Moa Island.

New College for Native Clergy.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Thursday Is., Feb. 24.

THE only Theological College in Aus tralia where native clergy are trained is that at St. Paul’s, Moa Island, in connection with Torres Strait Anglican Mission. The college was founded about seventeen years ago, the actual build ing being of coconut leaf and thatch; and, so far, six men have been ordained.

A new building has recently been erected by the Principal, the Rev. J. W.

Schomberg, and native assistants, and this was blessed by the Bishop of Car pentaria at a service held on January 18.

A big crowd was present to take part in the proceedings and in the festivities that followed, visitors going from Thurs day Island and the neighbouring islands of the Strait.

The new college is of iron, fibrolite, and cement, and consists of lecture room, room for technical work, office and store rooms, and hall. It is of two storeys, and forms one of a fine group which is being erected on the Mission grounds, comprising girls’ hostel, primary school, church (of concrete), students’ houses, and the residence of the Principal and Superintendent of St. Paul’s, which is a Pacific Islanders’ reserve. Three new students are now in residence.

This is indicative of the way in which things are moving forward in the Torres Strait islands, which 60 or 70 years ago was a community favoring head-hunt ing as a pastime.