Bishop Discusses Progress In Islands

Northern Advocate, 3 November 1949, Page 6

Bishop Discusses Progress In Islands

Films Of Mission

A DIOCESE roughly 1000 miles long and 200 miles wide, containing about 20 large islands and countless smaller ones and with a total Christian population of 30,000 to 40,000, is governed by the Bishop of Melanesia (the Right Rev.. S. G. Can I ton), who arrived in Whangarei yesterday in connection with the visit of his mission vessel Southern Cross.

Bishop Caulton was on the staff of the mission from 1929 to 1937. He was appointed Bishop two years ago after an absence in New Zealand during the war. “A large number of changes have been brought about in the islands because of the war,” he said in an interview today.

“The war accentuated the development of the natives by bringing them more into contact with civilisation. “Many are now living in better conditions than pre-war—housing is better and medical services have Improved. “Education has also gone ahead considerably. “I consider that the islands are on the brink of very substantial progress.

that the Americans had a very high standard of living, and the British tended to suffer by comparison. “The result was Marching Rule, an uprising of national sentiment under which some natives wanted to be governed by the Americans, some wanted to govern themselves, and some became Communist.

"However, the British • Government has always given them a certain amount of control over their own affairs and has done so increasingly since the war.

“However, the more civilised the natives become, the stronger is the temptation of the islanders to neglect religion. “So far, there are no signs of that taking place, and I hope the people will retain their religious spirit. “They taught westerners a lot during the war, and the troops stationed in the islands were impressed by the splendid Christian character of these people. “I hope they will not be spoiled by the many temptations of materialism. “MARCHING RULE” “Marching Rule, the natives’ nationalist movement, still persists, but I am confident it will gradually die out as the Americans leave the area. “During the war the natives found

“It has set up local councils and has encouraged the people to take over more and more responsibility for their own affairs.

“They are certainly not oppressed, but neither are they yet capable of taking over full responsibility for their government. SOME STILL HEATHENS

“There is still a certain number of adherents of heathen religions on the islands, but most of these are in the hills where they have not yet come into contact with civilisation. “Most of those who have met white men have become Christians.”

Bishop Caulton will attend the conference of Anglican clergy of the Archdeaconate of Waimate being held in Whangarei today, and will then return to Auckland by car. The mission ship'Southern Cross will leave for Auckland at dawn tomorrow.

After loading, the vessel will sail for Melanesia on November 21, leaving behind three of the mission staff who will remain in New Zealand on furlough until next year.

“Our seven weeks’ tour of New Zealand ports has been a strenuous one, but I am sure it has stirred great interest and has created fresh links of friendship,” said the Bishop of Melanesia (the Rt. Rev. S. G. Caulton), at the Parochial Hall, Whangarei, last night, when a series of coloured films dealing with the work of the Melanesian Mission was shown to a large audience. The mission ship Southern Cross has been visiting Dominion ports in connection with the centennial of the mission, and Whangarei is the last port of call before the vessel returns to Auckland to load stores prior to returning to the islands. “The tour has served to emphasise the fact that you and we are working for the Kingdom of God, particularly in Melanesia, which is the daughter church of New Zealand,” the Bishop added.

“I do hope that you will keep that in your minds during this centennial year.” Bishop Caulton commented that this was not the first visit of the Southern Cross to Whangarei—last January the vessel had put into the Heads owing to engine trouble. RECONSTRUCTION

The Bishop, who was accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Fox, Archdeacon Reynolds and Miss Fagan, of the mission staff, and native members of the crew of the ship, was welcomed by the Vicar of Whangarei (Archdeacon A. H. Johnston).

The films, which were accompanied by a commentary by the Bishop and Archdeacon Reynolds, gave a comprehensive insight into the work of the mission, native customs and scenes, medical work, and the beauty of the Melanesian isles, many of which were battlefields during the Pacific war. The destruction wrought by the Japanese has been largely repaired and many new churches and other buildings have been erected. During two intervals, the native crew sang several hymns and songs in their own language. This morning Bishop Caulton celebrated Holy Communior at Christ Church, Whangarei, and later spoke at both the Whangarei Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, where the films were also shown. The Bishop and members of his staff this afternoon attended the annual garden party of the Whangarei branch of the Mothers’ Union. The Southern Cross was open to the public during today.