A MISSIONARY STATESMAN.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 95, 22 April 1924, Page 8

A MISSIONARY STATESMAN.

—— - Si i — - . VISITS NEW 2EAI_AN_D. REV. DR RITSON, M.A. The world secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, Rev. Dr. Ritson, M.A., arrived in Wellington to-day. He will tour the Dpminipn in the interests of the organisation he represents. Dr. Ritson recently visited the near East, including Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, while his latest task has been the work of reconstruction in war-stricken countries of Europe. Dr. Ritson is recognised as one of the Missipnary statesmen pf the present time, and holds an honoured place on the Continuation Committee of the World Missionary Conference. He is also chairman of a committee specially set up to consider the use of literature on the mission fields pf the world. His present mission, which embraces visits to South Africa, Australia, Zealand, Pacific Islands and the United States is in connecticn with the expansion and recpnstruction of the Spciety's numerous agencies. A conference of delegates from all parts of New Zealand will meet in Wellington on April 24th, when important matters relating tn the New Zealand Constitution, the appointment of a Council, and other business in connection with the status and policy of the New Zealand Agency will be considered. Mr. H. M. Smeeton, Mr. R. L. Stewart, Mr. A. McDonald, and Mr. A. Wilson have been invited to represent the Auckland auxiliary. Dr. Ritson spends a fortnight in Xew Zealand, and will visit the fur cities. He will arrive in Auckland on May 3rd. The Council of Christian Congregations, in view of Dr. Ritson's presence in Auckland on Sunday, May 4th, has invited the ministers of the city and suburbs to pbserve Bible Sunday on this date, and to bring the Society's work suitably under the notice of their congregations. It has also Suggested that wherever convenient an exchange of pulpits might be arranged.