AN INTERESTING VISITOR.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 292, 13 June 1929, Page 5

AN INTERESTING VISITOR.

REV. J. F. GOLDIE. LiTe in the Savage South Seas. An important and interesting visitor to Putaruru on Monday was Rev. John F. Goldie, president of the Methodist Conference of New Zealand, who has spent 27 years in the Solomon Islands. As is only to be expected from one having such a long resilience in ti*e islands, Mr. Goldie is an authority on tiie Ine and iiaoits of the natives, and his help and opinion have oiten been sought by the Government Administration. Mr. Goidie holds a seat on the Advisory Council to the Commissioner of the Soiomons.

Despite the heavy rain that fell the Methodist Church was well filled on Monday night, when Mr. Goldie gave a thrilling account of his experiences. Rev. H. Ashworth presided and briefly introduced the speaker. Mr. Goldie contrasted the difference made in the natives by their reception oi the Gospel, such difference not being confined to religious matters but also embraced the political and commercial sides of their lives. The missionaries held that religion should embrace the whole of life, so with that end in view the work is not confined to the spiritual but also included the development of industrial, agricultural and educational facilities. In the latter sphere the system was one of academic agricultural and manual instruction.

The mission had two hospitals under the charge of doctors from New Zealand, and staffs of trained nurses. Last year in one hospital 25,500 cases were dealt with, while in another opened in the island of Choiceul in December 10,070 cases had been dealt with up to the end of April. The natives appreciated what had been done, for 120 of them are engaged in preaching, and they have contributed £SOOO towards the funds of the mission.

To get the value of the missions one should not go to the “ beachcombers,” whose vested interests are being interfered with, nor to pettifogging Government officials, who are jealous, but the natives, who will soon let the inquirer know the value that they pine? on the Gospel. Accompanying Mr. Grid'? is Nr.than Kora, a Solomon Islands nat've, who gave a brief address in. his own language. Mr. Goldie Define ps interpreter. Kern also saTng several songs in the native tongue. The meeting was closed with prayer, and aup-eeiption was expressed at Mr. Goldie’s visit.