NATIVE HEROISM

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 165, 10 April 1944, Page 6

NATIVE HEROISM

Island Missionaries At

Wellington Convention

The Methodist Women’s Missionary Union recently held a one-da’y convention in the Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, commencing with a communion _ service conducted by the Rev. Ashleigh K. Fetch and assisted by the Revs. O. Harris and F. Bateup. There was a very large attendance of members, who afterward adjourned to Wesley Hall, where they were welcomed by the president of tlie auxiliary, Mrs. H. D. Smith. The Rev. A. N. Voyce and Mrs. Voyce. the Rev. C. T. Luxton and the Rev. A W. E. Silvester, all recently returned from the -Solomon Islands, were also welcomed.

The Rev. A. W. Silvester, who addressed the meeting on the spirit of fellowship, told how when isolated in the islands with the enemy not far away he realized tlie spirit of fellowship with the people of New Zealand through prayer. lie instanced, tod. tlie power of Christian fellowship among the natives which was so great that after he had delivered a message. “Greater love hath no rnan than this,” a native crew colunteered for a work, of a most hazardous nature in the face of the enemy, and they all returned safely when their errand was successfully accomplished. He described how a native teacher in the Gilbert Islands had been taken prisoner by the .Japanese commander, who interrogated him, and on finding he could not understand the teacher’s language decided to impose the death penalty the following day. As the minutes ticked by, prayers that the teacher's life might be saved were offered by the natives. The following morning an enemy boat arrived and among the crew was a Japanese doctor, who investigated and objected to the teacher’s life being taken. The Japanese commander said that the doctor must also be on tlie side of the Allies "No,” said the doctor, “but if you put him to deatli you put me to death too.” The commander raved, but the teacher was released. Tims was revealed the protecting care of an unseen Father. The doctor was the son of a Japanese missionary. “I am proud to be associated with tlie native people of tlie South Pacific islands,” concluded Mr. Silvester.

Wf llingtoii Pianist's Tour. Miss Cara Hall, the talented IVellington pianist', who studied at tile Royal Academy of .Mur-'ie, London, in 1938 and 19.”1>, lias returned to her music ai’te.serving for the mist yeur witli tlie lied Gross Society. Miss Hall is now giving recitals at various secondary schools and colleges in the Wellington education district. Afterward she is to visit Auckland for a similar purpose.

Skirts Satisfy Postwomeii. Though .Melbourne postwonien wear skirts of tlie same material, they have not. complained, as the Postal Workers’ Union in Sydney has. that Hie 15oz. skirt has caused "poslwomen’s rash” —a chaffing on the leg when tlie wearer does not wear stockings. The thousand tram and Ims conductresses—most of whom do not wear stockings—wear skirts weighing only 14oz„ ami. according to tlie Tramways Board, tlie material, also serge, has not. the roughness of Ilia I worn by postwomen.