"PRO BONO PUBLICO."

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1793, 18 November 1862, Page 3

"PRO BONO PUBLICO."

To lite Editor of the Wellington Independent* Sir, — Now that it is compulsory of the owners of carts, &c, to have the " name and residence " attached to their vehicles, may I suggest the propriety of the Government having the names of the streets duly labelled, in order that the public may find out where the owners of carts, &c, live ? BARIiETCOUN. Cuba-street, Wellington, November 17, 1862.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. On Sunday last, the Missionary Services at the Wesieyan Church in this City, were exceedingly well attended. The morning service was conducted by the Rev. J. Shaw, who preached an excellent sermon from 14 chap. John, 2 and 3 verses; the evening service was conducted by the Rev. J. Buller, who preached a very power, ful sermon from 1 Epistle John, 3 chap. 2 verse . The attendance in the morning was large, but that of the evening not only occupied every additional form that could be placed in the aisles and vestibule, but everywhere else where standing room could be found. The collection for the day amounted to £16 7s:, which though only a few shillings larger than that of last year, shows a more general appreciation of the object advocated since the largest coin this year was half a sovereign, while last year it was a £5 note. The Morning Sermon at the Htitt, was preached by the Rev. J. Buller, from 25th chap, of Exodus, 22nd verse ; and by the Rev. J. Innes in the evening, from Ist ■ chap. Epbisians, 10th verse. The collection is reported good, the exact amount we could not learn. Last evening a very crowded Annual Meeting took place in the Manners Street Church, Wellington. On the platform we were happy to notice the Rev. J. Moir (Free Church), W. Kirton (Kirk), and the Rev. H. W. Scott (Independent), together with Rev. Messrs. Aldred, Buller, Crump, Innes, and Shaw (Wesieyan). After devotional exercises John Jackson, Esq., J. P., of the Hutt, was moved to the chair, and the absence of several ministers explained, Mr. Woodward being in the Wairarapa, Mr. Smith at the Hutt, Mr, Viukers suffering from influenza, and Mr. Wat kin returned to Wanganui. J. Jackson, Esq., in takiDg the Chair, felt it was the duty of all to aid objects like the present in that particular sphere in which they best could. If an individual could not do much he could at least show that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of the Christ, and oftentimes in doing so become a means of strengthening others in their more active efforts. No doubt the present disturbed state of the Colony interfered much with Missionary operations, but he felt folly convinced, that eventually good would result from the evil which unfortunately how existed. The Rev. J. Crctmp read the following — REPORT. Wellington Circuit, 1862. f Jt will not be regarded as Prevalent if in the report of the proceedings and prospects of the Australasian Wesieyan Mission Society, we take a hasty glance at one or two interesting features, in the operations of the parent Society, on whose bounty the Australasian Society is still in part dependent for the means of carrying out the great Missionary work in this hemisphere. Ifc is worthy of note, that while the Wesieyan body at home is putting forth very earnest efforts and expending a very liberal sum, annually, for the spread of the Truth in foreign parts, she is also paying great attention to the wants of her streets and lanes. The objection is now destroyed that "we have as much as we can do with the heathen at home, " for it seems that the more of Christian effort and benevolence which flows in one channel, the more flows in the other. Special efforts aye directed to meet the spiritual wants of the masses atTiome. ~ Then how much brighter ia the sky looking in reference to. the operations of the Society in France.' There is the erection of good and eligible premises as a house for God's worship, as and residence for God's Messenger, and it i.« a matter of devout gratitude to God that not only are instances presented of the Gospel of Truth becoming the instrument of salvation; but of some being constrained by tho lovo of Christ, (and called by the Head of tho Church to preach tho Word of Life to others. Our prayerful sympathies and solicUudo go with the two noble and accomplished young men who havegoneinto Italy, to proclaim that truth which\ makes free indeed. The operations of the Australian Wesieyan Mission Society (and indeed of other kindred societies) are in unison with the desires of the regenerated heart. They aim at the spiritual benefit of all— of whatever colour, or lanfuage, or clime. Though this Society's efforts o not geographically included, China, yet a branch of its work is represented by the Chinese. — Leung A. Toe the Chinese agent of the Society, ia laboring among hia countrymen in Australia ; and indications are given that he is not laboring in vain. The condition of the Germans in South Australia has been considered by he Committee, who have resolved upon establishtng a mission amongst them. We cannot report the success we wish in reference to the Maori work in our own Islands. The Gospel Message is not appreciated. The God of this world has blinded the eyes of many. Happy exceptions, however, thank God, are found. There .are Maori hearts, that beat with true attachment to it. We cease not to give, thanks to God, in their' behalf. We recognise the obligation to hold forththe Woid of Life, and pray that the conduct of our countrymen may favor the; prevalence of the.Truth amongst them.

We trust that the sustained and even|increased contributions in New Zealand last year, may be regarded as indicative of the prevalence of that sound principle, that though our success may have been less than we expected, the obligation upon us is still the same — " Preach the Gospel to every creature," Let us learn to consider the voice of the^need of the World, as the echo of the claim of the' Saviour.

In Fiji it is pleasing to observe, that the num. ' er of Native Assistant Missionaries was increased '< ist year by about eight. The list of Mi9siona- ' ies and Assistant Missionaries, though long is far i rom meeting the demands of the work there. Chink of one Circuit, including 26 Islands, and it < vill be seen, that the Christian Church ought to ' vake up to a far more vivid and comprehensive , 'iew, of the claims of the dying Saviour and of the j j edeemed world , so that we may by personal self- ( acrifice— by a spirit of systematic benevolence, ' . md by consecration to God and his cause, secure ,t last the " well done good and faithful servant." The Fijians help themselves considerably, and J ommend themselves to our prayers and bid by j [iving practical proof, that they prize the Gospel, i In the Friendly Islands District, our brethren ire toiling hard and successfully, and we may add lappily and successfully. They have many diffimlties to meet. Thay'have not a few daugers to lave in the prosecution of their work, they request >ur prayers, the cause of God is worth your support. 3h, that we may be aroused to do, with our night, whatsoever our hand findeth to do in the Vineyard of the Lord ! The total ieceipts of the Home Society had >een £137,280; the expeuditure £138,811. The Austialian Branch for the same year 1861) collected £9,960, and expended £16,890, leaving a balance to he supplemented jy the Home Society of £6,930. The total imount collected in Wellington and the Hutt' 'or that year was £102 13s. IdRev. J. Mom moved — That the report now read be adopted, and that ;his meeting expresses its thanks to Almighty 3od for the encouragement afforded by his blessng on this and kindled institutions during the past year. [t was a simple detail of facts of an important md cheerful character, one of which was that he heathen at home are being attended to, as ,yell as the heathen abroad, thus obeying the spirit of the Saviour's injunction to his disciples :o" begin first at Jerusalem." There was a great nrork doing by all the churches in the lanes and illeys of Britain. Then again what a glorious fact it was that Missionaries could go to [taly and preach without being hindered. The report of matters in New Zealand was more satisfactory than could be expected. It was oo use to say how inconsistent these Maori jonrerts were, and say the Christianity of the natives was all a farce ; alas he could refer to many of his own countrymen who had not only been taught the gospel from their youth, but bad bad pious ancestors and ten times the privileges, who had proved quite as inconsistent. The Miiories were not all saints, nor were all sur owu countrymen. They heard talk of Maori degradation as incompatible with their reception of the Gospel, while they knew too well that it was not always those who had climbed the greatest height of civilization that evinced most religion in their conduct. He was a Calvanist, and believed that the Lord bad a people among the natives, yet he rejoiced in the truth which the Wesleyans feltthat it was their duty to preach the Gospel to every creature. His own people had lately been making a Missionary effort in connection with the ship John Knox, and had been very successful, although he gave the palm to the Wesleyans for knowing how to put out their strength thoroughly in the work they had in hand ; they were like a man who, though he might have but a few goods, knew how to decorate his window and secure cHstom, while some other churches were more like the man who had his shelves crowded, but not knowing how to display them toadvantage got rid of very few; the origin of the Wesleyan and other churches' was then traced by the speaker from t heir first bubling up, like a rill, until they had become like mighty rivers ; showing that God's spirit was not confined to this or that church, but was blessing all alike, quickening them to a greater sense of their responsibility, and urging to undertake the duties which that responsibility imposed. Re?. J. Innes briefly seconded the resolution, enforcing the nobleness of a cause which embraced the welfare of the entire family of man ; and pointing out the reflex benefit to churches which Missionary effort always conferred. Spiritual poverty was always to be found in those churches who cared little for the work of evangelising the heathen. Rev. H. W. Scott viewed the present meeting as a practical evangelical alliance, in which so many sections of Christ's Church were taking part. The resolution he had to move was, — That this Meeting, convinced that Gods' blessing alone can insure success, resolves to be more frequent, fervent, and persevering in prayer to Him on behalf of the Society's Missions, and on behalf of the kindred labours of other Protestant Societies, for the advancement of the Gospel throughout the world. The success of the past was abundant encouragement to ask for a still larger blessing. The most perfect agency was ineffectual without the life giving spirit of God. A locomotive was a perfect machine, but was of no use without steam to set it in motion. Prayer was such a catholic motive power, that every child of God possessed it, and could make it available fur the outpouring of God's Spirit on all the evangelistic efforts that were being made by Missionary and other kindred societies. He trusted the report of next year would contain proof that increased prayer had been made and answered. The success of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Tract Society, and the London Missionary Society, during the past year was narrated and the value of prayer as a means for sustaining and increasing that success, was ably enforced. Rev. J. Shaw reminded them that there Annual Meetings ought to impress upon them tho rapidity with which time was flying, and lead them to the conclusion, that we should work while it is day, looking for rest on the morrow. Reference had beeu made to the large circulation of the Word of God by the Bible Society —a Word which they were assured should uot return void ; a Word, which wherever it went scattered the moral darkness and proved still to be as the true light which cotneth down from above. From the Friendly Islands where he had formerly In bored, he had lately bad encouraging news, into the details of which he en- \ lered at considerable length. Rev. W. Kirton, moved — That the thanks of this Meeting are due, and are hereby presented to tho Committee, and to the Collectors and Contributors, for tho practical interest they have exhibited in aiding the funds of the Society : and that the following be the Committee for the ensuing year. Messrs. Lewis, Clark, Watkin, Austin, C. Luxford, Kinniburg. , N. Gooder, Chisholm, Rowden, Gell, and Moxham. Just as the instrumentality of man was made use of by God, for the production of temporal results, so it pleased Him to use the agency of man for the spread of the Redeemer's Kingdom. The Church universal was now showing ..its. vitality ; it could not be questioned that there . were evidences of this vitality equally as palpable as was the buds and blossoms of spring, and if we acted up to the responsibilities laid upon us, we might be sure that the Great Creator and Sustainer of all things would perfect those blossoms into fruit. ] Rev. J. Buxler expressed his gratification at meeting with so many old faces both iv the body of the Church and on the platform. He

rejoiced that so much friendly feeling was al ways manifested by the ministers of other churches, and yet the difference between them all was not so very great, and certainly never ought to stand in the way of their helpiug each Other. He briefly referred to the opinions which some professed relative to the unsettled slate of affairs in New Zealand, as having been caused by the Missionaries. They might, with about as much truth, say that the unhappy I war now going on in America was the result of the introduction of the Gospel into that country — one was equally as absurd as the other. He then introduced a native named Te Kote, who had been for the last two or three I years laboring in the Chatham Islands, and i havii g now been tried and found to be a good '. man and true, had been recommended to the Conference for ordination. Te Kote congratulated the meeting he had never seen anything like it before. He had formerly lived in darkness, Christ had shone, into his heart and dispelled that darkness. He went to the Chathams early in 1860, and bad labored principally among the aboriginies of those islands. He had induced them to give up some of their original habits and conform to the customs of Europeans and the more instructed Maovies of this Island. They had very largely abandoned drunkenness, for which until not very long 1 ago they were much given to. A collection having been made, amounting to £12 12s. 2d.a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, who expressed the pleasure which, as an Episcopalian, he had tali en part in v service where ministers of so many branches of Christ Chnrch had assisted. He felt that practically all denominations were on such occasions bound together uuder the one name of Christian. Notice was given of a communion service on Wednesday Evening, when the Rev. I J. Buller will preach at half-past six, when the Rev,J. Moir pronounced the benediction, and the meeting broke up about 10 o'clock.