NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13859, 20 April 1917, Page 8

NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

REV, W. V, MILNE'S VISIT TO OAMAKII.

The Rev, W, V, Milne, who lias been iu the New Hebrides mission field of the Presbyterian Church for many years, having been born in the islands, and who is at present in New Zealand on furlough and deputation work, was present at yesterday's meeting of/the Oamaru Presbytery. He was accorded a very warm welcome, and addressed the meeting. Mr Milne said that in view of his itinerary iu the Oamaru district, he was pleased at the opportunity of addressing the Presbytery, He said he felt that great responsibilities rested upon him. It was well known that his father, who was at present eightyfour years of age, had gone down to the islands many years ago, and would probably never leave the islands, The Eev, Mr Nicholson, who was seventy-live years .of age, would not be going back lo the islands, and Dr. Bowie h|d taken up medical work in New Zealand, and consequently the work falling on Mr Milne was very heavy, lie referred to a feeling he found prevalent in New Zealand that the New Hebrides had been evangelised, and that the same, work was not necessary now as formerly. He reminded his hearers that although new mission stations had been opened, the New Hebrides was the first of the Church's mission, stations, and should be fully maintained. lie paid evil was very strong in the islands, and needed strong measures to combat it. The nativcs, ; if left to themselves, would easily slip back into their old habits and customs. The idea that the natives of the islands wero dying out was not a correct one, in the heathen islands of the group there was a decrease of population, but in the mission districts tho decrease was very small indeed. Mr Milne said ho would give tho people of the Presbytery a great deal of information regarding the mission work, at the meetings which lie would bo addressing. He referred to his difficulty of addressing the congregations in English, as all his speaking in the mission work was in the native tongue, and he hoped for the indulgence and prayers of the people during his itinerary in New Zoaland. Mr Milne was warmly applauded, and the moderator thanked him for his address.