ABOUT A MISSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6623, 12 September 1908, Page 9

ABOUT A MISSION

OPERATIONS IN TUB ISLANDS. Persons interested in the work of tho •Melanesian Mission attended in largo numbers at the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening, to hear of its progress and prospects. This particular mission, said tho Ven. Archdeacon FonooUrt, who presided, was hold in very high esteem by all who sympathised with tiro missionary efforts of the ohurch. For the sake of the very Ufo of tho church herself it was neceSuary that she should put forth all her strength and energy to give life and MrengUt to others. A strong plea for the mission was mado by tho New Zealand commissary of tho .Ushop of Melanesia, the Rev. C. C. Harper, of Palmerston North. IT© do* Miod that the missionaries deprived the people of other races of their own religions, and said that on the other hand M was really the contact with tho commercial hnd political agents of western civilisation by which those religions were destroyed. The mifsionarics* hardest work was among thoso native® who had come into touch with Englishmen. The curse of the English nation was that \rhonovor its people went for commercial purpose© or for political reasons Nioro tho missionaries found it hardest to touch the* native witff the messago of the gospel of love. Tho work done by tho mission in Melanesia was described by Mr R. G. Coates, the' organising secretary. Tho speaker’s remarks were illustrated by a fine series of lantern slides. Before dispersing, tho mooting passed hearty votes erf thanks to tho speakers.