30 Years’ Service.

Mr. Bond-James Retires.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Jan. 26.

AFTER devoting practically the whole of their lives to mission work in the Eastern Pacific, the Rev. Bond-James and Mrs. Bond-James left by the “Ma kura” on January 30 for New Zealand.

Mr. Bond-James and his wife have served the London Mission Society for over 30 years, first in the Cook Group, then at the Ellice Islands, for a short period in Samoa and, during the last 20 years at headquarters of the Society’s Cook Islands branch, Rarotonga.

Such prominent and respected resi dents were not allowed to depart with out many functions being arranged in their honour. Prominent amongst these was a farewell gathering of friends ar ranged by Judge Ayson at his official residence, “Ngatipa,” at which a cheque donated by the European community was handed to Mr. Bond-James.

A round of leave-taking functions were given by the natives, presents of all kinds being heaped upon the missionary, his wife and daughter.

One of the practical results prominent in London Mission work here is that re lated to education. Many responsible positions in private firms and several in the Administrative offices have been suc cessfully filled for years by native as sistants educated at the Mission School conducted by the missionary and his wife prior to the opening of Government schools.