THE SAMUEL MARSDEN VAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 4 March 1914, Page 3

THE SAMUEL MARSDEN VAN

THE GENEROUS GIFT OF MISS i MARSDEN. j — I (Extract frr"'i "Xe'-on Diocesan I Gazette.'") ' At tlie wyncd in October the Bishop placed before the members some details of an aggressive policy for the Home -Mission work of the Diocese. These consisted of a proposal to obtain a mission boat of adequate size 10 be used in seeking out our Church people who are living in the Pelorus Sounds and around the coasts and islands in th-3 northern portion of the diocese, and a irission van to be used in the scattered distlitis which are not reached at present by our undermanned 'staff of clergy. In view of the fact thai this is the centenary year cf the landing of the Rev. Samuel Marsden, the Bishop suggested that the van should be called by his name, and that the boat should bear the honoured name of George Augustus Selwyn. An appeal was issued before Christmas for funds to supply both of these Aery desirable means of bringing the consolations and blessings of the Faith, to the homes of the people. Up *o date nearly £250 have been subscribed, and we now rejoice in the announcement that Miss Marsden; to whom the Diocese of Nelson already owes so much, has intimated to the Bishop her de.-ire to bear the cost of \he mission van. In making this generous offer known the Bishop desires to acknowledge publicly his appreciation of Miss Marsden's gift. He will take in:mediate steps to obtain from the Church Army in England the best possible advice as to the construction of the van, c,n the receipt of which, he will submit the details to the Standing Committee. This will take a f?w months to negotiate, us care must be taken at the outset that every,detail receives proper attention. 1 "THE SELWYN" MISSION BOAT. | As Miss Marsden has kindlv exoressvd htr desire to provide for the mission, van. we hope that those who have contributed to this special object will allow their donations to be used for the boat. At the meeting of the Standing Committee held on 17th February, a special committee was appointed to take immediate steps to provide the boat. The committee met the following .day, Mnd decided to have specifications; drawn •ip and tenders called as soon as possible. The corrmittee is conferring with Mr Walter Seymour, whose advice is specially valuable. The Bishop desires \o express, his thanks to the Rev. J. Hornbv-Spear for his active interest in •xmnection with the raising of funds for the boat, and particularly for his work emong our Sunday school children. On Easter Dav we ask for a Sunday school rallv on behalf of the boat. Already 620 have been given by the children, <ind we anticipate a. good result from the special effort at Easter. - i