MISSIONS.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 27, Issue 5, 1 May 1937, Page 3

MISSIONS.

The debate on the missionary work of the Church at the recently held General Synod held at Hamilton showed that the Church is alive to

its obligations. The late Bishop Sadlier was praised for his vision and the resoluteness with which he brought it into operation; and it was regarded as a solemn duty to ensure the continuity of the New Zealand Anglican Board of Missions as the one and only missionary agency oO the Church of the Province.

It is true that there was a doubtful note expressed; based on the possibility (which had no foundation) of jealousy between the coordinated missions. But Major Robinson, secretary of the Melanesian Mission, clarified the position by explaining the appointment of Mr J. Wilson and appraising the very cordial and harmonious relations which existed and deepened between the Melanesian Mission and the Church Missionary Society and the other co-ordinated missions. The visit of the Bishop, of Central Tanganyika was commented upon: the Archbishop saying that the Bishop was the finest beggar who didn't beg that he had met. The general feeling was that although the Bishop had taken money out of the country he had given a great impetus to missionary enthusiasm m New Zealand.

The Bishop of Wellington, who has had great experience amongst the many missionary societies m England, expressed pleasure at tha harmony which existed m New Zealand m the fact that there was only one missionary agency. Archdeacon Bullock voiced the general feeling of Synod when he said that the N.Z.B.M. must grow m vision and m enterprise. The presence of the Bishop of Polynesia and one of his priests helped the Synod to realise her duty to Polynesia and to give Polynesia direct representation on the Board of Missions executive.

Altogether the interest shown m Melanesia, Church Missionary Sot ciety and Polynesia augurs well for increased support m this, the Church's primary work.