AFTER MANY YEARS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 66, 17 March 1916, Page 3

AFTER MANY YEARS.

GIFT BIBLE RETURNED TO T.M.CJI. BY VETERAN ISLAND MISSIONER. A few months ago a patriarchial miesioner from the South Sea Islands revisited old scenes in and, despite his advanced years, astonished his friends by the sustained vivacity of his manner. This gentleman was the Rev. Dr. George Brown. In the course of a reminiscent address at the V.M.C.A. he intimated that in his possession was a large family Bible donated to him by members of that institution when he was leaving the city to take up missionary work between 50 and 60 yeaw ago. Although highly prized by himself, he generously promised to send the aged book to the Auckland V.M.C.A. as a permanent gift. The directors thankfully accepted the offer, and the Bible has at last come back to the place whence it originally came. On the assurance of Dr. Brown, this quaint old book (a " Baxter's Comprehensive Bible") has accompanied its owner through some remarkable experiences. It has now been brought to Auckland by the new general secretary of the Auckland V.M.C.A. (Mr. P. J. L. Kenny), who hails from Sydney. The latter received it direct from Dr. Brown, wliose friends will be pleased to learn that he is still hale and hearty. At last night's meeting of the Board the Bible was formally handed over, and the question of its disposition was left in temporary abeyance with the proviso that a suitable letter of thanks should be forwarded to the donor. The president-elect (Mr. W. E. Bush) referred to Dr. Brown's strong and winning personality, and said that the Association was delighted to receive the gift.

There arc, doubtless, many families in Auckland who will be interested to review the names which appear on the flyleaf of the book. They l>elon<r to the fast-diminishing band of original pioneers. The inscription is as follows:—

"Presented to Mr 7 George Brown by his brethren of the Young Men's Christian Association on the occasion of his departure as missionary to Samoa, in testimony of their earnest desire that, abundant blessings from God may accompany his efforts in the new and interesting sphere of Christian effort to which he has devoted himself.—Auckland, New Zealand, August 20, 1860."

The signatures arc as follows:—R. Is. Sbalders, Fredk. Kutts. F. B. Woodham, Matthew Henry Rac. Samuel S. Forscith J. W. Adlam, Jno. Jackson. Jno. Davis, Joseph Long, John Edson. Thos. Hamer. Geo. P. Mabey, Frederick L. Prime, S. .). Green. Jas. Thornton, A. Somerville. Rd. Arthur. E. J. Matthews. John B. Bennett, John Andrews, S. Hague Smith, John Frederick Clark, Isaac Harding. Daniel Hayncs. John Smith Wilson, Robt. Gco. Fountain. Amos Vickery, Isaac Watts, Alexander Maedonald. Frederick Lambourne, John Fletcher. William Harrison,