CONGREGATIONAL CHUHCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3435, 15 April 1879, Page 3

CONGREGATIONAL CHUHCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Lost Sunday the anniversary services in connection with the Congregational Church Sunday School were conducted by the Kev W. J. Habens, 8.A., and Kov E. Walker, the pastor. In the afternoon, at the service for the Sunday scholars, Mr Habena gave some account of the state of New Guinea as it had been described to him by the Rev J. Chalmers, who had just returned from his work in that country. He spoke of the heroic conduct of the late Mrs Chalmers in circumstances of danger and trial, and of the confidence with which the Natives had learnt to regard her before she was obliged to leave them to seek medical aid in Sydney, where she died in the month of February of this year. He stated that Mr Chalmers had never stationed any of the Polynesian teachers at any place where he had not himself previously established friendly relations with the Natives, by visiting them and staying with them, and that in Mr Chalmers' opinion the poisoning of three Native teachers and their wives waa duo to the desire of the Papuans to obtain possession of their stores. Mr Chalmers had since visited both the places where these murders took place, and the natives had declared that the teachers eimply died. The natives, however, had offered compensation, and expected him to take revenge. His plan of dealing with them waa to leave them without teachers for a year or two, while neighbouringsettlements were allowed to enjoy the privilege of having teachers among thorn. Ho had refuaed compensation, and would not on any account avenge the death of the teachers. He never carried arms, though he had often slept in the midst of thousands of armed savages. He found that by trusting them, and proving that he desired their welfare, he could travel in comparative safety. Mr Habens gave aox&e information.

as to the character and customs of the natives, and aa to the noble conduct of the Polynesian teachers. He stated that Mr Chalmers was of opinion that a hundred teachers might safely and usefully be placed along the coast, and that the prospects of the Mission were now more hopeful than ever. The boat for which the children here had sent a contribution was now being built at Sydney, and Mr Chalmers would take it with him on his return.