MISSIONARY WORK IN FAR COUNTRIES

Shannon News, 21 May 1929, Page 4

MISSIONARY WORK IN FAR COUNTRIES

Two interesting addresses on Nigeria from the aspect of a missionary were delivered in Palmerston North this week by Mr David Osborne, of the Sudan Interior Mission. .On Monday evening, in the Congregational Church* he dealt with the pagan element, and on Thursday night, speaking in the Empire Hall, took as his subject the Mahommedan population. The government of Nigeria was British, but native rulers still held power in their own small districts, more particularly in the northern half where the followers of the prophet were in the ascendant. It was in the south that the missionaries were able to do most work because the Government would not permit them to attempt to convert portions of the north, as it was feared that a religious war might be caused. The pagan element in the south had, however, no firm conviction and formed a good field for the missionaries.

Mr Osborne had many .interesting lantern slides illustrating the life and customs of the Nigerians. He also showed a picture of Mecca, showing the hordes of Moslems making their annual pilgrimage to the Holy City.