MELANESIAN NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 438, 2 December 1930, Page 2

MELANESIAN NEWS

A CHEQUERED REPORT

A report of wonderful work under adverse circumstances comes from Bishop Molyneux of Melanesia in the “Southern Cross” Magazine. The fine old boat suffered two disablements in the last voyages, causing much inconvenience and loss and demonstrating that the two smaller new vessels arc not being got ready too soon. The islands have suffered a widespread outbreak of the so-called “infantile paralysis” which attacks adults as well as children and has caused great trouble and sorrw, with extra suffering as the ordinary comforts which go with civilisation are often lacking in the islands Mention is made all through the report of work waiting to be done, but prevented by shortage of funds while two women’s schools which were of great value and highly appreciated had to be closed down temporarily —a thing which has caused great sadness among the workers.

From some of the islands, where the work has steadily been maintained, the the reports arc most cheering. Vureas is one of these. The Bishop says: “The school under Mr and Mrs Tcall has had a record year. Health has been good and the numbers have been higher than ever and I felt that as I need not reduce numbers as I have had to do in the Solomons. This is duo to the fertility of the soil and the careful management of Mr and Mrs Teall. Fortunately we had not the expenses of paid labour and the boys besides producing much of their food, managed to make copra of the station coconuts. It is a beautiful and happy place and good teachers are being trained to fill some of the gaps in the South. Torgil, to my sorrow, has been closed for a year.” Very interesting is the account of the hospital at Fauba, in which many New Zealanders have taken an interestThe Bishop has obtained a 99 years’ lease of 120 acres, as the Government does not allow purchase of native land. The “Southern Cross” has done good work in carrying materials from other places for the hospital buildings, which are in charge of Dr. Maybury. . New Zealand has taken much interest in this hospital and it is hoped will keep this kind thought alive and working. It is mentioned that bandages are much wanted for the Mission School at Lolowai in the New Hebrides. Old linen cut up into widths would do for some and it is hoped that on the next voyage of the “Southern Cross” there will be some parcels sent. Gifts of old linen from Wanganui, clean medicine bottles and hot water bags are gratefully acknowledged from the various sources and the deep appreciation of Dr. Maybury and others is recorded.

After showing that certain debt.have been paid off through the chocking of the work and consequent saving of money, the Bishop makes the following statement: “There has been no extension work with the exception of the medical work, for which special money had been provided and which funds could not have been used in other directions. With this exception it is felt bv those in charge of finance in New Zealand that the Mission has been ‘standing still.’ The extension of God’s work has been held up, at least temporarily. ”