p. 73 | NEW ZEALAND by A. G. Daniells

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 3, 1887

NEW ZEALAND.

By A. G. Daniells

FROM what has already appeared in the columns of the SIGNS respecting the planting and the growth of the work in New Zealand, I feel certain that the readers of the SIGNS will be interested in a brief sketch of our experience since we came here. On the 24th day of last October, my wife and I sailed from San Francisco for Auckland, at which place we arrived after a safe and pleasant voyage of three weeks. For several months the brethren here had watched the arrival of every boat from America, with the hope that someone would come to labor in this colony. It was great pleasure to meet with those who manifested so much love for the truth and who gave us such a cordial reception.

After remaining in Auckland one week, we, in company with Brother Edward Hare, went to Kaeo, where all but four of the Sabbath-keepers of this colony live. During our stay of fourteen days we held sixteen meetings. It was exceedingly pleasant to present the different points of truth to souls so anxious to hear. At first, the attendance of those not of our faith was small; but it increased till the close of the meetings. At the last few services more seats had to be provided to accommodate the audience. We have reason to believe that the Lord was with us and that some prejudice was removed.

The Kaeo brethren were anxious to learn all they could about the different points of our faith; also to know just how their American brethren conduct church services, and Sabbath-schools; how they carry on Tract and Missionary work, reckon the tithe, etc. Not that they were wholly ignorant of these things; that was by no means the case; for by reading our publications and holding Bible-readings they had acquired, with the light Elder Haskell had given them, more than an ordinarily clear and correct knowledge of our faith.

These brethren have held from one to three Bible-readings every week since they accepted the truth; and it is plainly evident that the Lord has blessed their efforts to serve him and search his word. Not only has every one who started at the first held onto the truth, but their numbers have been increased. When Elder Haskell was here he baptized fifteen and organized them into a church. During my visit I baptized fifteen, all of whom were received by the church. The thirty belonging to the church, with four others who have not been baptized, make up the number of followers we found on our arrival in this colony. Among those who were baptized was a Maori woman, a native of New Zealand. She is the first Maori that has accepted the truths we teach. Her face (partially tattooed) still bears the marks of the darkness from which God has delivered her. All present believed that she was not a stranger to the Spirit of the Lord.

The organization of the Kaeo church was completed by the ordination of an elder and deacon. The church elected a committee of three to take the supervision of the work in the colony during the present year. They acknowledged with gratitude the interest and liberality of the brethren in America in sending them a minister and a tent; also of Sister Bond, of California, who donated her organ to this mission. But they do not wish to be a burden and expense to others. They have already paid into the treasury about $225; and nearly everyone pledged to hereafter pay a true tithe to the Lord's cause. They also pledged—$500 to be paid during the present year and used as the committee may see fit.

Some attention was also given to the importance of missionary work; that we must

not only give of our means but that we must put forth personal efforts to get the truth before the half million English-speaking people of New Zealand. One brother, in obedience to his feelings of duty, and in harmony with the advice of the church, decided to devote his time to the canvassing and colportage work. He is with me in Auckland acting as tentmaster. Brother Edward Hare, of this city, will also devote all his time to the sale of our denominational works. It is now expected that one or two of Father Hare's daughters will soon join us and learn the Bible work as it is carried on in America. To all appearance this city will be an excellent field for missionary labor. We hope that at no distant day, a city mission will be established here.

The population of Auckland is 65,000. The great majority are English people. Almost every religious denomination is represented here. We began a series of tent-meetings December 29, and have held five services. The attendance has not been large, but we believe that after the holidays it will be better. A great deal is made here of Christmas and New Year's; in fact, the entire week has appeared very much like the fourth of July in America. Those who have attended the meetings are much interested; many remain after the service and appear very friendly. We have sold $3.50 worth of books. By the time another report can be sent we shall be able to speak more definitely regarding the interest here. From what we have seen we feel sure that many in this city are hungering for the truth.

It is a consolation to know, as we do, that we have the prayers of so many who love the Lord and his work. We ask to still be remembered at the throne of grace. We shall meet with bitter opposition, but feel that if we do our duty nothing can hinder the work of God. Our faith and courage were never better, for which we feel grateful to the Lord. A. G. DANIELLS. Auckland, N. Z., Jan. 3, 1887.