THE BIBLE SOCIETY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 45, 22 February 1936, Page 8

THE BIBLE SOCIETY

"THE work of the British and Foreign Bible Society docs not come before the general public in any dramatic way. It cannot do that, and in consequence it is under a handicap in its appeal for public support. Yet it is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this society and its work. Those who are familial' with the history of New Zealand will appreciate how much contact and association between the pakeha and the Maori was facilitated by the spread of Bible teaching and the distribution of copies of the Bible in the Maori tongue. As far back as the year 1827 the New South Wales Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society printed in Sydney a volume of Scripture extracts translated into the Maori language by C.M.S. missionaries. The first book printed in New Zealand was the Gospel of St. Luke in Maori, which was printed by Mr. Colenso at Paihia in 1835. The New Testament, translated by the Rev. Walter Williams (afterwards Bishop) was first printed by the C.M.S. in 1837, the Bible Society contributing largely to the cost. The Maoris showed their gratitude by generous offerings of maize and potatoes (whieh realised a very considerable sum: and these formed the first donations from New Zealand to the Bible Society. During the last year of the society's work the following volumes and Scriptures have been issued: — Bibles 1.058,867 Testaments 1,075,827 Portions 8.835,916 Total 10.970,609 Tn this war-worn world the importance of the insti’UTnent'foT the dissemination ot the greatest measure of goodwill among •non, needs no emphasis, and assistance of the society whieh ■•■ake-s *'iis important, work its sole purpose is fully merited.