INTERESTING LECTURE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3813, 3 July 1928, Page 3

INTERESTING LECTURE

In the Methodist Church last evening a most interesting and instructive lecture was given by Rev. W. Beckett, of Levin, on “A Winter’s Holiday in Fiji.” After giving a brief account of the voyage the lecturer introduced his audience to Suva and Fiji. He gave a very interesting account of Suva, describing the principal buildings and parks and the condition of life there. In telling of the various islands he visited in the ten weeks tour, the lecturer referred to the beautiful rivers and mountains and the various scenery, the mode of travel, and the native life and habits. In tracing the history of Fiji, the lecturer traced the history of the missions. In the middle of Suva a monument is erected to the memory of the two first Methodist missionaries, who landed on the islands in 1835, and he spoke of the wonderful change that had taken place since then. He gave a graphic description of the Martyred missionary' with Gor 7of his native helpers who were killed on their way to the hill country to preach the Gospel of Peace, also of the wondorous results of the labours of John Hunt, who died at. the early age of 37, also of .7. B. Suckling, who laid down his life after a year’s service during the great epidemic of 1918. A very interesting account was given, of a Sunday in Fiji. Ah'. Beckett starting out early one Sunday morning with a. party of 15 down the river in a boat'. Going down the river 12 men got off at various places to take services in the native villages, most of them three or four miles back in the bush. Three of them proceeded to a small island. Balm, which used to be the ancient capital and is still the seat of the king and queen. The service commenced at 11 o’clock and as they approached the church not a soul was to be seen but on entering the large building there were some hundreds of men, women and children assembled. He said there were not more than six of the whole of the inhabitants absent. The service was of a most inspiring nature and resembled a real old Methodist service. The king and queen were both present. After the service the queen held a class meeting for the women and there the queen, a beautiful Christian woman, lead her people to the throne of grace. During the afternoon the Sunday school was held and a “love feast” attended by over 80 people who gave their testimonies. Later in the afternoon Mr. Beckett said to some of the natives “1 would like some eocoanhts” as he wanted to sen them climb the long straight cocoanut palms. But they said “No, it is Sunday; we will get you as many as you like to-morrow.” And on the Monday he had more cocoanuts than he required. The lecture throughout was full of interest and thoroughly enjoyed by those piesent.