IN MELANESIA

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1926, Page 4

IN MELANESIA

A BISHOP’S PREFERENCE AUCKLAND, Aug. 23. “In only wish the people of Australia and New Zealand could have a vision of tho future,” said Bishop Afolyneux, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Melanesia, in speaking of white influence in Melanesia to the Rotary Club. He said that the first- white missionaries commenced work in the widely scattered group three-quarters of a century ago, and missionary work was “still going strong.” British influence was splendid, because behind it was the influence of the League of Nations. One of the great things they felt ought to bo done by tho Government was to bring medicine within the reach of the natives. At present the missionaries and planters acted as amateur doctors, but this was not sufficient.

Finally, Bishop Molyneux spoke of the necessity for British influence in the group. “There are three or four Frenchmen to every Englishman,” ho said. “Now is the time for British commercial influence to get a good looting. The franc is in a bad state. Some may say I am taking up an unfair attitude, but I say it is for the good of the islands and tho natives that there .should be British influence, no matter how it is gained.” Bishop Afolyneux said that the British resident was utterly disappointed in the lack of interest taken in the group by Australia and New Zealand.