A LIFE'S WORK REVIEWED

Evening Star, Issue 17312, 27 March 1920, Page 12

A LIFE'S WORK REVIEWED

A MAN BELOVED OF THE PEOPLE AND ADORED BY~THE CHILDREN. It was hinted in these columns recently that Mr Dunoan Wright, the well-known and highly-esteemed agent of the City Mission, was about to retire from his labor* and enjoy the evening of his life in honored retirement. ' Seeing that he is almost an octogenarian, and that his rest has been so thoroughly earned, no one will quarrel with his decision. "Well done, good and faithful servant," can be fittingly applied to him who so steadfastly followed his Master. _ "' Asked by our representative to supply the material for a sketch of his career, Mr Wright obligingly supplied the following, which we feel sure will be read with interest not only by that large circle which has benefited by fiis ministrations and sage advice, but by the community among which he has resided for such a large span of his life, and for the advancement of whose spiritual and civic interests he has labored so zealously and acceptably. For ourselves, we would simply add that we have- been long associated with the subject of this sketch in many civic enterprises, and willingly accord our meed o'f praise to one who so unceasingly and unselfishly strove to the full of his physical and intellectual power to make the lot of his fellows brighter and happier. It will be for others, who have worked alongside of Mr Wright, or ''who have had unique opportunities of judging him in his special avocation, to say on a suitable occasion in the near future to what extent and in what directions his ministrations have fulfilled his own desires and justified our encomium. * # # "Replying to many inquiries on the point, my life's story is quite simple. Yes, if my kind and courteous committee will agree to it I hope to retire from the Duneain City Mission in July next, as I shall then (if spared) enter upon my 79th year. And, as requested by the editor of this journal, some of your readers may be interested if I offer some notes and facts covering a long and somewhat active life. " I was born in July, 1841, in a humble home in an obscure village in Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1860 I entered an accountant's office in Glasgow, and was there for two years; thereafter I served 10 years in law offices, and was taught, at least, method, exactness, and some of the intricacies of Scotch law. All along the line I cheerfully assisted in church and aggressive Christian work in that great commercial centre amongst the slums and among old and young people. That was, in fact, my real collegiate school. In 1872 I was engaged to be town missionary in Crieff, Perthshire, and there built up a strong and overflowing children's church. Before leaving we were favored by a visit and an address from that illustrious philanthropist, the Earl of Shaftesbury. ".In 1874 I received a three-years' engagement to be associated with the venerable Dr Stuart among the young people and Sunday schools in Knox Church. I have happy memories of the five years under the good doctor. "Then followed a pressing invitation to . act as general sccretarv of the Dunedin Y.M.C.A. After five years' strenuous efforts in that capacity I resigned and left the handsome buildinc in Moray place practically free of debt In accepting my resignation the president wrote:—'We acknowledge that it is largely owing to your efforts that the society now stand in so satisfactory a position.' "At this juncture a well-known citizen called on me at my home and asked me to do the work of an evangelist, and intimated that he would personally' meet all expenses.; and for five and a-haff rears he did so. As' Dr Stuart at the "time remarked : ' That was a good offering to the Gospel.' As a duly accredited evangelist I travelled very "extensively through the towns and villages of both and had good success. Later on I visited and for two happy years condveted services in Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelonoand many of the chief towns of Victoria";' also Sydney and many of the cities and towns of New South Wales as far as New England, on the borders of Queensland; and also Launceston, Hobart and many parts of Tasmania, "On returning to New Zealand mv friend the Hon. G. M. Thomson (now our much respected president) issued a circular calling a public meeting to consider the matter of a city mission for Dunedin. The organisation" was founded and I was appointed City missionarv. During all these 25 years the mission have had the sympathy and generous support, of the public in a wonderful degree. And today the mission are on a solid basis financially. How many old, lonelv, sick and dying people have been seen" and helped and comforted can never be known. No man ever had a more considerate and kindly committee than the City missionary From the day of their inception to this present hour our mission went upon broad unscctarian lines, and it has b?en an honor and privilege to be closelv associated everywhere with teachers, preachers, and pastors of all denominations. My' love for the church of my fathers, in which for over 50 years I have been a member and office-bearer, has never changed, but have no love whatever for a narrow sectarian spirit. "For 25 years it has been a distinct privilege to give in many of the State schools Bible instruction. The children have been a» good as gold, the School Committees in every case most sympathetic, and the respective head masters and many teachers (but not all) cordial and helpful. When the day comes that this branch of my work must cease the pang of sorrow for me and for the pupils will be truly distressing. But old ago loudly calls for rest at eventide. Some 85,000 of the men and women of the luture have come under my influence, and in various directions we have also had in our large classes in past years many of the parents of the boys and'girls of to-day. The love and confidence of children make one joyful. "Twice my life has been in great danger in wanderings by land and sea. and one* I was nearly lost at sea in a storm. "My deep debt of gratitude to the Press of this City can never be repaid. For several years our articles appeared in the 'Evening Star' entitled "The Gleaner,' and for six years past I have conducted a weekly article under the title of 'The Garland.' Some years ago I published a book of nearly 200 pages called 'Friendly Letters,' which passed through three editions. The printer was paid, the book was read, and the author did not lose anything. "Of all_ the pastors and preachers of all denominations who were active when I arrived in Dunedin 46 years ago'only one remains—only one. At the age of -nearly 79 does it appear reasonable that one snouJd—in fact, must —slow down and take things quietly? I claim to be one of the People, and very human at that. If another agent be appointed he mav, with youth and enthusiasm, continue and extend the work of the Dunedin City Mission, and sincerely do I hope and trust that my old-time friends will continue to support this truly beneficent agency."