The Missionary by E. M. Morrison

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 22, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 28.

The Missionary.

By E. M. Morrison

NEW ZEALAND.

PURSUANT to a recommendation of the General Conference, and a vote of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, in company with my wife, I left San Francisco May 5, 1889, for Auckland, New Zealand, to spend two years in the interests of the book and canvassing work in Australasia. As the vessel, the Alameda, cut loose from the wharf, and the faces of dear friends gradually disappeared from view, we began to realize that we were indeed leaving home.

The sea was very rough the first few days of our voyage; few were seen on deck, and fewer at the tables. The fourth day the sea became smooth, and we had a delightful voyage to Honolulu. On Sunday, the 12th, very early in the morning, land was reported in sight; all rushed on deck. The bold cliff called Diamond Head, the top of an old crater, 761 feet high, was plainly visible. We sailed along the shore for a time, and were delighted at seeing groves of coconut trees whose graceful, towering tops give a tropical look to any scenery.

During the time which elapsed after reaching the dock before we were able to land, we were amused at a crowd of natives of every age, who gathered on the wharf. The women as a rule are tall, very dark in color, all dressed in flowing cotton garments, called by them, holokus. They all wear straw hats with broad, bright ribbons round them, and all have untidy masses of black locks streaming down to their waists. Some of the men were fine-looking fellows. They wore blue and white trousers, bright colored shirts with buttons the size of a shilling, and plenty of them, and very small straw hats. Their feet were either bare or clad in high riding-boots, with immense Mexican spurs jingling as they walked; the more noise a native can make with his spurs the finer man he thinks himself.

On landing we were greeted by Brother and Sister Burgess, who took us in their carriage to their home. After a rest, they drove us through the city. Our ride about the town showed it to be quite as pretty in the interior as it appeared from the harbor. Nearly all the streets were shaded by rows of trees on either side, and the verandas of the houses were overgrown with Mexican creepers, honeysuckles, and passion-flowers in the richest profusion. The hedges of scarlet geranium and coleus were wonderful to look upon, and the air was scented with heliotrope and roses of every hue.

The climate of Honolulu is of extraordinary mildness, the extreme range of temperature being only from fifty-five to eighty-five degrees, making it one of the most equable of known climates.

We called upon most of our brethren in Honolulu and made their acquaintance. The day passed pleasantly and we were loth to return to the boat, having had only eight hours to stay on shore.

At 8 o'clock P. M. the vessel moved on her way, and we were soon out of sight of land. The weather was pleasant for the most part of the journey across the tropics. As we drew near Tutuila, one of the Samoan group of islands, the sea became very rough, and for two days and nights it rained incessantly. The vessel was not able to land, but was met by a smaller boat, and exchanged passengers and mail. We were much disappointed, for we were very desirous to see the natives and the tropical foliage.

On the morning of the 26th (Sunday), we quietly entered the harbor of Auckland at 9 o'clock A. M. We bade adieu to our friends on the boat, and found our way to Brother Edward Hare's. We were much pleased to meet Elders Daniells and Israel at Brother Hare's; they were greatly surprised to see us, not having heard we were to come to this place. They had been holding a series of meetings previous to the organization of a Colonial Conference, a Tract and Missionary Society, and a Sabbath-school Association. As the business meetings began on the day of our arrival, we took no time for rest, but entered into the spirit of the work and really forgot that we were feeling so worn over twenty-one days of sea life. We were soon made to feel at home by the kindness and love of the brethren here.

The importance of having a Conference was ably presented by Elders Daniells and Israel, after which an organization was completed with a membership of two hundred, and two hundred dollars in the treasury. The great need of a Tract and Missionary Society was also presented, and an organization secured with a membership of one hundred and forty, with about six hundred and fifty dollars belonging to the Society. Several meetings were held in the interest of the Sabbath-school work, which resulted in the organization of an Association of two hundred and sixty members.

We were much impressed with the oneness of mind manifested on the part of the delegates, and also on the part of the other members in attendance. All felt that difficulties which had hindered the progress of the work in the past would be obviated, and that a systematic management of the work would result in the more rapid spread of the Third Angel's Message in the Colony. It was certainly in the order of God that we arrived here at this important time, as we have been able to accomplish in a fortnight what we expected would take months.

It was decided to locate the Tract Depository at Wellington, it being the most central place, and a good field for future labor. The prospects look bright for the rapid spread of the work here in New Zealand. Meetings closed the sixth of June, and we took our departure with Elders Daniells and Israel for Napier, 400 miles south of here.

Although we are far away from our native land, we feel of good courage to press on in the work. The cause is God's, and the same spirit which has moved the hearts of our people in America is at work here. Those who have received the truth seem as one family, and extend to us a warm welcome.

We crave the prayers of our people that our labors may be blessed of God.

E. M. MORRISON.

June 13, 1889.