A MISSION TO GUMDIGGERS.

Wairoa Bell, Volume IV, Issue 155, 22 July 1892, Page 2

A MISSION TO GUMDIGGERS.

The Primitive Methodists of Auckland have taken the initiative in establishing a mission to gumdiggers and bushmen in the lonely parts of the North. Eor a long time it has been felt that something should he done towards carrying the gospel into the many camps where the voice of prayer is seldom or never heard, and in order to gather information as to population, distances and other essentials the Primitive Methodist Executive in Auckland despatched Mr George Field on a six weeks’ mission amongst the camps. Mr Field was chosen as he, having been a digger himself, was thoroughly conversant with camp life and the ways of diggers, and was well fitted by experience for such a rough journey in such rough weather. In addition to this Mr Field had a desire to enter the work and was prepared to make sacrifices for the purpose. Those who during last season dug at Tikinui will remember Mr Fields’ services there, and the people of the Redhill are also acquainted with his face and voice. Mr Field left Auckland six weeks ago on his present journey and lias made his way from Helensville to this district holding meetings at whatever camps he could get a In u-ring and speaking to diggers in their whales and on the wayside. He has come through Port Albert, Wellsford, Waylay, Tokatoka and on to Babylon, Flaxmill, Scotty’s Camp, Wharau and other places. He speaks very well of the treatment he received from diggers and during his six wee.ks he has addressed some six hundred men in dlfferent meetings and found them very attentive hearers. At some places he had a little difficulty in gaining- a footing- for a meeting lout generally succeeded. At one camp ho was directed to the Major’s house as a suitable one for a meeting but the occupant seemed decidedly opposed to

having his house turned into a meeting house, and said also it would be impossible to" get the men to attend. He however afterwards promised the. use of his room on condition that at least twelve men attended- The offer was accepted -&nd Mr lield had the pleasure of demanding admittance at the head of a band of fourteen men and a happy meeting was held, after which he was treated with the utmost hospitality by the Major, who at parting expressed a hope that he would pay the camp another visit shortly. Mr Field returns to town this evening to make his report ana diggers will be eager to know whether the mission is to be established. The season of the year has been very much against the work but it is to be hoped that what has beeu done may lead to good work in the dry season when diggers congregate more together. Mr Field has done good but much yet remains to be done surely the philanthropists of our northern capital can d® something towards the much needed work.