MINISTER IN DUNGAREES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1137, 26 May 1911, Page 4

MINISTER IN DUNGAREES.

WHAT THE MODERATOR SAYS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Nelson, May 25. The statements of Mr. G. Parfitl, late Presbyterian missionary at West Oxford, which havo gained wide, publicity, drew a reply from the Rav. J. H. Mackenzie, .Moderator of thu Genera! Assembly, who wrote to the "Colonist" stating that Mr. i'avKtt was never a minister of the Church, but after trying various'means of earning a living became a Homo Mission agent, being first stationed in this district. He had no experience and no training whatever, and was not a successful preacher. He received not less than £•} weekly and a manse at liiwaka. Ho did not pass the course of study required of a home missionary. Mr. l'arfitt entered the work with his eyes open, and knowing what was paid. Mr. W. W.. French, missionary at liiwaka, who exchanged stations with Mr. Parfitt, also writes to the "Colonist," stating that his salary at Oxford was iCI2O per annum, and by lmtlers-iands this was raised to .£l3O as Mr. I'arlilt was a married man. Tho following letter appeared in the Christchnrch "Press" on Saturday last:— Sir,—Members of llio Presbyterian Church at Oxford were shocked on seeing thciv ex-minister in dungarees, working with a gang of men supplying the insatiable maw of a steam stone-crusher with huge boulders. The minister states that with a young family, whose wants ho is uualilo to supply on his meagre stipend, lie has chosen (o join the ranks of unskilled labourers, who<-e work is less arduous and better paid iSan that of a pastor.—Yours, etc., CHARLES M, LUG Alt.