WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3188, 4 October 1867, Page 3

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

At the recent meeting of the Christchtircn branch of the WesleyanMissionary Society, theKev. J.Buddie, superintendent of the Circuit, read the report alluding to the objects and work of the Society ; and from which we extract the following : — In New Zealand the mission has suffered s*d reverses by the late disastrous war. Yet theie is a remnant under the care of the Society's missionaries. There are still nearly 3,000 Maoris attending on the ministry of the Word, o?er 500 of whom are consistent members of the mission churche». There are 40 Sabbath schools, containing nearly 1,000 scholars ; 5 day schools, containing 150 scholars. The misiioni at Hokianga and Kaipara are in full working order, the great enemy to their progteis being strong drink. The missionaries complain bitterly of th« spread of intemperance among the natives, and of the aad effects of this vice on their progress in Christianity and civilisatioD. The parties who have introduced it and who supply it incur a vast responsibility. All the other Maori stations in the North Island are more or less affected by the political changes that have taken place. Two of the old stations have been completely broken ny, and the native members scattered. All the native assistants but one have proved faithful, and have done good service both to the Church and State'during the time of trouble. William Barton has maintained his ground in the very hotbed of Maori Kingism. and kept his school open to this day. The native teashers at Kawhia have done the same, and in such a manner as to call forth expressions of approval and surprise at the orderly appearance of the schools and pupils from the officers of H.M.S. 'Eclipse,' who visited the station, and alio to induoe his Excellency the Governor to §ay to the missionaries, (i I hope you will not abandon Kuwhia, for, by all tcoounts, your m»n I keepi everything in Admirable order,"