PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20894, 9 June 1931, Page 10

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

MAORI MISSION WORK. TURAKINA COLLEGE REPORT. [nt TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Monday, The Presbyterian General Assembly was continued to-day. The Rev. David Calder, secretary of tlio British and Foreign Biblo Society, referred to tho work of tho society in spreading tho Scriptures throughout tho world. The Rev. D. J. A. Shaw recalled how the society had sent over 7000 copies of tho Scriptures to bo distributed freo of cost among refugees from tho earthquako area. Tho Rev. J. ITay presented tho report of the Maori Missions Committee. The report stated that the success of tho mission was manifest in the fact that year by year Maoris camo in increasing numbers seeking baptism for themselves and their children, whde Holy Communion was now celebrated regularly in several mission stations, Turakina College had experienced tho most successful year in its career, 45 girls being in residence throughout the year. Miss Kinross, principal of the college, addressed tho assembly and deprecatod any idea that education was intended to make Maori girls into imitation Europeans. That was not desirable. There was no disgrace in " going back to tho mat " if it meant simply eating food in Maori fashion and following Maori customs, which were without harm. The Maoris were a great peoplo deserving all the help and support that the Church could give in developing their splendid qualities of character. Tho report was adopted. The assembly received, a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance asking for the support of the Church in tho prohibition campaign. It was decided that tho assembly would do all in its power to assist.