TONGAN MISSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 135, 5 December 1930, Page 15

TONGAN MISSIONS

In the course of a statement forwarded to "The Post," Mr. G. W. Allsop, of Auckland, replies to criticism by Mr. J. C. Rich of his earlier statement regarding Tongan missions. Mr Allsop states that ho was four months in Tonga, and "from information obtained I am convinced an overwhelming majority of the -white residents in Tonga (not connected with the missions) hold similar views to my own/ It is a matter for regret that wrong interpretations (doubtless unintentionally) haveVbec'n. placed: upon.my" statements. I did .not nor Had auy wish to cast doubt upon, the sincerity oE the missionaries in the execution of their, work. My remarks were confined to financial matters, behaviour of the natives, magnitude, number, -and disrepair of ■ tiio churches, also the .cost'of an altar. . . Mr. Rich having resided in <Tonga for two years, admitted the churches arc numerous, also that' an ■altar:.-inv.a.new-.stone-1 church' possibly cost £400..' He does not deny any of my other statements, excepting where I. say the natives steal, Mr. Rich contends they "are'i honest,- and says he always left his house open, .his bush camp unattended, yet nothing was ever, taken. On" several"occasions during the night-time I have seen natives using an electric torch, looking For and taking fowls belonging to' a prominent missioner. Now, if natives will descend to rob from, those who are betriending and helping them, surely it is obvious they would steal from anyone. "Mr. Rich accuses me of ,not valuing the good work performed by a French Father who, with only native help, spent 27 years erecting a Roman Catholic Church. In no way did I refer to this stone church recently completed, or to its pulpit, which Mr. Rich said may have cost £400. The pulpit I had in mind is situated in a wooden building. I should have been delighted to have met that French Father. I have a great admiration for a man who, by his patience, skill,- organisation, and dogged persevcr-

ance, can by steady plodding carry through a self-imposed task covering a period of 27 years, bringing to completion probably his greatest life's work. As the church now stands, it would reflect credit upon a professional builder, and will be a lasting monument to that father's memory. I have not (as was suggested) criticised any denomination, having no grievance or cause to do so. . . 1b was not I but Mr. Rich who made reference to missions fleecing the natives. . . The question is: were my statements reasonably correct? Miss Ferguson and Mr. Rich (both possessing first-hand knowledge) have said 'Yes' to several, denied one (the natives stealing), and remained silent upon the others."