FAREWELL TO REV. J F. GOLDIE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 62, 14 March 1930, Page 9

FAREWELL TO REV. J F. GOLDIE.

SOLOMON. ISLANDS MISSION. IP? PRESENTATION MADE. A large number of friends interested in the Methodist Mission to the Solomon Islands -assembled, last evening in Pitt Street Churck-to bid farewell to the Rev. J. F. Goldie, who was the pioneer worker in that group. The newly-elected vice-president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, Mr. A. Peak presided. Dur.ing the evening two solos were.given by Mr. F. Sutherland. The Rev. W. Walker, minister of Pitt Street Church, on-behalf of the mem bei-s, handed to Mrs. Goldie a cheque for £100, and expressed the hope that the building of the Helena Goldie Hospital 'would soon be undertaken. The Rev. E. Drake referred to the fine work done by Mr. Goldie while president- of the New Zealand Methodist Conference. A few remarks were also made by Mr. A. J. Butler. The Rev. W. J. Sinclair, foreign missions secretary, presented a casket, inlaid with New Zealand woods, to Mr. and Mrs. Goldie, and Miss Somerville spoke on behalf of the Women Auxiliary Missionary Society. When returning thanks, Mr. Goldie said the Pacific would never be evangelised by Europeans, but they would have to supervise the carrying out of that important work. The duty of missionaries was to train natives who were to teach their fellows. The real task was to save the race. In the Solomon Islands it was a question of saving the people, through individuals, from a state of savagery almost indescribable. There was need for better medical and hospital facilities. In the particular district in which he was working there were two hospitals built in a temporary way with native materials, but the medical men were accompishing a great work under adverse conditions. The greatest need was more training institutions for the young natives who were to spread the gospel amongst their fellows. In conclusion Mr. Goldie said:"l feel under a deep obligation to the people of New Zealand for the enjoyable twelve months I have spent here. In years to come men will understand the work of the missioners better, and I believed that their work will not be allowed to die. I am proud of the work the New Zealand Methodist Church has done in that connection."

Mrs. Goldie also made a few remarks. She said that all the sick in the district for 200 miles round came to the hospitals for treatment. In such a fever stricken district sickness was very prevalent amongst the babies, which proved the need for a proper hospital being provided.