FOREIGN MISSIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19001, 24 July 1925, Page 3

FOREIGN MISSIONS

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Rev. G. H. Jupp (convener) presided over tho monthly meeting or the Presbyterian Foreign Missions Committee on Tuesday evening, when twenty members were present. It was reported that a united meeting for intercession on behalf of China had been hold in View Street Hall on Monday, July 6, and had been largely attended by those interested _in the various missions working in China. It was agreed to fall in wth the request of tho Dunstan Presbytery to arrange for a deputation visit from Miss Hancock, if practicable. Mr P. L. Clark was appointed to represent the Foreign Missions Committee on the Young Men’s Bible Class District Committee.

Hearty congratulations were accorded to tho committee of the P.AV.M.U. South Island Oriental Depot on tho success of the operations of the year, and approval of their proposal to devote a substantial amount from the profits towards the acquisition of a rest homo for missionaries—• Maori, home, and foreign.

FINANCE

Accounts totalling £224 12s Id were passed for payment, the main item being a sum of £153 18s, being the net cost of an “ Ailsa Craig” engine for Rev. W. Milne’s motor launch, New Hebrides. Donations Tvero acknowledged totalling £6B 2s. In addition, the general treasurer reported special contributions (apart from ordinary revenue) for the four months February to June totalling £773 17s 9d.

Rev. W. Mawson reported that £4O had been sent from the Auckland P.A. for sales of arrowroot. The renovation of the Chinese Mission Hail was almost completed. Donations were coming in quietly, and the £l5O needed was now practically in Hand. The general treasurer was authorised to forward to tho treasurer of tho, Indian Council the sum of £I,OOO, being the final payment for the Rharar property, making a total of £3,000.

NEW HEBRIDES MISSION. Thanks were accorded to the Bishop of Melanesia for information supplied concerning the employment of women missionaries in the South Sea Islands. Tho question of the New Hebrides condominium was again considered. Correspondence received urged the necessity of keeping this matter before the dominion and Imperial authorities. The need of reform still continued, and constant vigilance was necessary in order that tho matter should not be shelved.

Rev. O. Michelsen reported that he had now completed tho preparation of a book of Scripture texts m the language of Ngnna-Tongoa. It was agreed to refer the matter to Rev. W. V. Milne and the suh-committce of finance.

The secretary was instructed to make inquiries ns to tho proposals now being made in Victoria for the disposal of the Dayspring insurance fund, portion of which was raised in New Zealand. INDIAN MISSION. Rev. J, L. Gray, mission treasurer, reported that exchange had been adverse throughout the year, averaging about Is 6d per rupee, as compared witli the normal rate of Is 4d. Tho total loss by exchange, for the year was rupees 10,558. The probable loss on the ordinary accounts for this year was £420. A balance of over 2,800 rupees remained in hand irom the Hood relief fund. It was agreed to correspond with the council and to’ cooler with missionaries returning shortly on furlough as to the best use to be made of this balance in conformity wth the general purpose for which it was given. Mr Gray also reported that Dm balance of the ‘Break of Day’ Christmas gift was to he used to supply Miss Henderson with a small schoolroom and tents (for itinerating purposes). The balance al approximately £240 remaining in the Bible class bungalow account was to be spent on additions to the bungalow.

CANTON VILLAGES MISSION. It was reported that Dr Turbott had successfully completed the short course of study at Peking Union Medical College in'terms of tho scholarship given to him. Tlio Canton Council reported that a minute of appreciation had been adopted in connection with the departure of Mr A. (!. AVilson, buildiim supervisor, who Iclt Canton at the end of April.” “During tho past decade of our mission’s history, no ono has clone more to give its work the essential qualities of visibility and permanence than Mr A. («. AVilson. . • • AVe remember tho earnest interest ho has always shown in every part of the mission’s work, and in all that concerns the growth of tho Chinese Church.”

TROUBLE IN THE CANTON DISTRICT.

The Peered ary reported that in view of tho accounts of trouble in tho Canton district the executive had cabled to the Rev. 11. Davies (secretary of the C.V.M.). This cablegram could not be delivered, but on June 26 the following message was received“ All women and children, including Mrs Bastin am! Mrs Machle, safe at Hongkong. Miss Ogilvio sailed yesterday (24th).” This nows had at onco been communicated to the Press and to the relatives of the missionaries. On July 5 there arrived a further cablegram:—“All safely out; address Cheung Chow.” Alter consultation with the executive and the Moderator of tho General Assembly, a cablegram was sent on July 7 assuring tho missionaries of gratitude at the news of their safety, and of tho prayerful sympathy of the church, and inviting them to cable if they were short of funds. No further news had so far been received. Tho committee adopted tho following resolution: —“Receive with deep sympathy the news of the trouble in Canton district, making desirable the temporary withdrawal of all our missionaries I'vom their posts; rejoice in the nows of their safety; pray that they may lie wisely guided in those difficult clays, aud that tho present unrest may ho so overruled as to turn out lor tho furtherance of tho Gospel; commend to our church turougbout tho dominion the duty and privilege of intercession on behalf of China, ol our m-ssion and missionaries, and of tho Christian Church in that land.” Regret was expressed at tho news ol Nurse Park’s continued ill-health. Miss Pork was recently invalided home from Canton, following upon a very severe attack of typhoid. Miss F. G. Ogilvie reported her arrival at Wellington from Canton on Monday. As Miss Ogilvio loft Hongkong shortly alter the outbreak of the present trouble in Canton, it is hoped to get fuller information from hor as to the position