Melanesian Mission

Proposal To Withdraw From New Guinea Mainland

From Our N.Z. Correspondent

Auckland, June 20,

A PROPOSAL that the Melanesian Mission should withdraw from the field on the mainland of New Guinea had received the approval of the N.Z. churches, Rt. Rev. W. H. Baddeley (Bishop of Melanesia) told an Auckland audience during his recent visit to attend the Anglican Synod at Hamilton.

He added that the Anglican activities there probable would be taken over by the New Guinea Mission which has charge of the work in Papua. This would allow the Melanesian Mission to concen trate its efforts on the island groups of Melanesia (including New Britain and other islands which form part of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea).

The plan is receiving the consideration of the Bishop of New Guinea (Rt. Rev.

P. N. W. Strong). The next move will come from him—he will either agree to take over the Melanesian Mission’s work on the N.G. mainland or ask the Bishop of Melanesia to continue the present arrangement.

Dr. Baddeley, continuing his address, described how the money, man-power, and prayer which N.Z. had been pouring into Melanesia for many years was being used to the fullest possible extent. Re ferring to the alarming decrease in popu lation in some of the larger islands where disease had taken full control, he re marked on the tremendous possibilities open to medical workers in the Islands.

Stressing the need for doctors as well as missionaries and teachers, the Bishop stated that it was sheer humbug to preach love of God unless every nerve was being strained to carry out those charitable works which were an essential part of the Christian gospel.

Bishop Baddeley also told how natives were preforming fine work as doctors, teachers, deacons, and priests in New Hebrides, Solomon Islands and the ad joining territories.