ANTAGONISM TO WHITE RACE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21418, 9 March 1935, Page 14

ANTAGONISM TO WHITE RACE

NATIVES' ATTITUDE TO INTRUDERS DIFFICULT IKS OF MISSION' V. (Mi K "The European confidently marching to lake possession of every desirable spot pn the face of the earth; the native populations mad with rage against the European for his impudence and his resistless might: (heir various physicians and surgeons trying to dispel the diseases and heal the wounds inflicted by humanity upon itself—these three movements we find in the world to-day," said the Rev. H. Bond James, speaking to the assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand last evening. Mr James, a member of the London Missionary Society, stationed at Rarotonga, took as his subject "Foreign Missions and the Changing World." "The subject we are dealing with is as broad as geography, as long as history, as deep as human nature, and as high as the purpose of God in the world," he continued. "In the countries that have been occupied by the European race, the native people are not very pleased that we have broken into their homes and decided to live for the rest of uur lives with them. The Indians would be glad if we packed up and returned to our own lauds; the Chinese would like to drive the foreign devils into the .sea; the Samoans say, distinctly and passionately, 'Samoa for the Samoans.' Even in Rarotonga. where they respect our persons and appreciate our presence, they hope that we shall not stay too long. Why do these people want to preserve their own traditions and reap their own harvests according to their own plans and purposes? There are natives in New Zealand who work and pray for a time when a Maori will have supreme rule in this country. Nationality and a consuming desire for self-expression and self-determi-nation are surging in the minds of these native peoples." Attempts at New Order There were also attempts, among white people as well, to use ail knowledge and modern inventions to create a new order of tilings. Some of the attempts were fiercely and blatantly anti-Christian, others more moderate. In this ceaseless and seething movement, the Chn'stian Church could be perceived, with her message of reconciliation to God. seeking to establish brotherhood among men. The Church was feeble, hesitant, divided, conscious that the work was perhaps more than she could accomplish. She was, nevertheless. "Faint yet pursuing." Mr James then outlined the history of the relations of Great Britain with Rarotonga, the threat of French occupation, and its final inclusion among British possessions. He also detailed England's early negotiations with China and their subs--ciuent relationships. Continuing, he dealt with the administration of Rarotonga, its trade, the imposition of Sunday work and the industrialisation of the East. "There is an intense antagonism felt by the native races toward the white race. They would be better friends apart, but they have bee! 1 , thrown together, by government, trade, education, travel, and service. One of the great difficulties of modern times is that they arc incompatible. To many of us a black skin is an insurmountable barrier to communion. If you have contemnt in your heart toward a coloured nan vou can never hide it from him. He reads you like an open book. A National Question "The question, at one time a question for the missionary, the trader, the Government official, and the native, is now one to be decided by the citizens of the country. Although the policies of governments may be humane and the courts of justice hold an even balance, while there is social and political inequality there will be bitterness and strife. The treasures of knowledge, of leadership, of order and justice in administration have been given to the white man, not to raise him up on a pedestal, but to enable him to serve his weak and inexperienced brother." The speaker then dealt with the attempts which had been made to institute a better order. He and his congregation believed that there was one remedy for all the ills of life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But there were other preachers in the field beside the missionary. Communism, Fascism, and other forms of intense nationalism all had their adherents. Men such as Lenin and Mussolini were men of conviction and purpose, of consecration to a particular task. The task of the Church was to change to meet the changing world. It must embody brotherhood in its life. It must, hold fast to the things that did not change, love of God, the needs of man. and the fullness of Christ.