BY THE REV. NEIL CAMERON.
The report that has been submitted to the Synod by the Rev. John Tallach, and that has been now read, shows that considerable progress has been made since last year. It reveals that Mr Tallach and the elders have had to contend with trials, both from within and without, as regards the work there. These trials were connected with the religious and educational sphere. At the same time we can see that the Mission continues to prosper in both. From the religious point of view you will have observed that a considerable number of members were added to the Communion Roll after a faithful examination of each one, both as to intellectual and experimental knowledge. Educationally the Inspector’s report was very satisfactory, and does credit to Mr Tallach and his teaching staff. We would acknowledge the Lord’s hand in the case of our school at Morven. It is in the power of farmers in Rhodesia to close schools on their land, and to remove the natives if they will. The Government mapped out large reserves for the natives, so they are only on toleration while they are left on the land possessed by these farmers. What we would like to see is, that while these farmers allow them to remain on their land, they should have no power to deprive them of the means of education or religious instruction, provided by Missions or otherwise. Some of these farmers are against educating the natives because they are under the erroneous impression that they are more adapted to their purpose as heathen. This is not true of all the farmers, for another farmer in the Morven district has given full permission to carry on the school and Mission on his farm. We would convey the Synod’s gratitude to him.
Concerning Dr R. Macdonald, M.B., Ch.B., he expressed his desire to attend a course of studies in tropical diseases prior to his being sent to Rhodesia. He is studying just now in the University of London. We expect these studies will be finished about the middle of August. Thereafter steps will have to be taken for his being licensed and ordained in order that he may be sent to Rhodesia without undue delay. The Medical Office of the Government of Rhodesia have agreed that Dr Macdonald can make Ingwenya his headquarters. For this we feel thankful, because he and Rev. John Tallach will be of much assistance and encouragement to one another in all departments of the work of the Missions. The Government offers to pay Dr Macdonald up to £200 as their half of his salary—the Synod will be advised to fix the salary to be paid by us. We hope Dr Macdonald may be able to depart either by the latter end of September or the beginning of October. We expect the Synod will be asked to supply him, before he leaves, with necessary appliances, &c., for his medical and surgical duties on his arrival at his post, and that his travelling expenses will be paid.
As regards our friends in Australia, we were expecting to hear from them shortly after our report at last Synod would come to their hands, but they seem to have misunderstood it. The Convener received a letter in January expressing surprise that a minister was not sent out to them in accordance with the Synod’s decision. He replied by directing their attention to the statement made by him in last year’s report, and to the Synod Clerk’s report of the Synod’s decision on the case. The Convener wrote at once to the Rev. James Macleod, Glendale, in order to ascertain whether he could proceed to Australia now seeing he promised to do so at last meeting of Synod. Mr Macleod’s reply was in the negative owing to circumstances over which he had no control. The Committee since have approached three of our ministers on the subject; two of these gave satisfactory reasons why they could not go, the third* has still the matter under his serious consideration. His decision, we trust, will be in the affirmative when the Committee will receive it. The Convener received in all £85 to meet outgoing expenses. If more will be required we trust the Synod will agree with the finding of the Finance Committee last February that a sufficient sum of money be given as a loan to the Foreign Missions Committee to make up any deficiency required. We submit this case, as an urgent one indeed, to the serious consideration of the Synod. The isolated position of our friends, both on the Clarence and Richmond Rivers, are often in our thoughts. May the Lord move one of our ministers to volunteer his services, so that our people there may be helped and encouraged.
* This refers to the Rev. R. Mackenzie who, since the above was written, as will be seen from the Synod report, is to go out as the Synod’s deputy to Australia for a year.—Editor.
The Synod are aware that Mr Donald Urquhart has been licensed, and is now awaiting the decision of the Synod as to where he is to labour among the Jews. We hope that after serious consideration the Lord may guide the Synod in their decision, and that, whatever that decision may be, Mr Urquhart will acquiesce heartily.
In conclusion, the Committee desire to draw the attention of our people to the expenses that will be incurred when three missionaries will have to be maintained out of the Foreign Missions Fund instead of one as at present, and that they will help, as the Lord will enable them, in sending the Gospel to the poor heathen, and also to the Jews. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. This caused Him to commend the widow’s contribution of two mites, because she gave all her living. Do you think that she was the loser? Certainly not.