The Brothers
p. 12 · Read in the full issue
Growth of Melanesian Native Movement
EIGHT years ago, on a little beach at Guadalcanal Island, British Solomon Islands, seven Solomon Islanders were blessed at a dedication service by the then Bishop of Melanesia (Rev. J. M.
Steward) before they set out to do evan gelistic work among the untutored B.S.I. savages. This little band of workers, calling themselves Ira Retatasiu (The Brothers) under Ini Kopuria, started a movement that has expanded and con tinued its noble work until to-day there are almost 100 Brothers scattered over Melanesia —New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea —serving faith fully in the cause of their Church.
In 1926, Bishop Steward, who before being consecrated Bishop of Melanesia in September, 1919, was a missionary for many years in the Pacific Islands, was approached by an eager Melanesian Mis sion boy, Ini Kopuria, who suggested that he and several native friends should go out among the fierce tribes untouched by civilisation and Christianity, as an ad vance-guard of the white missionaries.
The idea appealed to the Bishop, and he readily gave his consent.
Since the inception of the movement the Brothers have penetrated unknown and uncontrolled areas, mingling and be coming friendly with the hostile natives.
In time they explain the principles of Christianity and the purpose of the mis sions, and ascertain whether the natives would like a teacher stationed among them, or a place of worship built near their village. The results of their inves tigations are sent to headquarters at Guadalcanal, and, if possible, their sug gestions are acted upon.
The base of the Brothers is at Tabalia, near the beach from whence the original brave band set out in 1926. There they halve fine gardens and houses, and in charge of their operations is Tasiu Charles (Rev Dr. C. E. Fox), who directs the splendid work they are accomplishing among the people of primitive Melanesia.