Piper Family Leaves Raratonga
On account of failing health, Brother and Sister A. H. Piper have been compelled to withdraw from Raratonga, for a time at least. They will go to Australia, where they will be connected with the work. Writing of their departure, Brother Piper says: “It is with a great deal of regret that we have decided to leave the field, but we feel that we must get away before another hot season begins. We have enjoyed our work with the natives here very much, but ever since arriving three years ago, the climate has prevented us from doing all we wished to do. We hope to complete our church building before our departure. With the trouble we had in securing our land, it has been a long undertaking; but I am glad to say that some of those who opposed our getting the land in the beginning are now helping us to finish the building. The chiefs who at one time persecuted our brethren now let them off from the ordinary work in the village, in order that the work on the church may go on. The school, although the attendance is not very large, is doing nicely. There is an excellent spirit among the native youth attending. One young man, who has shown undoubted signs of a thorough conversion, and whose whole desire is to become a missionary, we are taking with us to Cooranbong, that he may attend the school there.”