PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 16033, 9 February 1916, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

foreign, missions committee. The first, meeting for the year of the Foreign Missions Committee of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was held yesterday afternoon, with 17 members present, Rev. James Chisholm presiding. —General.— Before the order paper was taken, up Mr A. Bum, by leave of the chairman, made a statement regarding an article which had appeared recently in the ‘ Outlook,’ in which inaccurate and misleading comparisons had been drawn between home work and foreign work. lie moved a motion referring to the article, and sotting up a sub-committoe for the purpose of arranging for articles in the * Outlook ’ emphasising the needs and urgency of tho work in our foreign mission fields. Several members spoke on the subject, the general opinion being that it would be unwise for the committee to refer to the article officially, and that a private letter to the writer of the article would be more advisable. The following motions were passed standing:—

“ This committee place on record their sincere appreciation of the sendee rendered to the causo of Christ by the late Mrs Matilda Lo Keong, who for nearly 19 years was a faithful and zealous member and worker in connection with the Dunedin Chinese Church, and who entered into rest on December 18, 1915. The committee would also express their sympathy with tho family in the loss of their mother, especially with tho son, who is fighting with the forces in France.” “ Tins committee tender heartfelt sympathy to Mi’ and Mrs Kinmont on the death, by accident on December 25, 1915 of their son John Williamson, and commend the bereaved family to tho tender comfort of God. ’

This committee record their sorrow at the loss by drowning of Nurse Margaret Rogers on tho transport Marquette, which was torpedoed in the Aegean Sea on Octobci 2oj 1915. 3Srurse Rogers offered for le J ' Tn^r ’ m Hospital in June. 1910, and was appointed by the Assemblv in December of that year; hut owing to the destruction of the hospital she did not go to the field. .She was engaged in district nursing at Christchurch while awaiting the re-establishment of the hospital, and gave her services to the Empire as a member of the New Zealand Armv Nursing Service.” ■li’ 'lr n^so I,es °lved to express sympathy with Miss James and Miss Wrighk of Canton, who have lost brothers in the war. —Mission Deputations.— Miss M‘Ewan forwarded a full report of her deputation work in the Hawke’s Bay district under the auspices of the P.W.M. Lnion. Rev. H. Davies sent a very complete statement of meetings held and deputation work done from his arrival in New Zealand, July 22, up to January “• Ho submitted a proposed itinerary of Bible classes and congregations in Taranaki, Wanganui, Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Ba,\, \Vairarapn, and Nelson, covering from February 20 till April 10. The itinerary was approved, corresponding members in the presbyteries concerned to be asked to arrange for the fixtures. It was reported that Dr W. J. Porteous and Mrs Porteous had sailed for London on December 7, and that Miss James had left Sydney for Canton on December 15; also that Mrs Davies, who was operated upon lor appendicitis at Palmerston North on December 29, was making a good recovery, and that Dr A. Martin had performed the operation free. It was resolved to express sympathy with Mr and Mrs Davies, thank Dr Martin for his services, and pay the account of 17gs for hospital attendance. Miss Mary Salmond, M.A.. reported having arranged to visit the Palmerston congregation for a. fortnight before going into residence at the Training Institute on 22nd inst.

.Dr Waddell forwarded a statement compiled by the treasurer of St. Andrew’s Church, Dunedin, giving a- complete summary of the finances of the congregation for each year, 1895 to 1915 inclusive. The return showed some remarkable features. Taking the decades before and after 1905. when the congregation decided to support, their own foreign missionaries, the grand total contributed had advanced from £10,604 to £20.576; for special efforts from £279 to £4.739; for home missions and net sustentation fund from £1,341 to £2,818; for objects outside the congregation from £2.167 to £6,214. Dr Waddell’s deductions are worth ‘ quoting: “Since wo began to send out our own missionaries onr income has doubled. The, best way to improve the finances is to send out as many missionaries as we can. and more than wo think we can. As the increase has been double with three missionaries. if wo send out three more it should double again.” —Rev. P. Milne, Jim,—■

A report was received from Dr Reynolds, of Canton, concerning Rev. P. Milne’s health, which 1 ended’: “I see no reason why he, should not return to China, after a year.” Mr Milne wrote at some length on the subject.—lt was resolved to defer consideration of the matter, and ask Mr Milne to present himself again for medical examination bv Dr Church on March 2. —-Tile Mission Library and Accounts.— The following books were approved for the mission library ‘ The Fiji of Today,’ ‘The Original Religions of China.’ ‘The Expansion of Christendom,’ ‘Everlasting Pearl—One of China, s Women,’ ‘The Chinese People,’ ‘Human Progress Through Missions,’ ‘ln tho Land of (he Blue Gown,’ ‘Tho Present World Situation,’ ‘Fifty Missionary Stories,’ ‘Undenominational Missionary Studios,’ ‘Jesus tho 'Missionary,' ‘ Tho Call of the Pacific.’ ‘John. Williams. Shipbuilder,’ ‘John Williams, Martyr.’ ‘Bishop Pattesnn,’ ‘ W. 0, Lawes, of New Guinea,’ ‘ China Mission Year Book, 1915.’

Bcv. W. J. Comrie. general treasurer, forwarded statement of mission accounts as at January 51. The ordinary accounts (for cun-out expenses) showed a total debit balance, of £5,516, while the. special funds showed credit balances as follows: Trust fund (funded bequests, etc.). £6,251; Canton sites ami buildings. £7,658 ; Indian sites and buildings, £2,728. —lndia.. Bev. Jas. Aithen reported that the Break of Day’ young folks’ contribution for the wells at Jagadiiri amounts to £lO4 18s. It was resolved to express the deep gratitude of the committee to. Mr Aitken for tho wide interest in missions he had created among the young people, and especially for the handsome donation now reported. On Air Burn’s suggestion it was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to the young people. The Secretary reported that plans for tho proposed additions to Jagadhri Hospital and for the nurses’ bungalow had been received from Messrs Mason and Wales, and in accordance with a fn'rnier resolution these had been forwarded to tho Panjab Mission Council for estimates of cost and report.

Rev. T. E. Riddle, .Y.M.O.A. chaplain to the Indian forces, wrote from Boulogne on November 1 that ho was Jcaving immediately for Gallipoli via Egypt; from Alexandria on December 4 that ho was sailing next day for Mudros. H 0 wrote: “Mo take 16,000 mail bags to brighten the Christmas for the bovs.”—lt was resolved to extend Mr Riddle’s leave so that ho could return to the Punjab by October, 1916—two years’ absence altogether. ■ —New Hebrides.— Mr H. Bailey, formerly assistant to Pr Bowie at Am brim Hospital, wrote that his losses during the eruption were "about £2O, which is not the Ml value, hut I feel that I- ought to stand my chare.” It was resolved to pay the £2O and express regret at the delay. The Secretary reported that in response to Rev. 0. Micholsen’s appeal for a mission box, Mr H. Russell, Gleniedi had donated a side-saddle.—Mr Russell was thanked.

Rev. P. Milne, Rev. 0. M i cliche n. and Rev. M r . V. Milne reported fully upon the work at their stations. Twelve Ngnna natives had died of measles ; th© two sons of the late elder Ti Mataso are filling their father’s place on Epi; another missionary is required to work the district that Mr Riddle leftthree good students had returned from full training at the Tangoa institution for teachers; Mrs Michelsen jraa attacks -of riover.

It was resolved to express eyrapathy; with Mrs W. V. Milne in tho death off her mother in New Zealand. Messrs Stmthers and Co. reported having taken delivery for sale of 1,3081b of Nguna arrowroot. : —China The Secretary reported that Professor , and Mrs Hewitson had arrived at Hongkong on November 29, and. after a fortnight visiting the village mission stations had left for North China, accompanied by Rev. W. Mawpon, on December 14, and had visited Swatow. No details of the North China tour had been received, and no indication given aa to tho probable date of return to New Zealand. Three donations to the C.V. Mission were reported—J. Wilkinson £2 2s, Rev. '''• Haul 10s, “Two Endeavorers” £IOO —the loth annual contribution toward Mr M Near's salary. Rev. A L. Miller reported that ho had been visiting jn the villages a. number of the homes of Chinese whom ho knew in Dunedin, and. had' everywhere met with the kindest possible reception. He had been greatly impressed by the zeal and boldness among fellows of Joseph Chan who was bap tiled at Palmerston North and who is now visiting his home. Miss u right, in writing about her itinerary work among the villages, raid: “In mV many-sided work hero I have found tile nursing and first-aid work which I had in connection with St. John Ambulance classes in Eunedin of great, help. Here we deal largely in eye trouble®, boils, carbuncles, ulcers, wounds, and sores of all descriptions. Some instruction as to the best methods of dealing with, cleansing, and dressing these would bo of great value to me.” She asked if the committee would agree to her attending hospital outpatients’ department when on Ijer furlough in New Zealand, and the committee agreed to note the request favorabljn Tho Canton Council reported that the first and second residences in the new compound had been completed, and the foimcv occupied temporarily by Mr A. G. Wilson, buildings supervisor; 'that owing to shortness of the staff Mr M'Neur could not be spared to organise for the provincial evangelistic, campaign; Unit Dr John Kirk’s services to the Canton! Hospital had been continued till November 30; that 15 cases of hospital supplies had been, received from the P.W.M.XJ.

Mr Wilson, reported that the first residence had cost less th.au estimated ; that the contract had teen let for the foundations of tlio hospital, to 2ffc above tho surface, for £560; and that plans for the third (nurses’) residence had been prepared. At the request of Mr Mawson, for the Building Committee, it was- agreed to authorise Mr Comrie to remit £I,OOO toward the cost of hospital foundations and nurses’ residence. Hr E. IV. Kirk wrote giving reasons for wishing to take Ins F.R.O.S. examination' in March and to join the colors for a wear afterwards. Ho said that it was 'impossible to state definitely when he could return to Canton. Nurse ■Prentice reported a visit from Professor and Mrs Hewitsoni to Ko Tong hospital, where Professor Hewitson conducted the Ccmnnmion sendee, Mir APNetir interpreting. She also reported that the hnsmtal had been very slack since September. Mr M‘Ncnr wrote, at the request of Mr Joseph Chan, urging that preacher W. M. Lei, of Canton, he engaged as catechist among the Chinese in Auckland.—lt was agreed to defer consideration until the return of the convenor. Professor Hewitson wrote of the great poverty and consequent suffering of the village people as a result of the great flood last July, and he suggested a special appeal for £IOO, to ho sent to the missionaries for real cases of distress, offering £5 towards the object.—The Secretary reported that, after consultation with ail the committee members available, ho had cabled to Canton “ Promise £100.” The appeal Iml been published in the ‘Outlook’ of January 25. and already £4l 14s 9d had been paid and promised.—lt was agreed to* endorse the action of the secretarv.