MISSIONARY'S RESIGNATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14690, 26 May 1911, Page 7

MISSIONARY'S RESIGNATION.

THE MODERATOR. EXPLAINS.

[BY TELEJRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] • .Nelson, Thursday. The statements made by Mr. G. Parfitt as to his resignation of the position of Presbyterian missionary at West Oxford, owing to the lack of pecuniary assistance, and his working on the road as an ordinary navvy, have drawn a reply from the Rev. •J. H. Mackenzie, Moderator of the General Assembly. Mr. Mackenzie writes to a local paper.as follows :"Parfitt was never a minister of the Church, but after trying various means of earning his living became home mission agent, being first stationed in this district. He had no experience and no training whatever, and was not a successful preacher. He received not less than £2 weekly and a, manse at Riwaka. He did not pass the course study required of a.home missionary. Parfitt entered into the work with his eyes open, and knowing what was paid."

The Rev. W. W. French, missionary at Itiwaka, who exchanged stations with Parfitt, also writes, stating that his salary at Oxford was £120 per annum, and ho understands this was raised to £130, as Parfitt was a married man.