New Zealand by Ole Andres Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1908

New Zealand

By Ole Andres Olsen

At the close of our good camp-meeting at Cambridge West, I accompanied Pastor Cobb on a brief tour to Wellington to look after various matters, and to secure a location for their tract society and conference office, as they have sold the Beulah Hall property on Taranaki Street in Wellington. We secured a very favorable location at Lower Hutt, a small village some eight miles from the city of Wellington. The location is favorable, being convenient to the railway, the post-office, and having banking facilities. It will also be much better for the work than was the crowded city.

During our stay we had meetings on the Sabbath with the church at Wellington and Petone, with a good interest. The time from Wednesday, January 29, to Monday, February 3, was spent at Auckland, where I held seven meetings. I enjoyed my visit at Auckland very much, and would have been glad to remain longer to follow up the interest with further meetings and visiting, but duty called me elsewhere.

There are greater blessings to be experienced if we will reach out after them, but many times we stand in our own way. Unity and love of the brethren is an important condition for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. This fact is made very prominent in the first few chapters of Acts. See Acts 4:32, 33. Christ has set forth love among the brethren as a test of discipleship. See John 13:35. The Lord is waiting for his people to get into a position where he can bestow greater blessings and power upon them. Our learning of Jesus, and becoming meek and lowly in heart as he was, would open the way for many blessings and greater efficiency in the church.

February 3 I returned to Cambridge to be present at the dedication and opening of the school, which had been set for that day. The weather was all that could be desired. While the school building was not fully completed, still everything was in readiness for the opening. Before the time set, 3 P. M., vehicles of almost every description, from the modern motor-car to the one-horse cart, came rolling in, filled with people, old and young. The village of Cambridge, and the neighborhood about the school farm, turned out in large numbers to show their interest and sympathy in the school and its enterprises, that were now to be launched. At the hour of opening, the chapel was full to overflowing, as also was the hallway at the entrance, and I was told that there were many below who could not obtain admittance. The exercises passed off very pleasantly, and made a good impression.

The mayor of Cambridge was present, and had a place on the platform. After the address by the principal, opportunity was given for remarks from any that were present. The mayor was the first to improve the opportunity, and spoke very kindly of the enterprise and its purpose, and wished us the best of success in our work. Then followed a number of speeches by prominent business men of Cambridge, and others in the community. They could hardly have given the enterprise a more hearty welcome than was extended on this occasion. After the close of the exercises in the chapel, refreshments were served in the dining-room.

The school is starting out under favorable conditions, and with an attendance of fifty to begin with. This is certainly very encouraging. The teachers are: F. L. Chaney, principal; W. J. Smith, Mrs. F. L. Chaney, Miss Mabel Piper, and Miss Nellie Sisley.

May the special blessing of the Lord be with this school, and make it a great blessing to both young and old of New Zealand, and to the work as a whole.

O. A. OLSEN.