MISSIONARIES’ TASK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 921, 14 March 1930, Page 11

MISSIONARIES’ TASK

WORK IN THE SOLOMONS SAVING THE RACE "The real task of the misionaries in the Solomons is to save the race. It is a question of saving the people, through individuals, from a state of almost indescribable savagery.’"' Th© Rev. J. F. Goldie, a pioneer Methodist missionary in the. Solomon Islands, was the guest of honour at a farewell gathering in the Pitt Street Methodist Church last evening. Mr. Goldie is returning to his work in the Solomons. Mr. Goldie also stated that the work of the misionaries was to train those of the natives who are to teach their fellows. He emphasised the need of better hospital and medical facilities In the Solomon Islands. There were at present two hospitals in the particular district in which he was working, and although they w - ere built of native materials and were of a temporary nature, the medical men were: doing great work under most adverse conditions. EDUCATIONAL NEEDS The greatest educational need was extension of the training institutions for the young natives who had decided to undertake the work of spreading the Gospel among their fellows. “I feel under a deep obligation to the people of New Zealand for the enjoyable twelve months I have spent here,” Mr. Goldie said. “In years to come men will understand the work of the missioners better, and I believe that their work will not be allowed to die. lam proud of the work the New Zealand Methodist Church has done in that connection.”

“All the sick in the district for 200 miles come to us for treatment,” said Mrs. Goldie, in urging the necessity for a proper hospital. “Sickness is prevalent, especially among babies, in such a fever-stricken country.” The Rev. W. Walker, minister of the Pitt Street Church, said the church had always interested itself in missionary work, and one aim which it had been holding in view was the building of the Helena Goldie Hospital.. On behalf of the church he presented a cheque for £IOO to Mrs. Goldie, and expressed the hope that the building might soon be undertaken.

A welcome was extended to Mr. A. Peak, the newly-elected vice-president of the Methodist Conference, who presided.

Mr. Goldie’s fine work as president of the conference was mentioned by the Rev. E. Drake, Mr. A. J. Butler, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, foreign missions’ secretary, who presented a casket of inlaid New Zealand woods to Mr. and Mrs. Goldie; and Miss Somerville, who spoke on behalf of the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary Society. During the evening two songs were sung by Mr. F. Sutherland-