The Southern Cross.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume X, Issue 12, 1 May 1920, Page 6

The Southern Cross.

The Southern Cross has been for many years a part of our Church ' ' plant. " It is the floating cathedral of the Melanesian Mission and: is m its way unique. Its nearest relation, so far as. our Church is concerned,, is the vessel of th'e Universities Mission that plies on Lake Nyasa m Central Africa. What 'we should do without the Southern Cross is a question we are less than ever called' on to discuss. Readers of the daily papers may have seen that Messrs Burns, Phiip and Co., who have for many years- past carried on a large trade between Sydney and some of the islands where our Mission works, are transferring the headquarters of their business from Sydney ,to: America. The,; perpetual strikes m Australia have made it impossible for the Company to carry on. The field may now remaiii clear for the enterprising Japanese shipping firms and the French Messageries Maritimes, which being-foreigners are handicapped by nonunions and can employ . native crews. The White Australia policy does apply to them. Some people used to-think the Melanesian Mission might work through the trading steamers, . but what, do they think now f There is a greater : ueeid thatt ever ifbic qiur Sbii-

them Cross. "Though it may cost some money now and then fonrepairs, v It^ is of priceless value, even commercinity, and apa?t from all its historic interest and association.- But: to those who care for the spread of the Gospel in -the South Seas it is .precious as being the Jonly; means whereby our scattered island diocese can be worked. Church people - o£ \ NiHw Zealand ! dp not let its claims pass :by unheeded. l^^ben ; we speak, of the Melanesian Mission needing, money, It is the ship., that absorbs the bulk of viour revenue;The .missionaries are not luxuriously paid, for the cost of tinned provisions and other necessaries is -very high. have your opportunity. 7 Of your lbye and liberality give, as God has prospered you. '