LECTURE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1901, 8 June 1889, Page 3

LECTURE.

A verv interesting lecture upon Missionary Work in the South Seas was delivered by the Rev. Mr Blake at the Presbyterian Church, Temuka, on Wednesday evening. The Rev. J. Dickson, who presided, briefly introduced Mr Blake, and expressed a hope that his address would have the effect of stirring up some lively interest in the work that was now being done in the islands of Polynesia. The Rev. Mr Blake, after a few prefatory remarks, proceeded to describe the eastern group of islands, those marked on the chart as the Hervey or Cook’s Islands. The name was taken from the smallest island of the group, but the one principally known was Raratonga. This island was described as being about 30 miles in circumference, of volcanic formation, and clothed with beautiful verdure. Its peculiar reef boundaries afforded several excellent harbors. It was first explored by Missionary Williams in 1823. At that time the natives had an unenviable reputation. They were savages of the worst and fiercest class, but their high order of intelligence made them amenable to the influence of the courageous and earnest missionary. In a comparatively short period a chapel 150 ft x 56ft, and with supporting pillars to the roof of 25ft, was erected. It was provided with 10 doors and 20 windows. In this spacious chapel Divine worship was held for several years. Subsequently it was destroyed by fire. In 1828 it was rebuilt, but destroyed by a fearful hurricane in 1832. The settlement was then a model Christian village, with good roads, regular and systematic cultivation, and the recognised order of a high state of civilization. After its destruction in 1832 vigorous efforts were made, and the settlement was restored, A printing press was brought from Tahiti, in the Society Islands, and the Bible was translated into the several dialects, and three editions were sold. These Bibles were paid for in produce, chiefly in arrowroot, and the rev. lecturer gave a few instances of several amounts raised by this means. He also compared the language of the islands with the Maori tongue. Both possessed only 13 letters in their alphabet, and they were in many respects similar. The last chapel erected held 1600 persons, and was regularly filled. The earliest converts had sent out some of their number to neighboring islands, and it was decided to erect a mission training institute. This was accomplished and was in existence until 1846, when a cyclone destroyed almost everything. Help in the shape of tools, clothes, &e., was sent one from England where many people were roused to keen sympathy by the disasters which had befallen the settlement, and in an incredibly short period 83 huts, 50 houses of similar structure, and 40 houses of stone were erected. A chapel was also built by the united labor of 300 natives. The mission training institution went on apace. Each candidate was required to be a member of the Church for 12 months prior to admission. There were generally about 20 candidates on probation, who lived on the property connected with the mission, and supported themselves partly by cultivating the land, and partly from assistance afforded them. ■ Each student cost: about £5 per annum. The cost of the ordinary working expenses was about £3 per week. In 1852 the first united communion was held. An interesting account was given of the method of growing and preparing arrowroot. The seed was planted in rows, and matured in about 6 months. It was then dug up, the roots grated, washed, dried, powdered, and sifted. In its marketable state it barely fetched per lb. By its means, however, some £3OO per annum was raised for the work of settlement. The next island dealt with was Manaia. Its King was the oldest Christian in the island. Eor 40 years he has been a Christian and a staunch teetotaller. It was in 1854 that the first Christian teachers were permanently located there. The lecturer paid a high tribute to the work done by them, and said that as many as 300 natives had been known to attend an early morning service. 900 children might be seen at the schools, and the church accomodated 2000 persons. He then proceeded to describe the routes of the mission vessels —the Dayspring, Southern Cross, John Williams, and John "Wesley—the property of different denominations, but he rejoiced aiding each other in every way. A very interesting account was also furnished of the habits of the natives prior to the visits of the missionaries. Incidentally an early communion service was described, at which the chalice was a cocoanut, the patines of pearl shell, and while the elements were the fruit and juice of the cocoanut. The methods adopted by the natives for fishing were also graphically described. New Guinea was described as being about 1400 miles long aud of about 3 times the area of Great Britain. Missionary work was commenced there 17 years ago by missionaries who bad had previous experience in the neighboring islands. Its principal geographical features were described, and also the I habits of the natives Papuans as [they are called." The houses wore [ very large and neatly built. The mission steamer employed was the Ellengowan, the gift of Miss Baxter.

I The natives were described as of good i physique, but of a low order of civilization. The women were the main workers, and the influence of the Gospel was badly needed to do away with the degradation of women. The lecture was illustrated by sketches of different buildings, the tattooing of the natives, the mission vessel Ellengowan, &e:, &c., as well as by maps, and throughout the interest of the audience was well sustained. At its conclusion Mr Guild moved a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was carried by acclamation. The chairman intimated that it was intended to show their interest in the work by sending a mission box to the proper authorities, and subscriptions to it were invited. A hymn was then sung, and a collection made for the Sunday School. The Benediction was then pronounced, and the audience dispersed.