NEW MODERATOR

Chronicle (Levin), 31 October 1946, Page 7

NEW MODERATOR

(Special Correspondent).

presbyterian chcrch

WANGANUI, Oct. 29. The new Moderator of the Presbvterian Church of Xew Zealand, the Rt. Rev. Herbert Davies, who has returned from missionarv work in Cliina, wTas installed by the retiring Moderator, tlie Rt. Rev. J. W. McKenzie, former senior ehaplain to the 2nd X.Z.E.F. in the Midclle East, when the General Assemblv opened in Wanganui toniglit. St. Paul's Church was crowded, 267 delegates being present from all parts of Ihe Doniinion. In addition, there were many delegates who will attend the annual conferenee of tlie Presbvterian Women 's Missionarv Union, which opens in Wanganui tomorrow. "Your long and conspieuous years of service as a missionarv have won for you the admiration, gratitude and affeetion of all our people," said Mr. !McTveu/.ie, in installing Mr.- Davies. ' ' They reward you for the work of a lifetime with this high honour, and have elected yoii by unanimous vote. " ilr. Davies said that liis work had been a very small contribution to the Church. He had been associated, however, with men and women who had been an example to him of what Christion service should mean. The business of the Assemblv, which will extend into next week, will begin tomorrow. AIi-. Davies has had a long and dis•hingnished career as a Presbvterian missionarv in China. Born in Auckland on November 13, 1S76, AT r. Davies attended St. Stephen 's Xative School and the Wellesley Street School and Grammar School. He served for several years in the Government Life Tnsuranee Department. Wellington, and, receiving n call to tlie ministry, attended lectures at Victoria Pniversity College and Otago Universitv. He graduated master of arts. He received his theological training at Knox College, Dunedin, graduating in 1907. Tn that year, the Presbvterian Young Men's I3ible . Class Pnion unanimonsly nominated him to be "their own" missionarv to China, and ATr. Davies was ordained and set apart for that work in St. John's Church, Wellington, in November, 1909. He sailed for China shortlv after, and, exccpt for periods of furlough in Xew Zealand, remained there until 1945, when he was repatriated after thc defeat of the Japanese. Both Mr. and Mrs. Davies were interned when Japan .entered the war against Great Britain, and from Deeember, 1941, to V.J Day were imprisoned, AFrs. Davies in Stanley Camp, ITong Ivong, and Mr. Davies in Oanton and later in Shanghai.