THE NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 968, 8 November 1910, Page 2

THE NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

REFORM WORK SERIOUSLY HAMPERED. riUME MINISTER MAKES A PROMISE. A deputation representing the Foreign Missions Board of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand waited on the Prime Minister yesterday and pointed out a number of difficulties under which the Presbyterian missionaries in the New Hebrides are labouring. There were present :—Messrs. \V. F. Massey, J. Allen, T. K. Silky, and G. M. Thomson,, M.P.'s, the Rev. Dr. Gibb, and the Rev. W. M'Caw, and Mr. J. G. W. Aitken.

The deputation was introduced by Mr. Jas. Allen who said the case was one that neither New Zealand nor the Commonwealth could satisfactorily deal.with. The matter was of sufficient importance to bring before the Imperial Conference, and it was in this direction that the deputation desired the Prime Minister's aid. The trouble arose through breaches of the convention under which the Islands were administered, a very unsatisfactory condition having been brought about on more points than one. The result was that missionary work was being very seriously hampered. . ■ The Rev. Dr. Gibb said the matter was. not only of importance to the Presbyterian Mission, but it also concerned the cause of civilisation in the Islands. The convention under which the group was administered was being almost entirely set: aside. ."Wo are hero to say by the authority of our missionaries," he declared, "that the clauses with regard to both recruiting and the sale of intoxicating liquors are being constantly broken. Brenches of the regulations regarding the recruiting of women and girls were extremely common. Very few charges,- however, were brought against British-: residents, and -when laid, were at once inquired into by the British Cosimissioner. It was the French who were mostly responsible for the evils of which, the missionaries- complained, and he was afraid, only too frequently the charges: made against them were not inquired into at all. Even when the allegations were established, wholly ■ inadequate penalties were imposed upon French convention breakers by their authorities. The convention regarding the Bale of liquor was almost entirely disregarded. : A missionary writing to the Missions Committee of the Church alleged that matters had come to such, a pass that charges-fre-quently of a very serious nature made against French residents were not .even inquired into. One French trader boasted that he would continue-to sell liquor to natives in spite of- all the British gunboats or regulations. The statements, said Dr. Gibb, indicated that a very serious condition of nffairs existed. It really seemed to call for some interference on the part of tho British authorities if these calamitous conditions were to be. put an end to. . The French people were now starting to bring •'■ counter-charges against the missionaries which, however, were on the very face of them absurd. Testimony as to the,good work done.by the missionaries was freely offered by British naval officials and others. Tho Presbyterian S.Viiod, after careful investigation, liad absolutely disproved the charges of interference and hindrance brought against the' missionaries. Altogether, said Dr. Gibb, it was clear that tho antagonism on the'.part of the French towards the missionaries wns solely duo to tho protests the latter had been forced to make against, the frightful evils brought about by the French action. The 'extreme delicacy of the position was fully recognised, but tho deputation felt that, there was cei;tainly good reason why _ the Government should bring these scandalous abuses under tho notice of the Home authorities. . The allegations made by the speaker were supported by quotations from ..confidential communications. .

. The I?ev. W. M'Caw said' that the situation was exceedingly grave; so bad, indeed, that half a century's missionary worlc in the group was in daneer, of being voided altogether. All that they wanted was that the terms of tho convention should be strictly adhered to.

The' Prime Minister'said, the matter was a very important nnd a' very, diffi-cult-one. If the deputation , would set out its' representations in writing, and let hini have• them, lie would-be frlad. to send the memorandum on.to the British authorities by way of precedent, to tlio discussion at the Imperial Conference of matters in connection with. the New Hebrides. lie thought that full advice should be -pent Home, so that the authorities could consider the form in which the matter should be dealt with. He recognised the delicacy of the question, in view of the friendly relations existing between tlio British and French nations, but would be very glad to forward tho representations, with a view of seeing that the condition of affairs referred to should l>e put 'on a proper basis. Dr. Gibb pointed out that as it happeneil they would be able to get the endorsement of the ' Presbyterian General Assembly without delay, as it was meeting in Auckland this week.'

The Prime Minister: "If you will 'forward it to me I will send it on by the first mail." :