SOUTH SEA ISLANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16666, 11 April 1916, Page 7

SOUTH SEA ISLANDS

SUCCESS OF THE MISSIONS. THE BENEFITS OF EDUCATION. Press Association —By Telegraiph—Copyright. SYDNEY, April 10. A deputation of ministers from the headquarters of the London Missionary Society has returned from an extended visit to the Society's stations in the South Seas and Papua. One thing which impressed the deputation was the results of secular education which the society has provided. Practically throughout all the islands there is not an adult who is unable to Tead and write, a fact comparing well with England and Australia. In many of the islands a form of government has not long been established, but everywhere it is becoming more and more acceptable to the natives, and is doing greater and greater work, in the Gilbert Group especially and in the islands under New Zealand's administration.. .... -• ;r ,--

In Samoa they found the -warmest interest taken in the natives' welfare, and they earnestly hoped there would be no desire to introduce Indian or Chinese labour. In Fiji it had spoiled the natives, as they found there was no reason to work. They should be encouraged to develop plantations, and similarly in Papua. The latter country had a great future, and few realised what a beautiful country it was.