VISITOR TO TIMARU

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20669, 6 March 1937, Page 8

VISITOR TO TIMARU

BISHOP OF TANGANYIKA A visitor to Timaru to-day will be the Right Rev. G. A. Chambers, Bishop of Central Tanganyika. Dr Chambers, who has had several years of strenuous work in his missionary diocese of Central Tanganyika, will preach at St. John’s, Highfield, to-morrow morning and at St. Mary’s to-morrow night. In an interview, Dr. Chambers referred to the vast possibilities of the work, to the dearth of workers, fewer in number now than several years ago. The grave need was money for the extension work which so urgently waits. The diocese had lost £6,000 because of adverse exchange since 1930. He regarded the work as one of wonderful progress. It was because of the progress that more difficulties were arising. As the confidence of the natives was gained, more came for assistance. There were such instances as medical supplies for a year lasting only two months. Africa was leading, at least, individual Europeans closer to God. Tanganyika’s Future The Bishop remarked: “South Africa is vitally concerned in the future of Tanganyika territory, for it would be a serious menace to its security if a possible enemy base were so close. The agitation in Germany had considerable repercussions in Tanganyika, but there is no provision in the mandate for its termination or its transfer,” he added.

The most interesting recent development in the diocese, was the holding of Its first Synod, which was attended by 175 delegates. Some men came from the borders of the Belgian mandated territory, 1,000 miles Inland, “African leadership is one of the great needs of the future," said Bishop Chambers, "and one of the contributions we can make is in the training for such leadership. The people are a virile and attractive race, who are realising their need for education. Everywhere the chiefs are asking for schools for their boys.” Bishop Chambers said that nurses in Africa were kept very busy. In addition to healing the sick and caring for lepers, the nurses were training African girls. At one hospital there were 15 of these native girls in training.