GIFTS TO ASIA

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29778, 22 March 1962, Page 11

GIFTS TO ASIA

Aid From N.Z. Churches

Further contributions for projects in Asia have been sent this week by the National Council of Churches to the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong. “Every one of these gifts," said the Rev. A. A. Brash, secretary of the council, “went to a situation of maximum urgency.

“In the Philippines, eastern Mindanao has been seriously flooded, many people have been rendered homeless, and vast areas of crops destroyed. The contribution from the New Zealand churches is £360.

“The council has already sent £l5OO to help the World Council of Ohurdlies buy rice in Thailand for shipment to Indonesia. Tire first shipment of 500 tons is already on the way and a further 1390 tons will be sent in the next six months. The council has also sent £3OO to one of its fraternal workers at the Christian University in mid-Java. “The contribution to Japan is to help the Japanese churches train students from other Asian countries in better agricultural methods. The Japanese churches provide this service almost entirely from their own resources, but the New Zealand churches, through the council, are offering £lOOO to assist them. We have also offered to pay the expenses of one of the students desiring to take the course. “One thousand pounds was allocated to Hong Kong for a rehabilitation centre for invalids or former prisoners. Such people will be taught occupations within their capacity so that in future they will be self-supporting.

“It is a very great satisfaction,” said Mr Brash, “to be able to make these and other additional allocations of funds as the result of the generosity of the New Zealand churches. Our appeal for Asia launched last Christmas is approaching its target of £45,000.”