Retirement Of The Rev.

A. W. E. Silvester

THE Rev. A. W. E. Silvester and Mrs.

Silvester, who have served the Methodist Missionary Society of New Zealand on Vella Lavella, BSI, for a number of years, are leaving the BSI later this year to live in New Zealand.

Mr. Silvester has compiled a new hymn and scripture book in the Bilua language of Vella Lavella. This is being printed in NZ. It will take the place of a former hymn book, copies of which have become worn out.

Mr. Silvester has been due for retire ment for some time but desires to re main in Vella Lavella until his new hymn book is available to his people. He re ceived help from his predecessor at Vella Lavella, the Rev. A. A. Bensley, now living in New Zealand, who checked the proofs of the book.

Mr. Silvester stayed in Vella Lavella during the Jap occupation in 1942-43.

He and his natives rescued many Allied airmen and sailors. For this Mr. Sil vester was decorated by the American authorities.

Matron Napier, whose term at the Nor folk Island Hospital has expired, has left for Sydney. Sister Austin replaces her.