MISSION SHIP

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 46, 22 August 1930, Page 4

MISSION SHIP

WORK IN PACIFIC

XEW ZEALAND'S TRUST

At the farewell meeting to the London Missionary Society's representatives, held last evening, at the Terrace Congregational Hall, a special effort was made on behalf of the new schooner John Williams V. A large model was assembled on the platform by Mr. Alec. Mill, and the different, parts were "sold." About £100 was contributed. The Rev. Harry Johnson presided. v . "' :" ■■ X Dr. .Driver- said! he Tvas. glad to appear On: a-platform -in euppdrt-pf the John Williams, because he- w^s a.New Zealander, and because New Zealand, placed as-.she was in the position of a trustee to many islands of the Pacific, was pledged to do everything in her power for the welfare of the island peoples. Our trusteeship in the Pacific was a sacred .trust, the responsibility of guarding an island people from commercial exploitation and protecting them from the civilisation of the city slum. The John Williams V. was a reminder to the New Zealand people of a responsibility for providing more than even fair and just dealing, and efficient government. Only as we gave them our very best were wo fulfilling our duties as trustees.

"Further," said Dr. Driver, "we support tho ship as a ship of peace. There was plenty of teaching—far too much—on the idea of big navies." Doctrines founded on ideals of economic exploitation of weaker and coloured races necessitated gunboats and more gunboats. The ideals expressed in; the.five words; "Our Father, Thy Kingdom:: come," found practical expression in ships- such as this one —a messenger of peace." ■■> • Miss ; Inglis spoke a few words of farewell, Tin -which she praised the liberality arid,sacrifice of the Indian Church, where the people gave wonderfully from their dire poverty.

Mrs. Driver, in a happy final word, said .that Jammalamadagu was not the most beautiful place in the world, and when it was at its drabbiest she would call to mind t^. beautiful Wellington Harbour with the sun upon it. "Do not think," she said, "of India and other fields as very far away.. The world is shrinking—lndia one week from Home. In things of the spirit, when we pray the prayer is already answered—"whom oceans part, O Lord unite.