Introduction Of Mission

Work At Bua

Letter to the Editor APPPARENTLY no plans have been made to mark the centenary of the introduction of mission work at Bua, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Christianity was taken there by the Rev, Thomas Williams exactly 100 years ago, in November of this year.

Plans should also be made to commem orate the centenary of the first publica tion of Hazlewood’s Fijian Dictionary, in 1850.

Both the Rev. Thomas Williams and the Rev. David Hazlewood carried on mission work under untold difficulties and much nersonal suffering, but they were students as well who left valuable works behind them.

As some present day missionaries on Vanua Levu have called this beautiful island, Devil’s Island, it seems apposite to quote what the early missionaries had to say about the beauty and peace they experienced there.

Soon afer the district meeting, in the beginning of 1847, the Rev. John Hunt accompanied the general superintendent, Mr. Lawry, in the “Wesley,” to establish two new stations on the large island of Vanua Levu. Verani, the converted chief, sailed with them as pilot, and they were escorted by the Viwa king in a large double-canoe.

Mr Lawry writes: “In the morning I preached. During the reading of the Scriptures and the Litany, as all through the service, the blessed unction rested upon -us all. We had two native services and, in the evening, Mr. Hunt preached a thoroughly Wesleyan sermon, pouring thought unon thought, so just, so weighty, so original, so luminous, that I sat upon the quarter-deck looking at this wonder ful man with amazement and admiration.

“There was an energy and a simplicity about his appeal all but overwhelming The scene was altogether lovely; but the setting sun, the cloud-capped mountains, the placid ocean, the listening crew and native teachers, and the intelligent zea lous preacher ... all united in giving effect to the occasion and made me willing to ride upon the mountain wave and feel at home upon the sea.

A few years later Mr. Williams, too, wrote upon the beauty of that part of the country. Of an expedition behind Bua he says; “Before sunset we had gained the village that crowns the highest mountain in the district and I enjoyed the glories of the scenery by the softened light of the setting sun . .

We rose early (on the following day) to feast on the vivid lights and shades of the morning light as it spread over the

mountains ... all the beauties of yes terday were increased by a barque and a schooner, working out of the bay.”

I am, etc.,

(Mrs.) H. B. R. Parham.

Suva, Fiji. August 28.