RETURNED FROM NEW ZEALAND.
By G. A. Anderson
THREE years ago I left Oakland on our missionary ship Pitcairn, and was cruising with her among the islands for fifteen months. The experience I gained during this time was most valuable to me. Having arrived at Auckland, N. Z., it was decided that I should labor among the Scandinavians in the Hawke’s Bay district, until the New Zealand conference, which was to be held at Napier, in the month of April, '91. Accordingly, I left Auckland on the 15th of January for the Scandinavian settlements. I rejoiced to see how eager the people were to buy our books and to hear of a Saviour’s love and the precious truths clustering around him. As the people at Norsewood had manifested a willingness to hear the truth, our brethren decided at the conference that I should make a protracted stay among them, which necessitated my leaving the Pitcairn. The interest to hear the truth at Norsewood increased, and it was thought proper to pitch a forty-foot tent there, to which the people subscribed $30. The first evening we had service in the tent we had the pleasure of seeing about two hundred and forty people inside, and about forty outside, who could not find room within. There was a fair attendance and good interest throughout the meetings. We had one drawback, however, during our tent season, and that was the almost incessant rain and storm. My wife and I had sometimes to watch the tent up to one o'clock at night. The tent came down three times. But, notwithstanding all this, thirteen souls were established in the present truth. The inclement weather we experienced had a bad effect on my system, bringing on rheumatism. I became gradually worse, and was counseled to take treatment at the Hot Lakes, so celebrated for their curative properties. I spent eight weeks there without relief. On my return to Norsewood it became more evident than before that the climate in New Zealand was not congenial to my health, and the conference thought it best for me to go to our Health Retreat at St. Helena, where I could get proper treatment, and where we both could be instructed how to do efficient medical missionary work. We appreciate this excellent opportunity to prepare ourselves for larger usefulness in the cause of God. We felt loath to leave the work in New Zealand and those connected with it. Very many had become dear to our hearts. At our farewell meeting at Norsewood we had an experience similar to that of Paul at Miletus. The least we can say for the people in New Zealand is that they are hospitable, kind, and liberal. May the Lord work mightily for the salvation of the people in New Zealand. October 7 we left Auckland on the Monowai. On the 19th we arrived in Honolulu. The boat stayed there only four hours, but we spent them judiciously. We called at Brother Burgess’ house, and had a most cordial reception, as everybody has who calls on him. He is as busy as a bee, early and late, in work for the Master. I wish we had had more time to stay with him. The otherwise monotony of our trip was relieved by studying, giving Bible readings, and talking to the passengers on themes precious to our heart. Among the saloon passengers we found an esteemed friend, a minister of the gospel. We had several Bible readings together, and he saw light in the word that he had not seen before. He also became much interested in medical missionary work, and bought our “Home Handbook,” and “Bible Readings for the Home Circle,” and was presented with “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Our friend left us in Honolulu. May the Lord bless him in his new field. Thus our time on board the Monowai passed pleasantly, and we hope profitably. And now we rejoice to see the dear people in California, among whom I was cradled in the faith of the Third Angel’s Message. May the God of all grace grant us the continuation of his Holy Spirit, that we may exert a divine influence on all with whom we may associate. Oakland, Cal., October 31.