SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE.
By I. J. Hankins
THIS Conference held its eighth annual session at Kenilworth, the last of March. The work of the past year, though much hindered by the war, has in some respects been very encouraging. Our books and papers have been placed in the hands of thousands from all parts of the British Empire; especially have the papers had a wide circulation among officers and soldiers. We have also sent papers to many of the inaccessible parts of the country, and have made this war period one of seed sowing. Elder Edmed reported an increasing interest in Uitenhage, and a few believers in the message. Reports from Natal, though outside of our Conference boundary, show two families obeying the truth, and a growing interest in Pietermaritzburg; from that field the Macedonian cry comes urgently to us. Brother Gaskill has been much encouraged in ship work, and in general efforts to place reading-matter in the hands of the people. Our literature is well received, and is having a good influence on the people. With few exceptions the war spirit has not affected the minds of our people, although the temporal affairs of some have been much affected for the time being, and they are now among the refugees. Brother Van Eden has been laboring some among the Dutch communities, where he finds people anxious to know the truth. We are glad to report that we have now three ministers who speak the Holland language. Prof. H. Elffers was ordained, and Brother Van Eden and Brother David Groenewald received license. This is a point to which we have long looked forward. There is a large field before these brethren, and we hope to see many precious sheaves gathered from among the Dutch-speaking people of South Africa. Resolutions were passed, (1) indorsing the Berean Bible study, and recommending its adoption; (2) that all laborers and canvassers regularly settle their office accounts, and that with others a cash system be adopted; (3) that the Zion’s Wachter, published in Hamburg, be substituted for the Dutch paper we have been publishing, at least for the present year; (4) that the South African Sentinel be continued during this year; (5) that the Visitor, our Conference paper, be issued in mimeograph in both Dutch and English; (6) that the Benevolent Home property in Cape Town be disposed of as soon as practicable, and other plans be laid for the benevolent work; (7) that suitable persons be appointed to circulate our native literature, and that all our local societies also engage in the same work; (8) that we adopt the plan of regular weekly offerings for missionary work; (9) that the Sabbath-school offerings be used for the first two quarters in the Basuto mission, third quarter in the Orphanage, fourth, in Kaffir mission; (10) that we offer the Foreign Mission Board a laborer for Natal; and (11) that Brother P. Smailes be invited at once to enter upon Kaffir mission work, to which he had been previously appointed. Professor Shaw reported an enrollment of 125 in the school; a growth in their industries, which financially helps the work; that they are now printing the Health Journal and the Sentinel; that the students are doing good work in their studies; and that a healthful religious influence prevails. Brother Freeman arrived from Basutoland near the close of our session, and presented the needs in that field. The paramount chief has granted us a station, with the privilege of cultivating small pieces of land near by,—no farms being given away for mission purposes. A house with two rooms, and a stable have been built. A church and school building is much needed. Natives attend service at the mission Sundays, and some also come on Sabbaths. A teacher is much needed to instruct the children, and to conduct these services. This would give Brother Freeman and Brother Kalaka freedom to visit the chiefs and the villages, to sell books, and to teach the truth. They have had many invitations of this kind. We are becoming known throughout Basutoland, and many believe we have the truth; but they are afraid of their missionaries. A collection was taken for this Mission at one of the meetings, amounting to $125. Brother Freeman was also ordained to the ministry. Elder Hyatt was elected President; Professor Elffers, Vice President; O. O. Fortner, Secretary and Treasurer of Conference and Tract Society; and the following compose the Conference Committee: Elder Hyatt, Professor Elffers, I. J. Hankins, H. W. Lindsay, W. C. Walston, J. L. Shaw, H. J. Edmed. A good degree of harmony prevailed in the meetings, and we trust the action of this Conference may be blessed to the salvation of many souls.