ABORIGINAL BEACON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19124, 16 September 1925, Page 16

ABORIGINAL BEACON.

FIRST IN AUSTRALIA.

MR. JAMES NOBLE'S WORK.

[rROJt OUR OWN OOHRESTONDENT. ] SYDNEY. Sent. 10.

Of all the aboriginals of Australia who have come under the care of the greathearted missionaries, none has made a

greater or more lasting impression than Mr. James Noble, who, in the near future, will be ordained as a deacon of the, Anglican Church by the Bishop of North-West Australia, Dr. Gerard Trower. Noble, a fall-blooded aboriginal, will be the first of his race to be admitted to Holy Orders. In many respects, Mr. Noble, is a wonderful man. He has lately been lecturing on behalf of the missions in the capital cities, and at all places where he has spoken he has made a great impression on his audiences by his sincerity and earnestness. More than sft. high, and weighing 14 stone, he has a wonderful personality. A skilled stockman, teacher and preacher, he is loved by members of his own race in all corners of the continent, as well as by the white missionaries whose friend he is. In one instance ho established a mission station in the midst of aggressive tribes, whose murderous methods had turned back two parties of white missionaries. Born a member of a native North Coast tribe of New South "Wales 45 years ago, Mr. Noble was educated at the Boone Grammar School. Thence ha went as house servant to Dr. Barlow, Bishop of North Queensland, at Townsville. After further study he joined the Yarrabah Mission, near Cairns, Queensland, teaching both religious and secular subjects. Later he co-operated with Dr. Gilbert White, Bishop of Carpentaria, and the Rev. E. R, Gribble in founding the Mitchell River Mission on the Gulf of Carpentaria. He also assisted in the establishment of the Roper River Mission in the Northern Territory. About 14 years ago it was feared that the Forest River Mission, in the far northwest erf West Australia, would have to be abandoned, the leaders of two missionary groups having been murdered by natives and the parties having been withdrawn. Mr. Noble was the first to volunteer for the "third attempt, organised by Mi*. Gribble. His influence with the natives triumphed. "Forest River Mission was established and has since steadily prospered. At the Empire Exhibition last year, cotton grown on the mission, picked and packed by aborigines under the direction of Mr. Noble, won high commendation from the judges. Mr. Noble's eldest daughter, 18 years of age, is in charge of a dormitory for native girls at the same mission. Her father's success among the natives has betm greatly aided by her mother, %ho speaks .six native languages.