General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

NINETEENTH MEETING

W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson

May 26, 2:30 P. M.

L. R. CONRADI in the chair. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.12

Prayer by F. H. DeVinney. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.13

L. R. Conradi: This afternoon we are to hear from the Australasian Union Conference. Brother J. E. Fulton, the union president, will lead out. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.14

J. E. Fulton: Before presenting my report, I would like to read a communication from one of the conferences farthest away which has just come to hand:— GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.15

“To the brethren in General Conference assembled: Greeting! GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.16

“DEAR AND BELOVED BRETHREN: We, the Seventh-day Adventist Conference of West Australia, unite in forwarding to you our most heartfelt greeting on this important occasion. We desire to express our steadfast confidence in the message, our loyalty to the General Conference, and our determination to standy by the great principles of the truth that God has revealed. That divine guidance and understanding may be given in all your deliberations and decisions, will ever be our prayer. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.17

“W. L. H. BAKER, President.
“R. H. CONSTANDT, Secretary.”

J. E. Fulton (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.18

REPORT OF THE AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

The Australasian Union Conference comprises the Australian Commonwealth, the Dominion of New Zealand, and the numerous islands of the Southern Pacific, with a population of about six million, and with about five thousand Sabbath-keepers. This union conference territory is much to one side from the great thoroughfares of travel, being so far separated from other countries and continents by great bodies of water. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.19

Constituency

But once the Australasian field is reached, it is found to be a most interesting one. Australia and New Zealand are settled by a most progressive and intelligent people, chiefly English, or of English extraction. The aboriginal inhabitants rank from a rather low type of man in the blacks of Australia to one of the finest races of the world—the Maoris of New Zealand—who have so nearly approached the whites in intelligence and prosperity that race distinction is practically unknown in the dominion. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.20

But not only is the Australasian field an interesting one from the standpoint of the peoples to be found in its home field, but also because the numberless islands in the many groups of the South Pacific, which are inhabited by intelligent tribes, present to us a grand sphere of missionary opportunity. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.21

Within this union conference are the conferences of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria-Tasmania, South Australia, West Australia, and New Zealand; and twelve missions; namely, Tahiti, Pitcairn, Rarotonga, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Lord Howe, Norfolk, New Hebrides, New Guinea, the Maoris of New Zealand, and the Queensland mission for the aborigines. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.22

Institutions

Besides the local conferences and tract societies and church-schools there are eighteen distinct institutions under union conference control. Of these institutions there are six cafes, in the following-named cities: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Wellington, and Auckland. There are five sanitariums, situated at Wahroonga, New South Wales; Avondale, New South Wales; Warburton, Victoria; Adelaide, South Australia; and Christchurch, New Zealand. We have four educational institutions; namely, the Australasian Missionary College, New Zealand Training-school, the Darling Range School, West Australia, and the Fiji Native Training-school. (This does not include the nurses’ training-school, which is connected with the Wahroonga Sanitarium, already mentioned). There are two publishing houses, the main one at Warburton, Victoria, and the other at Cooranbong, in connection with the college. The food factory, located at Cooranbong, should also be mentioned. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.23

Progress of the Work

With so many institutions, there must of necessity be some perplexity in a field with such a small constituency, but we are glad to report that God has blessed our institutions generally. Not that they are doing what we had hoped for, or are making large gains, but, taking the work as a whole, it is, we believe, moving steadily forward. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.24

Referring more in detail to our educational institutions, it is very encouraging to note that our training-college has had quite a full attendance. We have been glad for the good help of Professor Machlan, and are very sorry to lose him. Each year this institution supplies new recruits for our field. Many who in former years were students in this school are now doing successful work both in our home and foreign fields. In the New Zealand Conference alone we counted ten of the laborers who were trained at the Australasian Missionary College, three of these being ordained ministers, God has blessed this school in the past, and it has opened again this last year with the largest attendance in its history. GCB May 27, 1913, page 148.25

PHOTO-CHURCH IN NORFOLK ISLAND

During the past few years the New Zealand school has struggled with financial difficulties, and the attendance has been small. Recently the farm and buildings have been sold at a fair price, and we are now starting in a new place under new conditions. We have a smaller farm and smaller buildings, and a smaller staff will operate the school, so we are confident that the future of the institution will be brighter. As we passed through New Zealand to this meeting, the school buildings were being finished, the farm was already sending produce to the market, and, best of all, the principal thought the school would be full of students at its opening. This is an intermediate school. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.1

The intermediate training-school at Darling Range, West Australia, has had a very successful time during its entire history. The Fijian school is still doing excellent work training laborers for the islands. Its representatives are found in a number of islands of the group, and also in New Guinea, where two of its students are now laboring. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.2

At Wahroonga Sanitarium the number of patients has been larger during the last two years than for some time, and excellent work is being done by our medical workers in advancing the gospel of health. the nurses’ training-school is being carried forward successfully It is encouraging to note that several of the graduates have gone into the field as evangelical workers, some to far-away island fields. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.3

Australia, we believe, leads in the number of cafes under conference direction. Our cafes have all been busy and have done good work for the Lord. We are glad to report substantial gains in almost every case. Our food company has been busy, and has made good gains. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.4

The publishing house at Warburton has turned out more work than ever before, and we are glad that it has shown the largest credit balance in its history. We are thankful, indeed, that God has blessed the work there, and also in the field, where our noble canvassing bands have distributed so many of our books containing the message for this time. Years ago it was thought by some that the field was worn out, but some of our successful bookmen say they have been training the people to buy—establishing the “book habit.” Their success proves this to be true. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.5

Our camp-meetings have been seasons of refreshing, and have been more largely attended by God’s people than ever before. these annual gatherings have resulted in great good to our conferences. The outside interest in some instances has been most excellent. Our tent-meetings also in many places have won new adherents to the cause. An increasing number of young men are entering the field as evangelists. This gives good promise for future days. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.6

Work in the Islands

PHOTO-OUR FIRST CHURCH BUILDING ERECTED IN AUSTRALASIA, IN TASMANIA

The work in the islands moves onward. The work of translating tracts, papers, and books goes steadily forward, and these are being widely scattered. Our missionaries are advancing to new posts in the different groups already occupied, and during the past year our work has opened up in Lord Howe and the New Hebrides. New recruits have been sent to Lord Howe, New Hebrides, Fiji, Rarotonga, and the Society Islands; work has been commenced in Aitutaki, and a worker and his wife are waiting to enter Savage Island. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.7

Finances

Looking back over the period since the last General Conference, we make the following observations relating to the progress of the work, so far as figures tell them:— GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.8

The tithe during the quadrennial period ending 1908 was $223,702.14; during the last four years, $327,836.84, or an increase of $104,134.70. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.9

I think the Australasian Union Conference can claim the honor of being the first union conference whose Sabbath-school offerings were wholly donated to missions. The offerings in our Sabbath-schools from 1904-08 were $23,140.45, and from 1908-12 they were $41,553.29, showing an increase of $18,412.84. The total offerings to missions apart from Sabbath-school and young people’s donations during the last four years were $45,734.36, or an increase of $20,144.04. Our offerings to home missions have not thereby been lessened, for there has been an increase from $8,796.76 in 1905-08 to $40,487.11 in the last four years, or an increase of $31,690.35. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.10

Young People’s Societies

The number of our young people’s societies has increased from sixty-six to eighty-eight societies, and we can report great progress and efficiency along all lines. We look upon the young people’s society as an important factor in our work. During the past four years our young people, in addition to what they are doing in other departments, have given $17,084.09, chiefly to missions. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.11

Book Sales

Although we have been repeatedly told that no more subscription books can be sold in Australasia, still they sell. In passing through New Zealand on my way to this conference, Pastor Cole, the president of that conference, informed me of the wonderful interest to hear the truth in those districts where thousands of “Great Controversy” have lately been sold. During the quadrennial period of 1905-08, books to the value of $314,334.69 were sold. This is a very good showing, but during the past four years the value of books sold was $380,317.85, showing an increase of $65,983.16. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.12

Workers

At the beginning of this quadrennial period, we had twenty-eight ordained ministers, and, notwithstanding the exodus of workers to the United States, we had at the close of the above-mentioned period thirty-seven ordained ministers, or an increase of nine. There is also an increase of nineteen licensed missionaries. GCB May 27, 1913, page 149.13

Other brethren of our delegation who render departmental reports will give interesting facts only touched on in this general report. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.1

PHOTO-IN NEW GUINEA

While deeply grateful for the blessings of God upon his work in Australasia during the past four years, we are at the same time conscious of many failures, and that the work of God should have made greater progress in our field than it has. But, resolutely turning to the God of all grace for forgiveness of the past, and for help for the future, we are determined to press the battle of our God in Australasia to the gates, till, with the representatives from many lands gathered here to-day, we can, with the remnants of nations and tribes we help to garner in, stand at last triumphant on the sea of glass, to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. God grant it, for Jesus sake. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.2

F. E. FULTON, President.

L. R. Conradi: After this good report, we will hear from Brother A. H. Piper concerning the progress of the work in the South Pacific islands. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.3

A. H. Piper (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.4

AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE MISSION FIELD

WASe

In the South Pacific is found the mission field attached to the Australasian Union Conference. At the present time, operations are being carried on in fourteen missions. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.5

Pitcairn

Pitcairn, on the eastern fringe of the field, has a population of 153; the membership of the church there is 60. Word has reached us since we have been in Washington, that there has been quite a revival of late on the island. At the present time, a young married couple, nurses trained at the Wahroonga Sanitarium, New South Wales, are on their way to this lone island, to replace the worker who has lately returned to Australia. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.6

Society Islands

The Society group, with 30,500 inhabitants, has two organized, churches and a company or two of Sabbath-keepers. At the present time there are four laborers in the field. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.7

Cook Islands

Traveling west, the next group in which our work is established is the Cook Islands. With a population of 12,000, found on about twelve islands, we have but four workers. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.8

Savage Island

PHOTO-SCENE ON RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Niue, or Savage Island stands alone. It long withstood the efforts of the early missionaries in the South Sea to evangelize it. When the fact that our workers were about to enter the field became known on the island, quite a spirit of opposition was awakened. It was thought best to delay sending the workers until the matter quieted. On this becoming known among our native brethren on Rarotonga, the chief island of the Cook Island group, the native deacon of the church there, himself a native of Niue, decided to go and do what he could. Without asking one penny of the conference, he paid his passage to the island, visited and worked among his people, and as a result we learned, just before we left Sydney, that the natives in Niue were waiting to receive favorably the workers who were under appointment to that field. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.9

Samoan Islands

To the north of Niue is the Samoan group. Among a population of forty thousand, we have three workers. At present there are but eight Sabbath-keepers there. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.10

Friendly Islands

West of the Samoan are the Tongan, or Friendly Islands. These are occupied by twenty-three thousand inhabitants, who are perhaps the proudest people of the Pacific. We have four workers in the group, and twenty Sabbath-keepers. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.11

Fiji Islands

The Fiji Islands are the central group of the Southern Pacific. Here we have a training-school for native workers. There are twenty workers in the field, fourteen of whom are Fijians, and one of them an ordained minister. Among the eighty-five thousand Fijians we have two hundred forty-three Sabbath-keepers. In this group are forty-five thousand Indians of the coolie caste. We have one worker devoting all her time to work among them. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.12

New Zealand

South of Fiji is New Zealand, with its forty-four thousand Maoris. The work among them goes very slowly. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.13

New Hebrides

North of New Zealand are the New Hebrides Islands. This field has only lately been opened by a party of four workers, consisting of an ordained minister and his wife, and a brother and his wife who are nurses. The population is estimated at fifty thousand, many of them being cannibals. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.14

Norfolk Island

Between the New Hebrides and Sydney are found Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. A brother and his wife have charge of the work on the formed. Among a population of one thousand we have a church of sixty members. It is on this island that Sister Belden widow of our late Brother Stephen Belden, lives. She has been an active worker. During the past two years, a company of Sabbath-keepers has been raised up on Lord Howe Island. GCB May 27, 1913, page 150.15

New Guinea

PHOTO-GENERAL MEETING IN THE FIJI ISLANDS

North of Australia is British New Guinea, or Papua, as it is officially known. The work is still in its infancy in this interesting field. We have four white workers and a young Fijian couple, doing what they can to master the language and win souls from among the three hundred fifty thousand heathen of this land. One night, some time ago, a number of warriors from an inland tribe of cannibals raided the mission station, with the intent of murdering all the natives working there. Their plans were frustrated by a sick boy, who, being awake, gave the alarm, at which the marauders made off through the bush. We feel very thankful to God for this signal deliverance. A Papuan, Vaori by name, embraced the Sabbath while working for the mission. Later he returned to his cannibalistic tribe in the interior. After some months, Bennie, our Fijian worker in the field, went inland to see Vaori, and to learn how he was prospering. He found that Vaori was keeping a record of the days of the week, a thing the Papuan knows nothing about, and he told Bennie that that day was Friday, and that the morrow was Sabbath. Not only was he faithful in keeping it, but was also preaching the truth to his tribe. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.1

Australia

In Australia itself are found one hundred thousand aborigines, sixty thousand of whom, in West Australia, have never come in contact with white people, and it is said that they practise cannibalism. In Queensland some work has been done for them by a brother and his wife, who are giving all their time in an endeavor to teach them the message. Negotiations are at present being carried on with the Queensland government for a permanent mission station, in order that a more thorough work can be done in that state for them. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.2

Literature for most of these island fields is printed by the Avondale Press at Cooranbong, New South Wales. In the Society, Cook, Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian groups, and for the Maoris of New Zealand, we have monthly papers circulating. These are edited in Australia, and in order that all in connection with these papers may be done as perfectly as possible, several young natives from the islands mentioned who are in attendance at the Australasian Missionary College, assist in the work of publishing them. All the papers are printed at Avondale. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.3

Our field is a large one. From its eastern fringe to its western border, it stretches one third of the distance around the world, and one sixth of the distance from north to south. We have many important islands and groups yet to be entered. But it is with courage that we face the future. Our training-schools are full of young people, many of whom have their eyes upon the mission field. Our people in Australasia are loyal and hearty in their support of the work, for they believe the statement of the Spirit of the Lord, that “upon the Australasian Union Conference rests the burden of carrying the third angel’s message to the islands of the Pacific.” May God help us to do it. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.4

A. H. PIPER,
Sec. Australasian Union Conference.

L. R. Conradi: We hear next from Brother Geo. S. Fisher, concerning the sanitarium and health work in the Australasian Union. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.5

G. S. Fisher (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.6

REPORT OF MEDICAL WORK IN AUSTRALASIA

WASe

The medical department of the Australasian Union Conference was established over fifteen years ago in the state of New South Wales. From a small beginning, the work has grown, and today we have five sanitariums, four in Australia, and one in New Zealand. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.7

We have a large field, sparsely populated. We hope in the future to have the help of several eminent city practitioners. In reference to finance, we have experienced the same difficulties that many of our medical institutions have. The cost of training so many young people, combined with the general maintenance and up-keep, is very heavy, and for several years we have run behind. Last year the tide turned, and after depreciating our stock and buildings to the extent of $5,000, and doing charitable work to the extent of $1,700, the balance sheet revealed a gain of $220 net. For this we praise the Lord. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.8

We endeavor to maintain a high spiritual standard in these institutions, and the people are much impressed with the deportment of the staff. We believe it is God’s design that these institutions should rightly represent the third angel’s message in every respect. It is the religious influence that pervades such places that inspires the guests with confidence. The total earnings for the past GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.9

Sydney Sanitarium year amounted to $30,000. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.10

A little over ten years ago the institution known as the Sydney Sanitarium, situated about twelve miles from the city, was built at a cost of about $30,000, on an estate of 77 acres valued at about $18,000. This institution is well furnished and equipped with up-to-date medical and bath-room appliances, which brings the net value up to $70,000, and will accommodate 77 patients. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.11

The Sydney Sanitarium is our medical training-school for the Australasian Union. Of the many bright young people trained here, some are today doing acceptable work both in the home field and in the islands of the Pacific, thus fulfilling the instruction given by the Spirit of the Lord: “God designs that all our institutions shall become instrumentalities for educating and developing workers of whom he will not be ashamed, workers who can be sent out as well-qualified missionaries, to do service for the Master.” The course consists of three years. We have an average of thirty-five nurses all the time in training, besides sixteen outside workers. At present there are nine men nurses and twenty-eight ladies. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.12

Drs. I. A. Sherwin and M. M. Freeman, both graduates of the Sydney (Australia) University, are in charge of the medical work, and the Lord is blessing their labors very much. Sister Elsie M. Shannon, of America, who has been in Australia many years, is our medical matron, and is giving her whole soul to the training of workers. Our patronage fluctuates, but, taking all the year round, it averages about forty patients. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.13

Warburton Sanitarium

The Warburton Sanitarium, situated about fifty miles from Melbourne, is built on a much smaller scale, and represents an investment of about $12,000. It is under the care of Dr. W. H. James, of Victoria, Australia. This institution enjoys a good patronage, especially during the summer months. It is situated close to our publishing house, and draws its water and electric supply from there. Last year it was run at a small loss, but the institution is still in its infancy, and we feel certain that when it becomes more widely known, the result will be different. Warburton is a great health resort, and thousands visit there. Carloads of visitors are carried at excursion fares every week. GCB May 27, 1913, page 151.14

Adelaide Sanitarium

The South Australian Sanitarium, located in Adelaide, and built on the cottage plan, is capable of caring for about fifteen or twenty patients. Some good work has been done there, souls having been won to the truth through its instrumentality. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.1

Christchurch (New Zealand) Sanitarium

The work in Christchurch (New Zealand) Sanitarium, under the care of Brother G. A. Brandstater, has made steady progress, the institution, including real estate, buildings, and equipment, representing an investment of about $20,000. Last year, after all expenses were paid, there was a net gain of $450. The railway company has lately acquired some of the property, and built a freight siding thereon, so probably it will be necessary in the near future for us to seek another location. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.2

We would not forget to mention the good work being done by Drs. P. M. and Florence Keller, who are in private practise in Auckland, New Zealand; also the Drs. Richards, in Australia. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.3

Health Food Work

Our health food work, another branch of the medical work, has also been greatly blessed of God during the last few years. The factory is built on the Avondale School estate, but is operated separately. The students are engaged mainly in the manufacture of health foods, of which we list about twenty-five or thirty kinds. At the time of the last General Conference, the indebtedness of this department exceeded $20,000, but we have reduced that now about one half. Taking into consideration that our present worth is over $18,000, the work is in a good financial condition. Last year’s balance-sheet showed a net profit of $5,020. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.4

We have our own branch stores and restaurants. The latter are established in every state of Australia, except one, and also in New Zealand. They are greatly appreciated by the general public, and are a means of drawing attention to the truth. Only those who have a love for the message, and who believe in health-reform principles, are engaged in this work. We have been counseled that we should have such places in the large cities, and that, if properly conducted, they will be the means of calling the attention of busy city folks to the Sabbath of the Lord. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.5

Cafe Work

Last year our cafe patronage increased by nearly 20,000. The total earnings for the year were $28,000. A few years ago there was great prejudice against vegetarianism on the part of the women of Australia, but it is quite different now. They attend our cooking demonstrations regularly, and are intensely interested in them. We praise God for all he is doing in the medical work. Our sole object is to educate the people by showing them how to prepare the most wholesome food, and how they can cooperate with God in restoring his moral image in themselves. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.6

Temperance Work

The temperance work has received considerable attention, and today we are as a people in the front ranks of temperance reform. As opportunities have offered, we have united with the great temperance bodies in fighting the drink evil, and our representatives are called to take part in the alliance council meetings. Special temperance literature is prepared and scattered like the leaves of autumn. Whenever the local-option question comes before the country, we see much fruit from this literature. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.7

PHOTO-MISSIONARY STATION IN TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS

Many of the towns in New Zealand are enjoying prohibition. There has been a great reduction in licenses both in that country and in Australia. Our Australasian health magazine finds its way into twenty thousand homes, and is recognized to be the leading health journal in Australasia. It has been enlarged to sixty-four pages, and sells readily at sixpence (12 cents) a copy. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.8

Although much has been done to bring our health reform principles before the people, we realize the fact that there yet lies a great work before us. Disease and sorrow are to be seen on every hand. So we feel grateful that today our young people are consecrating themselves for future responsibility in the organized work. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.9

GEORGE S. FISHER.

L. R. Conradi: Brother L. D. A. Lemke will now report concerning the book work in this union. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.10

L. D. A. Lemke (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.11

SALES OF LITERATURE IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

WASe

July 1, 1908, to June 30, 1913

In rendering our report, we desire first of all to express our gratitude and praise to God for the great love that he has manifested toward us in that he has blessed our work with good success. We are glad to be able to report progress. The sales of subscription books, helps, trade books, and tracts for the four years ending June 30, 1912, are as follows: 1909, $64,037; 1910, $65,968; 1911, $79,834; 1912, $87,673. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.12

In 1908, Western Australia had only three canvassers at work; Tasmania had none; and New Zealand and Queensland were also very much in need of trained agents; so that only New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia were left to depend upon for reports. However, by the blessing of God and the hearty cooperation of union and state conference workers in selecting and training good, consecrated men and women for the canvassing field, the work has been growing, until it has reached its present standing. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.13

Australia is in many ways a very difficult field to work, and it requires a great deal of faith and courage and planning on the part of all those connected with the book work, to meet with success. The area of Australia and New Zealand is 3,079,052 square miles, a little larger than the United States. It is more than one fourth of the whole of the British empire, and nearly three fourths of the whole area of Europe. Yet its population is only about six million. In some parts of Australia our canvassers have to travel seven or eight hundred miles away from home in order to reach the outlying sheep stations and gold fields, their books afterward being delivered by post, as the expenses incurred by traveling over the ground again would be too great. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.14

The increase in book sales for the year 1911 as compared with 1910 is encouraging, it being $13,866. As we compare the last two years, we are able to report an increase of $6,839 above the $13,866 of the previous year. The total increase on the four years’ work is $23,636. GCB May 27, 1913, page 152.15

City Canvassing

In harmony with the instruction given by the spirit of prophecy in regard to city work, we have endeavored to work our large cities and towns with our religious books, and have met with good success. We have almost finished a recanvass with “Great Controversy” throughout the whole of New Zealand, and have placed during the last three years over eight thousand copies of that book in the homes of the people. In the towns of Australia we have been working chiefly with “Great Controversy,” “Heralds of the Morning,” “Seer of Patmos,” and “Desire of Ages,” with good success, and we are now planning to canvass the cities of Melbourne and Sydney with our new book, “Prophetic Waymarks,” by Brother Haskell. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.1

We are glad that, while we are able to report advance in book sales, we are also able to say that our canvassers in Australia are men and women who are in the work to win souls for the Master, and that they are successful. It has been a pleasure to visit the camp-meetings in the different states, and to listen to the reports, especially the last year. Not only did these reports tell of good success in the sale of literature, but of some small companies of believers raised up during the year. This is the work we want to see done. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.2

During the last four years we have visited all the conferences in the Australian Union Conference, and have held institutes with our churches and companies. In addition to this, the union conference has started a permanent canvassers’ institute, in harmony with a recommendation to that effect passed at our last union conference, held at Warburton, in 1910. The object of the institute is twofold: First, to educate men and women of mature years to become permanent canvassers, and thus form a strong basis for the work; second, to instruct young people who desire to attend our Avondale college, but have not the means, in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” so that they may thus earn their scholarship. We have in connection with this institute about ten acres of good garden land, with an abundant water supply throughout the whole year, and are thus able to grow our own vegetables and fruits. We have already seen good results of the work done by this institute, and believe that it will prove a strong factor in educating and training a band of permanent canvassers. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.3

The General Conference Publishing Department has announced as the aim for this year a total sale of $2,000,000 worth of subscription books. The Australasian field has already sold an average number of books a month during the current year sufficient to indicate that we shall sell our quota in attaining this excellent result. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.4

L. D. A. LEMKE, General Agent.

L. R. Conradi: For the periodical work of the Australasian Union, Brother A. W. Anderson will now report. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.5

A. W. Anderson (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.6

PERIODICAL WORK IN AUSTRALASIA

WASe

As so much has been written and said concerning the scanty population of the Australian continent, it will be unnecessary for me to do more than merely mention the fact that the territory operated by the Australasian Union Conference is the most sparsely populated in all the world. Not only are there but a mere handful of people within our territory compared with the population of most of the other union conferences, but as our centers of population are scattered about at immense distances from each other, the cost of operating the field is materially increased. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.7

With a view of setting before you in a lucid and comprehensive manner the actual conditions under which publishing work is carried on in the antipodes, I will say that whilst our population in Australia is about equal to that of New York City, our geographical area is a little larger than that of the United States. Yet, with that small population to operate, a population approximately that of one American city, there are two publishing houses, five sanitariums, seven cafes, two health food factories, one college, two academies, and numerous church-schools. In that small population our canvassers are now selling about one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of subscription books per annum, and in addition to that we are circulating two weekly journals, the Australasian Signs of the Times and the Australasian Record, also a sixty-four-page health magazine, and a sixty-four-page religious magazine. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.8

As nearly forty per cent of the entire population live in the state capitals, and the remaining sixty per cent are scattered about in small cities and towns, or on great sheep and cattle stations, remote from each other, it will readily be understood that our periodical work is restricted to a rather small area, and a still smaller population, for outside of the metropolitan cities there are but few parts of Australia where a periodical worker might successfully travel from town to town upon a self-supporting basis. Thus, while practically the whole of the settled portions of Australia have been well canvassed by our subscription-book agents, it has been difficult to carry on an extensive work with our periodicals. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.9

You may question why we say so much about the immensity of our territorial area, and the meagerness of our population; but unless these facts are brougth forcibly before the mind, it is difficult for any one to appreciate the problem that faces a union conference which undertakes to publish a weekly missionary paper, a health journal, and a religious magazine for circulation in a population equivalent to New York City, and about half of these people so remote from the centers of population as to be beyond the reach of the periodical worker. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.10

There are other difficulties, however, which confront us in the publishing work in that field. While there are paper-mills in Australia that manufacture the cheaper kinds of printing paper, they do not cater to our requirements. We are, therefore, compelled to import almost the whole of our raw material. This means that we have to pay steamer freight of twelve thousand miles together with a customs duty on our raw materials. Our factory costs are also higher because the editorial and type-room costs must be distributed over a smaller number of copies of each issue than is the case in more populous countries. Is it any wonder that, under these conditions, the profits of our Australasian publishing house are low? Nevertheless, we rejoice in God for the progress which has attended the work in that distant land, despite the obstacles which have had to be overcome. It must surely be a source of great joy to the faithful laborers who pioneered that field, and who resolutely faced all these difficulties and planted institutions in this country, to know that they have become strong, and are now proclaiming the truth with no uncertain sound. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.11

The “Signs of the Times”

We are somewhat disappointed that we cannot report a greater circulation than eight thousand five hundred for our weekly missionary paper, the Australasian Signs of the Times. For the last few years we have labored hard to bring the figure up to ten thousand, but so far we have not succeeded. We are not discouraged in this, however, for our letter files contain many interesting communications from people in all parts of Australasia whose interest has been awakened through reading the Signs of the Times; and we know of numbers of Sabbath-keepers who have learned the truth and been led to unite with God’s people through reading this humble medium. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.12

Now and again we publish large editions to meet special issues. Every little while a great stir is made over the Bible-in-schools question. This gives us an opportunity to set before the people the true principles of the relationship which should be sustained between church and state. Our church-members take hold of the circulation of these special issues with much enthusiasm. We believe that our missionary paper has exercised no small amount of influence hitherto in preventing the council of churches from accomplishing its design to teach religion in the state schools of the three states which are still free from this encroachment of the church upon the sphere of the state. The temperance question is another live issue in Australia, and offers good scope for successful work with our weekly paper. We have printed as many as one hundred eighty thousand copies of one issue on the question of prohibition, in the circulation of which we have not only had the aid of our own good brethren and sisters, but the various temperance organizations have also assisted us by distributing thousands of copies of these special issues. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.13

“Life and Health”

This magazine is finding favor among a very good class of people, and through its influence we are making good friends, particularly in the large cities. Formerly this magazine was a twenty-four-page monthly, but a little over two years ago it was decided by the union conference to publish the magazine bimonthly, to change its name from the Good Health to Life and Health, and to increase its size from twenty-four pages to sixty-four pages. It was a big venture for us to make, but the Lord has responded to our faith, and has given us much encouragement, for, whereas we were able to print only thirty-five hundred copies of the Good Health, we now print twenty thousand copies of Life and Health. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.14

“The Outlook”

Last year we conceived the idea that it would be a good thing for our field if we could produce a magazine of sixty-four pages which would deal with our great doctrinal subjects. We determined to publish it without a date, so it could never be considered a back number. In the first issue we presented the subject of the second advent of Christ. The new magazine met with a warm reception by our church-members. Undoubtedly the main factor in securing a good circulation for our literature, is to make it so potent for the truth that our own people are convinced that the public must have it Thus the literature will sell, not because the public want it, but because our people think that the public should and must have it. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.15

A. W. ANDERSON.

The Australasian field has been sown thickly with literature. We pray that God will water this seed, that an abundant harvest may be gathered in. GCB May 27, 1913, page 153.16

L. R. Conradi: Now we will hear from Miss Edith Graham about the Sabbath-school and Young People’s departments in this union. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.1

Miss Edith Graham (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.2

SABBATH-SCHOOL AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK

WASe

In the Australasian field, which includes Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands, there are 194 Sabbath-schools, 29 of these being in the islands. The membership is 5,643. The offerings for the four years ending December, 1912, amounted to $41,553, an average of $7.36 a member, including the native members in the islands, many of whom are able to give little or nothing. It is gratifying to know, however, that they do give as far as they are able in most cases, and often they sacrifice more to give than their white brethren do. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.3

These offerings have been for the support of the work in the Pacific islands, and to provide needed facilities for the mission work. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.4

In each state there is a state home department, whereby the isolated members are encouraged to study the lessons and give of their means. A regular correspondence is kept up with all of these, and many letters of appreciation of this are received, telling what a blessing the lessons have been. Many of these isolated ones are far from others of the same faith, some in divided homes, some aged and infirm. But to all of them the Sabbath-school is a help and comfort. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.5

The interest in the study of the lessons seems to be increasing. The lessons recently studied, on practical Christianity, were especially helpful, and an effort was made all through the conference to get all to study them so as to be able to teach or recite without use of lesson pamphlet or Bible. Many responded, and the Sabbath-schools decidedly improved in interest where members came week by week with their minds full of the lesson. This increased the attendance, too; for when the people had well-studied lessons they wanted to recite them. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.6

Much still remains to be done to bring the standard of Bible study to what it should be, but the response already received encourages us to press forward. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.7

The Sabbath-school is truly a blessed institution, and one which every Sabbath-keeper should support both by example and precept. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.8

The Australasian Missionary Volunteer Department GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.9

The Missionary Volunteer societies of Australasia number 88, and (including the state department, have a membership of 2,099. The contributions for home and foreign work during the four years were $17,084, of which over $14,000 was for foreign missions. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.10

With the foreign offerings a man and wife are supported in the Cook Islands, a man and wife in Samoa, a man and wife in New Hebrides, a man and wife in Tonga Islands, three native workers in Fiji, a native worker in New Guinea; and some needed facilities for the workers are also supplied. Thus the young people are quite a factor in the spread of the gospel message in the Pacific islands. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.11

Most of the money is earned by the young people and children. Sometimes a little help is received from the older people. The money is earned in various ways, in contributions from regular wages, profits from sale of books and periodicals, collections with missionary tins, missionary gardens, missionary hens, calves, sheep, lambs, vines, fruit-trees, etc., and earnings by work of various sorts. Many of the young people and children have shown considerable ingenuity in devising ways and means of earning money for the support of their missionary. This work has been a blessing to all who have taken part in it, giving them an active interest in the cause of God, and so binding their hearts to it, and occupying their time, that harmful things were crowded out, and a capacity for carrying responsibility developed. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.12

Programs have been prepared and printed by the Australasian Missionary Volunteer department, and are used by most of the societies. Some societies which are rich in talent and experience prepare their own programs. Most of the societies hold weekly meetings. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.13

The work has been a blessing to the young people. Many who were formerly indifferent, have become consecrated, converted workers. Many have been led to give their hearts to God. A large number of young people have been baptized during the four years covered by this report. The spiritual gain has been the most encouraging feature of the work, and, while there are yet great things to be done, the Missionary Volunteer work in Australasia is onward. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.14

L. R. Conradi: B. F. Machlan, former principal of the Australasian Training College, though now principal of South Lancaster Academy, has been asked to report for the training college. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.15

B. F. Machlan (reading):— GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.16

THE AUSTRALASIAN MISSIONARY COLLEGE

WASe

The college is a busy little city, with its green grocer, general store, bakery, and draper shop; its sawmill, blacksmith shop, plumber shop, carpentry shop, press, factory, electric-light plant, and telephone exchange; together with its fleet of boats for the transportation of passengers and freight; the whole operated by teachers and students. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.17

In the year 1894, an estate was purchased near Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia, on which to erect a Christian school. This estate was subsequently called the Avondale estate, and the school was denominated the Avondale School for Christian Workers. To meet the condition brought about by the Compulsory Military Training Act, the name was changed, in June, 1911, to that of Australasian Missionary College. However, the name to the people will ever remain the Avondale School. In harmony with the instruction of the spirit of prophecy, the school was located in the country, where the beauties of nature are more elevating than the works of man; where the tilling of the soil is better for muscle, brain, and heart, than the amusements, sports, and holidays; where God’s pure air is sweeter than in the city streets; and where true manhood and womanhood, and the love of Christ, may develop in the hearts of our youth under the best possible conditions. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.18

The nearest city is twenty-five miles away, and Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is seventy-five miles distant. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.19

At present the estate consists of about eleven hundred acres, of which nearly two hundred acres are under cultivation. Oranges, mandarins, and lemons are the citrus fruits grown on the tilled land, while summer fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, persimmons, and blackberries are grown in abundance. Agricultural products necessary for the supply of the school are also grown. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.20

The farm affords work for a large number of students, some of whom pay their entire way in labor. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.21

The domestic science department opens the way for the young ladies to be trained in the art of housekeeping. The college press has been running more than ten years, and is a growing enterprise. As a missionary and educational factor, the printing department is proving to be of great importance. It is self-supporting, and employs about twenty-five students. Several others are members of the industrial class. Literature has been produced by the press up to the present time in Fijian, Tongan, Tahitian, Rarotongan, Maori, Singapore-Malay, Java-Malay, Niue, Samoan, and English. Six monthly publications and one weekly journal are issued. The Sabbath-school Quarterlies, and the various readings used throughout the churches, are also produced by the press, and all lines of paper boxes, bags, and advertising matter for the health foods are successfully produced. A stereotyping plant is in operation, and a new Payne’s perfecting press was installed last year. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.22

The carpentry and blacksmithing departments are well equipped and prove a great blessing to the school. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.23

The school having outgrown its capacity to accommodate young men, the carpentry department last year built an addition to the young men’s home. The dormitory now offers room for seventy-five boys. During last year this department also built a church-school building for the use of the normal department. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.24

The industrial feature of the college is a most interesting as well as a most valuable one. Last year fifty-five per cent of the students paid their entire expenses in labor, thirty-five per cent paid one half their school fees, while only ten per cent were full-paying students. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.25

The literary work of the school has not been neglected, and the college offers to its constituency a Biblical, advanced normal, missionary, music, and commercial and shorthand course. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.26

The spiritual interests of the school have been well guarded, and when the school closed last year it was found that only one student had failed to acknowledge Christ as his Saviour. The graduating class of 1912 was composed of four students from the ministerial course, six from the missionary course, and one from the music course. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.27

The value of the Australasian Missionary College to the great union conference which has fostered it from the beginning, and the value to the cause of God, only the judgment will reveal. You have here at this General Conference delegates from the island fields as well as the continental mission fields, who have been trained within its walls. In the home land, and in the mission field, are to be found its faithful representatives working out the principles taught them by their alma mater. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.28

B. F. MACHLAN.

Following these interesting reports, the Conference adjourned, the benediction being pronounced by Elder J. O. Corliss, who was one of those sent to Australia by the General Conference twenty-eight years ago, when there was not a Seventh-day Adventist in that field. Elder Corliss led the Conference in thanks to God for the great work that has followed the planting of the standard of truth in Australia. GCB May 27, 1913, page 154.29

L. R. CONRADI, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.