THE NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3566, 5 March 1886, Page 3

THE NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

A large and appreciative audience attended at the Presbyterian Church last evening to hear from the Rev. Mr Michelson ai) account of tho New Hebrides mission. MrMichehon has been laboring m the Islands for about eight years, and has seen some remarkable changes there m many ways. When he first visited them the natives wero barbarous and cannibals; now the majority of those who formerly persecuted are their warmest adherents, and the island on which most of his time was spent nine out of the ten villages are Christian, having five churches and about 500 attendants of public worship. He exhibited some native curiossuch as fansof cocoanut leaves, baskets, hats, necklaces of shells, breastplates, " ladies' " and " gentlemen's " dresses, and an universal hat rack, tho various uses of which were described by the lecturer man interesting manner. The blowing of several of the shells, and tho exhibiting of the hats caused considerable merriment among the younger portion of the audience. Mr Micholson is accompanied by a native chief, Manambalaea, who assisted m the blowing of tha shells, and also sang several hymns with the missionary. It was stated as likely that a considerable trade would spring up with the islands, m arrowroot and hats, the latter being of very fine and strong make. At the close of the lecture a collection was made, which resulted m a satisfactory addition to the funds of the mission. A number of the photos of Mr Michelson and Manambalaea were also sold. The proceedings were brought to a close by the showing of some excellent views with tho aid of a magic lantern.