SOUTH SEAS MISSIONARY WORK.

Evening Star, Issue 7875, 6 April 1889, Page 2

SOUTH SEAS MISSIONARY WORK.

At the Mornington Wesleyan Church laßt evening a missionary meeting was held, and was very satisfactorily attended, the church being nearly full. The Rev. Lewis Hudson (the newly-appointed minister to tho Mornington circuit) occupied the chair, and delivered a short address, which was attentively listened to. The Rev. Isaac Rooney (missionary) also delivered a short but interesting address, in which tho missionary work in Fiji and New Britain was described. Mr Rooney stated that when ho went to tho Fiji Islands some twenty-three years ago there were only 6,000 of tho Natives converted out of a population of 100,000. He remained in the Fiji Islands about fifteen years, and during that period such a change had taken place in the religious nature of tho Natives that thoro was at present hardly one who would confess to being a heathen.—(Applause.) Mr Rooney, in the course of his address, referred to the very remarkable change which had also taken place in the habits of tho Natives since they became Christians, and said that tho consistent, religious lives that many reclaimed cannibals at present led would put to shame many in our own land, who had enjoyed the benefits of Christianity throughout their lives in religious training and gospel privileges.—(Applause.) A Native of New Britain named Daniel, which in the native language means Tomakait, sang several hymns in his own language to familiar tunes, and delivered an address. Daniel spoke in his native language, his remarks being interpreted by the Rev. Mr Rooney. The manncis and customs of the people were briefly described, while the speaker also made reference to the great change which had takon place in the once barbarous Natives since the introduction of Christianity amongst them. Beforo the meeting terminated a hearty vote of thanks was acsorded to Mr Rooney and Daniel for their interesting addresses, and a collection was taken up in aid of foreign missions. The Rev. Mr Rooney, who was for fifteen years a missionary in Fiji, has been for the last eight years engaged in mission work in New Britain, where he succeeded the Rev. G. Brown, who founded the Wesleyan mission (which Mr Rooney represents there) in 1875. For the last few months Mr Rooney has been engaged in deputation work in Melbourne and suburbs, where he attracted very large gatherings, as, on account of his long residence in the islands, and his complete knowledge of the customs of the people, he was enabled to thoroughly interest his audiences. The Wesleyan Conference, recently held in this City, requested the Board of Missions in Sydney to arrange for the visit to this colony of Mr Rooney and a Native in the interests of foreign missions, and as the Board granted the request, arrangements were thereupon made for the visit of Mr Rooney and Daniel, who was chosen to accompany the rev. gentleman in his travels.

Mr Rooney will preach at the Cargill road Wesleyan Church to-morrow morniug, and in Trinity Church in the evening ; and Daniel, for whom Mr Rooney will interpret, will address both Sunday schools in the afternoon. On Monday evening a public meeting will be held in Trinity Church, when addresses will be given by both members of the deputation.