LAUNCH OF THE L.M.S. SCHOONER OLIVE BRANCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10010, 23 December 1895, Page 4

LAUNCH OF THE L.M.S. SCHOONER OLIVE BRANCH.

The christening ceremony of the new missionary vessel, the Olive Branch, of the London Missionary Society, took place in the yard of Messrs. Lane and Brown, at Totara, ou Thursday morning at nine o'ciock. About 200 people assembled to witness the launch, and the greatest possible interest was taken in the proceedings. The service opened by the singing of the dedication hymn, specially composed for the occasion, and the reading of scripture passages. Then followed! au address by the Rev. F. W. Walker, giving an account of his share in the vessel, and saying that all the cost of the vessel, above the £tX>> granted by the London Missionary Society, had been borne by himself. The dedication prayer was offered by the Rev. F. Warner, after which Mrs. Warner addressed the gathering. She said it was feebly expressing what she felt in statin? the great pleasure she experienced in taking an important part iu that beautiful service, and would account it an event of her life. The subject of missionaries and missionary labour had always a warm corner in her heart. Her heart's desire was that the noble vessel might Ion? be spared to carry on the great work of the evangelisation of these islands of the sea. The twentieth century seemed likely to be known to coming generations as the missionary century. The mantles of such men as John Williams, Moffat, ana Livingstone, had not been worn out, but were enrobing noble souls to-day, and they had reason to thank God for the mission outlook of the present. The vessel wis rightly named the Olive branch. Might it bring peace to every shore where it touched. The name of their friend Mr. Walker would ever be associated with that vessel, us also that of those who were her builders, for the thoroughness with which she was built. Soon the good vessel would lie sailing away on her great mission, and they might never see her more, but they would ever remember those who were going in her and whom they had learned to love.

At the close ot the address Mrs. Warner sent the bottle of water against tile vessel's bow, at the same time naming her the Olive Branch.

By the kindness of Captain Farquhar, the Clansman was detained an hour to let the friends get on board and return to Auckland yesterday. The O.ive Branch is a model missionary ship in every way, and is for work in New Guinea. Her finishing throuzhout has been under the direction of the Rev. F. Walker, who has spared no pains or private money in making the ship complete. The lifeboat is a present from the friends at Tame Tame, and is costing about £3.5. Great credit is due to Messrs. Lane and Brown for the thoroughness ol the work, and the liberality shown by them in the building of the boat. All through the district she is being spoker. of, and in every c 'Be the friends show the utmost interest in her and in missionary work generally. Tne Olive Branch sails for Thursday Island and New Guinea in about a fortnight.