The Australasian Field by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 20, 1910

The Australasian Field

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

It is now over three months since we arrived in Australia after attending the General Conference. It was nearly a year since we had left on our way through the East Indies to the General Conference, and we were glad to be home again. We had heard on the way home that Sister Edith M. Graham, the secretary of the union conference, was very ill and had gone to the sanitarium for treatment. On arriving, we found her much improved in health, for which we were very thankful. Sister Graham has since returned, and is now at her work as usual.

Soon after our return, our council was held at Wahroonga. Here the presidents of the conferences and different laborers met for the consideration of various problems, and for ten days we engaged in earnest study over these. Consideration was given to the various departments of our work, and special interest was taken in its advancement in the great island field. It was necessary to make a number of changes in the different conferences, but every one seemed anxious to adjust himself to the suggestions made, and we are hopeful that everything will work out for the glory of God’s cause.

The help sent by the General Conference to fill vacancies in our field was much appreciated. Prof. B. F. Machlan has entered upon his duties at Avondale, and we are sure that his earnest efforts there will be much appreciated. Pastor J. M. Cole was chosen president of the South Australian Conference. Pastor Burke is engaged in a tent effort in New South Wales; he was also appointed vice-president of the New South Wales Conference. Brother Leonard Spear has entered the Warburton office as bookbinder. Brother C. H. Parker, who has labored so long in Fiji, was asked to take the presidency of the Victorian Conference. Brother S. M. Cobb, who has been the president, was released on account of failing health. We trust that Brother Cobb will soon be restored to his usual health. He has worked hard in the Australasian Union Conference, always carrying responsibilities. We were sorry to take Brother Parker away from Fiji, but we are certain that the change will greatly benefit him and his family healthwise, and we are sure that their earnest labors in Victoria will be greatly appreciated. The brethren in Fiji will miss him very much, but others will take up the burden that he has laid down. We are looking forward to the arrival of Brother J. W. Hofstra and family in the East Indian part of our union conference. They are coming from Holland direct to Java; and Brother R. W. Munson, who has spent a few years in Australia in translating and in other work, will also go to Java the last of the year.

You will see from this that we are strengthening our out-post centers. Java has an immense population,—thirty-two million people,—and we must do all we can to build up the Lord’s cause in that needy field. The workers who have been laboring there are much cheered by the action taken by the General Conference in sending Brother Hofstra, and also because of the help we are sending from this field. The message is onward.

Burwood, New South Wales.