission work. ' When once the French Government was | convinced that the missionaries were loyal ito the French flag all would be well.

During the evening Alica, fche Samoan native teacher, sang a hymn in ber own language. A collection was made ou behalf of the funds of the Society.