WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 5, Issue 234, 26 November 1861, Page 4

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

been readme received, and that the meeting unites in* thanksgiving to God for the success which has been vouchsafed to this Society, and to all other kindred societies, during the past year.' Seconded by Rev. H. W. Scott, supported by Rev. R. E. Vickers, and carried. Moved by Rev.' J. Smith, — , That this meeting, bearing in mind the promise of the coming of the kingdom of J Gr6d upon earth, acknowledges the duty of fervent and frequent supplication on behalf of the missions of this Society, and of all kindred societies, and on behalf of all nations, Christian as well as heathen, that God would be pleased to make the salvation of the Gospel universally known, and to pour out His promised Spirit upon all flesh. Seconded by Rev. J. Buller, and supported? by Rev. J. T. Shaw in a very interesting speech in which he gave account of his labours among the Tongese from the time he left Wellington, about two years since, until his ill health obliged him to leave the island. Moved by Rev. Mr. Moorehouse, seconded by Rev. W. J. Watkin, and carried,— That Messrs. May, Lewis, Einniburrh, Clark, Watkin, Gooder, C. Luxford, Moxham, and Grey, be appointed the Committee for the ensuing year. Several select pieces of music were sung by the choir during the evening. A collection was made which amounted to £16 17s. The proceedings were closed with singing and prayer, and the people separated after a very pleasant meeting.

The Anniversary of the WJesleyari- Missionary Society was celebrated at Wellington on Sunday and Monday the 9th and 10th inst., at the Wesleyan Church, Manners- street.

' On Sunday sermons were preached on behalf of the Mission to crowded audiences ; in the morning by the Rev. J. T. Shaw, and in the evening by the Rev. J. Buller ; the collections after the services amounted to £16 2s.

On Monday evening the usual public meeting was held, which was very fully attended, the Church heing crowded in every part. On the platform were the following ministers of different denominations : — Messrs. J. Aldred, J. Buller, Moorehouse, J. T. Shaw, R. E. Vickers, J. Warren, W. J. Watkin, Wesleyan ; Messrs. H. W. Scott, J. Woodward, Congregational; Messrs. J. Moir, Allsworth, Free Church ; and Mr. J. Smith, Primitive Methodist.

The meeting having been opened with singing and prayer, the Rev. J. Moir was called to the Chair, who after a few.introductory remarks requested the Rev. J. Aldred to read the Report.

ANNUAL BEPORT OP WESLEYAN MISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE, 1860.

NEW ZEALAND.

Over the Missions in New Zealand a datsk cloud •still hangs. The report from every station from North to South is tinged with sadness and sorrow. The Native mind, generally speaking, has been diverted from the important subject and holy claims of Christianity, and turned to matters which " gender strife." The brethren in charge of the different stations have prosecuted their la» bours with hands hanging down, and with spirits mightily oppressed. They earnestly pray that •wisdom from above may be vouchsafed to the councils of our rulers that peace may be speedily re-established, and that the Native mind again at rest, they may be able to go in and out amongst the people as in days that are past ; and though

they bitterly mourn over the sad occurrences of

. the past year, and the injurious effect of the same ■>. on the Native mind, yet their deep conviction of their duly still to preach the "glorious gospel of the blessed God " to the Natives of this land remains the same. They gather strength and encouragement from the promise of God's own word, that " they who now go forth weeping, bearing precious seed s shall doubtless return with rejoicing, bringing their eheavea with them." On behalf of the Missions of this colony they urgently ask for the- ceHeless prayers of the Church.

In New Zealand there are in all 16 stations or circuits, 19 ministers, 8 assistant missionaries, and 154 Native teachers.

THE BEIEmDLY ISLANDS DISTBICT.

The reports from the circuit of this important district are somewhat of a mixed character. These records tell of many things to encourage, and of some things to depress. They tell of happy deaths ; of labourers zealous, able, and beloved, compelled through failing health, or crushing bereavement, to retire from fields of labour " already white unto the harvest." They register the names of others sent forth to repair the broken ranks. The new members reported last year have, generally speaking, acquitted themselves well. These reports speak of the hostile influence of the Papacy. The fields for missionary operations in these beautiful islands are wide and inviting : many souls have entered into the joy of our Lord. Many of the chapels are large and well attended, " and knowledge is increasing." But while to a distant eye the number of labourers may appear to be large, yet when thought of in the light of proportion to the population, the number is Bmall, far too small.

The schools have been diligently attended to, and are in efficient operation. In this department of missionary work there is much to stimulate and to encourage.

The contributions of the Native churches in this district amounted .last year to the large sum of £2087 9s. 4d- ; the currency being cocoanut oil.

There are 6 principal stations, 1 54 chapels, 6 missionaries, 9 assistant missionaries, 785 local preachers, and 8230 church members.

THE FIJI DISTEICT.

The change effected by the introduction of Christianity into these islands is marvellous. Cannibalism has been given up by tens of thousands — wars have been less frequent. Thousands of both young and old have been brought under the ameliorating influences of our holy religion ; and while many have but a nominal Christianity, there are numbers of others whose spirit and' con. duct shew that they have experienced " the renewing of the Holy Ghoßt." Tbe reports tell of not a few ■who during the year departed this life in the faith and fear of the gospel. Death has also thinned the ranked of the European labourers. The Rev. John Polglase, in the midst of his labours, was called tg " cease at once to work and live." His end was*strikingly triumphant. With his expiring breath he was enabled to say "Jesus is my salvation " " I shall soon have the crown." In like manner did the beloved wife of the Rev. WilJiam UVTiitley pass away. To her heart-stricken, ■weeping husband, she sweetly said, " I have lived happy in my Saviour's love, and now in his arms expire." The Rev. James Calvert has returned to this his old sphere of labour, and a great many others who through bereavement or failing health had to leave the Fijis. They are succeeded by new men. The Native coutributions amount to £984 7s. sd.

Moved by the Rev. J. Woodward, — That the Keport, an abstract of which has