MISSIONARY HARDSHIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21160, 18 April 1932, Page 12

MISSIONARY HARDSHIPS.

WORK IN CARPENTARIA. ACCOUNT BY BISHOP'S WIFE. Missionary bishops know a good deal about hardship in carrying out their jobs, and tho various heads of the Church of England dioceso of Carpentaria have had some rough experiences. And there are tho wives of tho bishops to bo taken into account. Mrs. Davies, tho helpmate of tho present bishop, has lately given an account of tho daily round at Thursday Island, tho headquarters of tho diocese. For woman companionship there aro Mrs. Macfarlane, tho wifo of tho mission priest, and the wives of the permanent residents, including the pearlers. Tho various social, religious and school organisations give plenty of occupation, and thero aro breaks when Mrs. Davies goes touring the diocese with her husband. The journeys in Torres Straits are made in the mission lugger, tho Herald, a 10-ton craft with a nativcr skipper and a crew of four boys. Accommodation is rather cramped, as there is only ono cabin for tho bishop and Mrs. Davies, and that forms tho sleeping room, dining room and storeroom.

Moa Island is the headquarters of tho mission to the natives, and has a hostel, where girls who have been given a high school education ale trained as teachers. At Moa also arc companies of Guides and Brownies, who are noted for their singing and folk dances. "Church and mission workers up there in the blue tropical seas," says a correspondent, "are too busy to be bored. It is a beautiful service."