FOREIGN MISSION WORK

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23800, 20 November 1942, Page 6

FOREIGN MISSION WORK

* . METHODISTS CARRY ON IN THE SOLOMONS REPORT TO DISTRICT SYNOD Members of the North Canterbury Methodist District Synod were informed in Christchurch yesterday by its Foreign Missions Department that it was as yet impossible to indicate to what extent its missionary work in the Solomon Islands had been affected by the war. "But without doubt it has suffered serious dislocation,’’ it was stated. “For many months the Japanese have occupied Bougainville and Buka, and practically all of the western Solomons. In almost every case their bases are actually at or near our head stations.” Nevertheless, while many of the European workers had been evacuated, missionary work was by no means at a standstill. Assisting were two Fijian ministers, two from Tonga, three Solomon Islanders, and 280 catechists; also pastor-teachers and medical assistants. It was believed that the native ministry and 299 local preachers, and the 18,000 adherents of the Church in the group, would not fail. It had always been the aim of the mission to establish an indigenous native church, and the wisdom of that step would now be proved. The general treasurer reported the receipt of £5611 for the general fund (compared with £5893 last year). For the medical fund, £457 was received. The Clara Matilda and Samuel Gorman medical bequest provided a total of £2700. The sum of £559 was received from legacies. An appeal for work among the lepers realised £163. The Trinity Theological College report indicated that, owing to the war, there had been an overwhelming demand for the help of students, both as Sunday preachers and as vacation supplies. “The war may last a long time," said the Rev. E. W. Hames, the acting-prin-cipal, “and it is now evident that we must continue to train every available man that offers if the Church is to be in a position to honour her obligation to provide chaplains for the forces and also to staff the circuits when peace returns. The Government recognises the position, and it is prepared to facilitate the reservation of men for theological training under certain safeguards.” Such men, he said, were expected to do some territorial service, and to be available in the event of a grave emergency. The college, it was stated, opened this year with a roll of 10 Methodist students, and, in addition, three Congregationalists were in training. Five students had attended lectures at the Auckland University College. Exemption of Students The Home Mission and Church Extension Department reported that the war had created grave inroads into available staffing. Many men who would normally have been in the work by now, or in the theological colleges, had been prevented from doing so. The stage had now been reached where representations should be made to the authorities to release or exempt suitable young men who could be obtained for the ministry or home mission work. The Maori Mission Sister Eleanor Dobby presented the report of the Maori Mission, and emphasised the necessity for teaching by correspondence. It was essential, she said, that as soon as funds were available more workers would have to be provided. "Not the 'east of our problems," said Sister Dobhy. "is the vast area to be covered.” In spite of repeated protests the cash-on-delivery system for liquor with the railways had continued in the King Country. In effect, this meant its sale in a no-licence district, and she urged that these facilities be withdrawn, as they were “a menace to both races.” The report of the South Island Methodist Orphanage and Children’s Home stated that there were 70 children at present being cared for. Several old boys were serving in the forces in various capacities. Women and the Ministry An interim report from the Commission oil Women and the Ordained Ministry stated that, in its opinion, women were eligible as candidates for the ministry. However, investigations were being continued into the practical aspects of the question, and additional information was being sought from the British Conference. The Synod concluded its deliberations yesterday afternoon.