Back To Fiji

Rev. C. O. Lelean Volunteers for Further Service

/”\N March 28 the Monterey sailed from Melbourne for Suva with Rev. C. O.

Lelean, supernumerary minister of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Lelean, who have spent many years in the service of the Methodist Mission in Fiji, on board to return to their mission field.

Underlying their intention to resume work among the Fijians is a story of self sacrifice so often a feature of missionaries in the Pacific Islands.

About two years ago Mr. and Mrs.

Lelean retired from their work in Fiji

for rest which, their friends agreed, had been well earned. They acquired a home in Canterbury, Victoria.

Following the retirement of Rev. R. C.

McDonald, who was chairman of the Fijian Methodist Circuit for 12 years, there was need for an experienced mis sioner to replace him. Choosing a succes sor proved very difficult.

Mr, Lelean, however, came to the rescue.

This meant giving up a restful life and putting his hand to the plough once more.

However, he volunteered, and was ap pointed chairman of the Fijian circuit in succession to Mr. McDonald, who was made chairman of the Bendigo circuit, at the recent meetings of the Methodist Con ference of Victoria, Miss J. C. Leslie, of the Methodist Over seas Mission staff in Melbourne, accom panied Mr. and Mrs. Lelean to Fiji. She will act as secretary to Mr. Lelean.