DUNEDIN METHODISTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19311, 24 October 1924, Page 11

DUNEDIN METHODISTS.

MISSIONARY ENTERTAINED. complimentary luncheon. The various Methodist circuits of New Zealand are at present being visited by the Rev A A. Bensley, whoso headquarters are ’in the Solomon Islands. Mr Bensley, who is accompanied by Mrs Bensley, is touring the dominion in the interests of the Methodist Church missionary work m the Solomon Islands. Mr Frank Thompson, of Christchurch, tho vice-president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, is also visiting Dunedin, and occasion was taken by tho local Methodist ministry and laity to efttertain Mr and Mrs Bensley and Mr and Mrs Thompson at a complimentary luncheon in tho Waratah Tea-rooms yesterday. The Rev. H. E.. Bellhouse (chairman “of the district) presided over a largo attendance, including a number cl ladies. After an enjoyable luncheon had been partaken of Mr Bellhouse said that it gave him very great pleasure to seo so many present, especially the largo number of laymen ‘lt was an excellent thing for the laymen of the various churches to meet at such a gathering as they did not have the opportunity to do so very frequently. ibo gathering was for tho purpose of paying a compliment to Mr Thompson and Mr and Mri Bensley, and they were very glad to have that opportunity. ’I he office ot . k> ' president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, continued Mr Bellhouse was the highest which could be occupied bv n lay member of the Methodist Church in New Zealand. That, position had been occupied by some of the first churchmen in the dominion, and he expressed regret that Mr E. A. Rosevear, who had held that office, was unable to be present at the githeiing. Methodists throughout Now Zealand held Mr Thompson in the highest respect, and there was no other labourer in the church who gave so much work as their guest. The ministry, also, had no more faithful friend than Mr Thompson. He was held in the very highest respect and affection. —(Applause.)' In referring to Mr and Mrs Bensley, Mr Bellhouse said that Mrs Bensley had spem; over five years in the Solomon Islands, first as a missionary sister and inter as a missionary's wife. —(Daughter and applause.) Mr Bensley had proved himself a missionary of the first order, and he was doing vtrv good work indeed. —(Applause.) no wished th’em every success m their mission among the natives. —-(Applause.) Mr W. H. Duke, on behalf of the laymen present, expressed a most cordial welcome to the guests, and said they were fortunate in having an opportunity of entertaining them. Such visits by missionaries increased the interest of church people in. I. work. The missionaries oJten smfored great inconvenience and hardships in the course of their work, which was often carried out in tropical climates where/ Europeans were prone to the attacks of level. Owing to ill-health Mrs Bensley had had to return to New Zealand in January last, as after onlv five years her health had beer, affected. This showed the devotion of the missionaries to their work, which they regarded as a labour of love. He urged those present to encourage their children to take an interest in missionary work, as on. them depended the welfare of the missionaries of the future. In renly, Mr Thompson expressed his thanks for the cordial welcome extended to Mrs Thompson and himself. He did not feel,that be deserved the chairmans eulogistic remarks; arty little thing tie had done for MethotJiyn was because of what it had done for liim. The position of vice-president had not meant a wry great deal of work es far as he was concerned, but be had been very much impressed by the brotherly spirit which existed at Methodist gatherings. It appeared to him that they were living in a very hopeful time, and ho was absolutely convinced that prohibition in the United States would prove a success and that when future historians chronicled the accomplishments cf this ago the enforcement of prohibition m America would stand out as one of tho achievements of the century. Tho Methodist Church had a great heritage, and it was the duty of tho church people of today to continue in tho faith of thoir forefathers. Mr Bensley said that it gave him great pleasure to meet the ministry, brethren, and members of the Women’s Auxiliary, as it enabled him to realise the strength of the church. He referred to the Rev. J. F. Goldie, who was in charge of the missionary field in the Solomon Islands, as a man who had gained the respect of all tho traders in the islands, although they might have but little regard for his religion. They respected him as a man and as a friend. There were seven missionaries in the field, five were fully ordained, two were probationers, and two were laymen. There were five missionary sisters, but there was a groat need for more. They were looking for missionaries to spread the Gospel truths among the uncivilised natives. Since the New Zealand Methodist Church had taken charge of the missionary work in the Solomon Islands good work had been done, but it was a work which could not be-carried on without the whole-hearted support of the church people. Ho did not think it would be necessary to seek assistance from tho Methodist Church in Australia, but-hoped that it could be continued by the Now Zealand Church. In conclusion, Mr Bensley again expressed his thanks for the kindly welcome accorded him in Dunedin. Proceedings closed with the ■ singing of the first verse of tho National Anthem.