L.M.S. Arrival in Papua

59 Years Ago

From Our Own Correspondent.

Port Moresby, Nov. 30.

THE London Missionary Society at Metoreia, held a service on Sunday, Nov. 26, to commemorate the beginning of the work of the Mission on the main land of Papua. The Rev. Dr. Dawes first landed in 1874 at this place and made his settlement on the spot where the flagstaff now stands.

Actually, 1874 does not represent the in troduction of the London Mission Society in Papua, for in 1871-2 South Sea Is lands missionaries of the Society first crossed the Papuan Gulf to Red Scar Bay. landed at Manu-Manu, in the “John Williams.”

Manu-Manu proved very unhealthy and the teachers were removed. It was later, in 1874, that Dr. and Mrs. Lawes landed at Port Moresby—with the Captain’s hopeful wishes and assurance “We shall be back in a year’s time, if we can”—and started their wonderful work amongst the natives.

Imitation of Indian Temple, made of bamboo, coloured paper, etc., for a festival in Fiji, at a cost of £17. Inside are two small figures, representing the sons of Mahomet. At sun down, the whole affair is torn down and thrown into the nearest river, much to the delight of the local Fijians, who dive in and grab what they can, for decorations. A Fijian policeman is shown, standing on the right.