CHINESE IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19455, 11 October 1926, Page 14

CHINESE IN AUCKLAND.

MISSIONER'S DIFFICULTIES. EXTENSIVE TRAVELLING. SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS. Slow but steady progress among the Chinese ia Auckland is disclosed in the annual report of the Rev. W. Mawson, of tlio Auckland Chines® .Mission. Mr. Mawson takes a hopeful view of the situation although, as his report states, "in this age of self-interest the seeds of the Gospel are hard to sow." In spite of signs of the working of the Spirit of God in tho hearts of some there had as yet been no large response to the Gospel message. He could not • claim to have transformed the Chinese iu the city into., a church-going community. Adherents were hardly won and the work was further handicapped by the movements of the men from one place to another. Social service had been rendered to the Chinese in many ways. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mawson had addressed missionary meetings during the year. In connection with deputation work in tho Waikato, Mr. , Mawsou visited the Chinese in the towns along the main trnuk line as far as Taihape. Mrs. Mawson continued to visit the Chinese women as time and other duties permitted. Tho Sunday evangelistic service had been regularly held, with attendances ranging from six to 20. The average attendance for August was 13, against nine for the same month last year. The Sunday School and the Wednesday evening English class had been sparsely attended. A service for the Chinese prisoners in Mount Eden Gaol had been conducted fortnightly on Sunday mornings. Visitation of the shops and gardens and distribution of tracts and Christian literature had been carried out. The Chinese gardens were becoming scattered further afield and were now to be found 40 miles south of the city. Much time was spent in getting to and fro and much was left undone. Mr. Mawson sums up the position with the words, "Christianity is on its trial among the Chinese at this time. There is much criticism- Many are doubtful; some are openly hostile; a few are openly declaring their allegiance to Christ. We are glad of the privilege of testifying among them and of standing by those who are trying to witness a good confession."