Pacific Missions

Traveller’s Observations

Mr. A. J. Vogan, P.R.G.S., who spends most of his time visiting outof-the-way parts of the Pacific Islands on archaeological and other investigations, has just arrived from Papua, and in a letter to this journal has expressed his usual outspoken opinions about the missions. Here are some of his less revolutionary views: “The best missions, of course, are the Roman Catholic, who are all over the Pacific. Their men are well trained, they have no other interests and their symbolisms . . . appeal to the material and practical minds of the natives. The Anglican missions are very honest, but they are not trained to the same extent and they seldom consider their posts as other than stepping stones to other fields.

The Methodist missions in my opinion are far too much concerned with trading and I do not like their policy of not teaching their pupils any language but Dobu ... In comparison with other missionaries, the Methodists receive high salaries and are expert traders.

“The most useful mission I have met in the Pacific is the Kwato Mission (Papua), of which the late Mr.

Abel (killed by a drunken motorist in London) was the founder and wonderfully successful head. Here, the children are taught not only real Christianity, but all the useful trades and arts. Their children are the happiest ones I have ever met with at a mission station and their creche for the babies or sick youngsters is a model. It is run by the most admirable Miss Abel, who was trained in London in weaving and other fabric arts.”