Missionary-Layman

Friction

Letter to the Editor IHAVE read many articles in the “PIM” dealing with the relations between missionaries on the one hand, and planters, miners, recruiters and Governmental officials on the other. To anyone who had not been to the South Seas, it no doubt appears that there is a great deal of friction and ill-will between the two groups.

During the 5J years that I spent in New Guinea, I might say that I never met a planter, miner, recruiter or Gov-’ eminent official whom I did not like, although we sometimes disagreed. We missionaries should visit our planter and

miner neighbours and not rely on native gossip concerning their activities. They in turn should get) first-hand information regarding the, work of us missionaries by ■visiting our stations, schools and religious services. Criticising from afar off cer tainly will never make for understanding and goodwill.

I am, etc.,

Nebraska, USA.

Sept. 18, 1944.

A.C. Frerichs.

Quinine, which is used in every mission hospital in the treatment of malaria, used to cost 18/- a lb. During the first two years of war it rose to £4/4/-. Now the latest news from India says the present jmee ip £9 a lb.—“ Australian Christian