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Rarotonga

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 10.

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Rarotonga

By F. E. LYNDON

In our field, the Cook Islands, there seems at present to be quite a stir. Our paper, the Tuatua-Mou, printed in the Rarotongan language, is doing an excellent work. There is quite a demand for it, not only in this island, but in all the other islands of the group.
On the day of the steamer's arrival I have quite an interesting time. The natives flock around me for their papers as bees do after honey. They say, Tuatua-Mou meitaki (very good). Every mail from the other islands brings me letters inquiring after the Tuatua-Mou or other literature. One man wanted an explanation in the Rarotongan language of all the books in the Bible. Another sent an earnest request for twelve books of “Daniela,” closing with the words, Kare akangaropoina (O do not forget).
Two months ago, Brother Tonga, a church-member from this island, sailed for Aitutaki, as a canvasser for “Iesu Akaora” and “Daniela.” The books have met with a ready sale, especially “Daniela.” Within a few days he will sail for the island of Mangaia, where he will spend about six weeks with his books, and then return home to his family at Rarotonga.
Aitutaki is an island to the north of us, with about the same native population as Rarotonga. At present there is no white missionary of any Protestant denomination there. The London Missionary Society has withdrawn its white representative. French Catholic priests are rapidly taking possession of the spiritual interests. Plans must soon be laid by us to follow up the work already done with the printed page, or else much will be lost.
We find much to do in the treatment of the sick and in dressing sores. My experience in the slums of Chicago, eleven years ago, is now proving very helpful to me in treating some of these cases.
We are pleased to be here and have a part in the gathering of the remnant from these islands. Pray for us, that we may be successful in the salvation of many.
F. E. LYNDON.