MELANESIAN MISSIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 981, 26 May 1930, Page 12

MELANESIAN MISSIONS

CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION APPEAL FOR RIGHT VIEW "The sad thing is that people don't know what is being done by Christian missions in Melanesia and sadder still, many don't care. I ask any to whom this may apply to reconstruct his viewpoint of missionary work." This was the remark of Major 11. ir. Robinson; who addressed the Rotary Club this afternoon on The Melanesian Islands." He illustrated Ills impressions by lantern views secured on a tour of the Islands. Major Robinson told how the missions of several denominations were striving to establish the natives in peace and contentment. A irreat and noble work was be ins done in the endeavour to stamp otit disease, much of which had been brought by blackbirders and traders in the bad days. Although there still were hundreds of natives on the islands who had eaten human flesh, cannibalism was passing, on account of the influence of the mis-, sionaries. ■ . , . - After a visit to Melanesia, whtc i comprised the New Hebrides, and tn«j British Solomon Islands, no one could fail to be impressed with the magnificent work of the missionaries under conditions which often deprived them of health and not infrequently ended in death, said the speaker. The Melanesian Mission ha been leit a heritage to Xew Zealand by Bishop 1 Selwyn and it was up to the people of this country to lend sympathetic support. , . . In moving n vote of thanks, which was heartily given. Mr. A. 33. Bober - ton said he could well endorse Major Robinson’s remarks. Many of the missionaries were young fellows whose service often ended in broken health.