METHODIST CHURCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 October 1940, Page 10

METHODIST CHURCH

WOMAN’S AUXILIARY. INTERESTING ADDRESSES. The monthly meeting of the Methodist Church Women’s Missionary Auxiliary took the form of an evening function, when a reception was tendered to Sister Vera Cannon and Mrs Allen Rutter, of the Solomon Islands, who are visitors to Masterton, in the Methodist Schoolroom on Thursday night. The room was tastefully decorated with large bowls of broom and Iceland poppies, the work of Mrs J. Andrew. Mr F. G. Rutter occupied the chair. After the singing of “All Hail the Power of Jesus's Name,” a short period of prayer was conducted by the chairman followed by a solo, “Just a Little Word of Love,” sung by Miss D. Jamieson. Mr Rutter then welcomed Sister Vera Cannoli and asked her to speak. With, the aid of a map of the Solomon Islands, Sister Vera took her audience on a medical patrol of the island of Choisuel which is 100 miles long and 40 miles wide, surrounded by coral reefs. All travelling was done by canoe or launch. There are found some of the finest water scenery in the world. The women work in. the gardens and gather the wood while the men build the huts and grow the yams which need a great deal of digging. At each stopping place of the medicM launch, the natives gather from far and near to receive treatment from Dr. A. Rutter, while the Rev. E. T. Metcalf baptised children and held church services. A new hospital had been opened at Senga and was in charge of a native medical man, Amos, who keeps it in the best possible condition. At a church service held at Sehga thet’e were 400 in the congregation and 10 children were baptised. Another new hospital has been opened at Sezarhunga complete with theatre, dispensary and wards for both women and men. This also is in charge of native medical men and their wives who act as nurses., Mrs A. Rutter, wife of Dr. Rutter, of Roviana, spoke of the work of various missionaries and their wives in other parts of the Solomon. Islands A trio, “Awake, Awake, the .Morn is Here,” was sung by Mrs H. Speight and Misses Jamieson and O'Donnell. Miss C. Donald presided at the piano. Mr Cody expressed the thanks ot those present to the speakers and soloists and after the Benediction had been pronounced supper w’as served by a ladies’ committee.