PASTOR GEORGE MULLER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9036, 20 April 1888, Page 6

PASTOR GEORGE MULLER.

Pasbor George Mcller, the founder of the Bristol Orphan Houses, and whose name is known over the civilised world in connection therewith, arrived yesterday in the Wanaka from the South. He is 83 years of age, but hale and wiry, and in excellent health. His face is of the true German type, evidencing great determination and force of character, and he speaks English with a slight accent, which betokens his German origin. One of our reEresentatives interviewed him at Oram's [otel last evening. In the course of conversation he gave the following particulars concerning himself and work:—"The Bristol Orphan Houses which I founded are still under my sole direction, the institution being worked by a staff of 112 helpers and servants. My endeavour is to get poor but respectable children ; and those who are of a non-criminal character. Ido not, like Dr. Bernardo, endeavour to send any of the children to the colonies, as I consider myself responsible for them. When placed out anywhere in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and anything happens to them, I can send to someone to see to them, investigate the case, or take such other steps as may be necessary. In any case there is no necessity to send them to the colonies, as I have more applications for children as servants or apprentices than I can supply. About 250 go out annually and as many are admitted, over 2000 inmates being in the buildings. Fifty-four years ago I founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, its objects being (1) for establishing and supporting schools for poor children; (2) the circulation of the Holy Scriptures ; (3) aiding missionary operations ; (4) circulation of religious books, pamphlets, and tracts ; and (0) the orphanage houses at Bristol. The schools are supported in various parts of the world. The total expenditure for all branches of the work is from £38,000 to £48,000, and for the Orphanages from £26,000 to £28,000. I have been preaching for 62 years, and in Bristol for 56 years of that period, but during the last 13 years have been travelling about, having visited every quarter of the globe, New Zealand being the forty-second country I have visited. This is my fifteenth tour, and the second to the colonies. I intended coming to New Zealand two years ago, but on leaving Queensland decided to go to tho Straits of Malacca, China, and Japan. I went Homo for eight weeks, and came out to Australia again, visiting South Australia, Tasmania, and have now come to this colony. I have preached in all the large towns, and spent some three months in that way. lam not travelling as a tourist or for sight-seeing, or on a collecting expedition, but For work, and to do good where I see an opening. There is nothing in the way of a mission but just the ordinary general preaching. I have not yet decided as to the length of my stay here, but on leaving will probably go to Sydney, and on to India on my second visit, and afterwards to Burmah." Mr. Muller is accompanied by his wife. He is an excellent linguist, preaching fluently in three languages, English, German, and French, and in 17 other languages, with interpretation. On Sunday morning he will occupy the Tabernacle pulpit, and in the evening he will give the address jn the City Hall. > . '