our aim : a monthly record of the aborigines' inland …...our aim s«s) vol. xlii, no. 4...

OUR AIM

*s*«s)

VOL. XLII , No. 4 17th DECEMBER, 1948 Registered at the G . P . O . , Sydney, Cor transmission, by post as a newspaper.

A Monthly Record of the

Aborigines Inland Mission

of Australia

242 Pitt St., Sydney, Australia

Edi t ed by Mrs . R. Long

Annual Subscription. 2/6

Editorial

A I M . Annual Meetings

For Young People

CONTENTS Page

General News 2

3

4

5

The Harvest Field 6-9

Singleton N.W.T.C.

Speech Day •• 10

Mt. Wilson N .W.TC. ........ 11

Christmas Gift

Meetings 14

Christ. The Blessed Son of God

Christ my Saviour, Christ my Friend, Christ my Treasure without end; Christ when waves of sorrow roll, Christ the Comfort of my soul.

Christ when all around should fail, Christ when enemies prevail; Christ when false accusers rise, Christ my Solace in the skies.

Christ when days are dark and drear, Christ when all around is clear; Christ when all the earth is gone, Christ my portion on the throne.

Christ at home, and Christ abroad, Christ my Company on the road; Christ in sickness, Christ in health, Christ in poverty and wealth.

Christ who once on earth has trod, Christ the blessed "Son of God," Christ for time and Christ for aye, Christ for all eternity.

—Unknown.

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 17/14 - www.aiatsis.gov.au

2 "OUR AIM ' — December, 17, 1948

General News

When in Sydney for the An>-nual Meetings, Miss Rosan was the guest of Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Brand of the Glebe Methodist Mission, with whom she had much fellowship when she was stationed at Normanton and Mr. and Mrs. Brand were in Cloncurry with the Methodist Inland Mission.

The removal of the Aboriginal people from Menindee to Lake Cargellico is not likely to eventuate till after the New Year. The Aborigines Welfare Board has prepared a well laid-out settlement for them with comfortable homes with many modern conveniences.

The Auxiliary branches in Sydney—which comprise the Men's Fellowship, the Ladies' Auxiliary and the Young Women's Movement—all gave splendid service at the Annual Meetings, while Mr. and Mrs. Collins undertook all the pre-meeting arrangements and advertising, etc. To one and all we give thanks for their loyal devoted service.

COPY FOR "OUR AIM"

Copy for "Our Aim" and reports from our Missionaries should reach the Editor, Mrs. R. Long, 18 Bay Street, Croydon, N.S.W., not later than the 25th of the month to be in time for insertion in the following month's issue.

VICTORIAN SUBSCRIBERS

Will Victorian subscribers to "Our Aim'" please note that subscriptions should not be sent to the address of the late Mr. Darch.

Subscriptions should now be sent, until further notice, to our Secretary in Melbourne:

Miss L. I. Waite, 20 Myrtle Road,

Hampton, S7. Victoria.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Mr. Luke Stirling, Honorary Treasurer of the Victorian A.I.M. Advisory Council, has changed his address.

It is now:

47 Illawarra Road, Hawthorn. E2. Victoria.

Sittings God never gives us discern

ment in order that we may criticise, but that we may intercede.

X X X

The author who benefits you is not the one who tells you something you did not know before, but the one who gives expression to the truth that has been struggling for utterance in you.

x X x

Praise is the daughter of faith and love.

X X X

The hard way is most often the short way and the sure way.

"I have chosen you." He has put His hand upon us for a specific purpose, our life has a place in God's plan.

X X X

Of all men, most blest is he who finds most mercy in his mercies and most goodness in his goods.

X X X

To me has been given some tokens of His love that no one else ever proved; so then I can bring some note of music without which the great chorus of God's praise is incomplete.

X X X I have nothing to do with to

morrow, My Saviour will make that

His care; Its grace and strength I can't

borrow, So why should I borrow its

care?

MT. WILSON N W TRAINING COLLEGE JANUARY 26, 1949

The first anniversary of the opening of Mt. Wilson College will D.V. be celebrated on January 26, 1949. Last year's gathering was a most enjoyable and successful function.

Friends are again invited to assemble there, and arrangements will be made for transport by bus from Mt. Victoria Railway Station to Mt. Wilson (16 miles). Special compartments will also be engaged on the 8.40 train from Sydney to

Mt. Victoria. Will all friends on the Moun

tains wishing to attend and requiring transport please communicate with Mrs. Keats, Secretary Blue Mountains Auxiliary, Albion Street, Katoomba, at least 14 days before the 26th January, so that ample bus accommodation may be arranged.

Will Sydney friends please communicate with the A.I.M. Office, 242 Pitt Street (MA 2078) by January 12?


lOUR AIM ' — December 17 1948

Aborigines Inland Mission of Australia Director: MRS. LONG; Hon. Sec.: MISS F. M. SWANE; Hon. Gen. Treas.: Pastor A. L. PERRY, J.P.

Our Motto :

OUR GOD IS ABLE

The Aborigines Inland Mission has for its object the evangelisation of the Aboriginal and half-caste people of Australia. It seeks to carry out the Lord's command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations. . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Matt. 28:18-26; with the establishment of an indigenous Church and Native Ministry ever in view.

It is interdenominational in character. Membership is based on Absolute faith in the Deity of the three Persons of the Godhead, Absolute belief in the inspiration and authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures and Absolute faith in the power of God to meet every need of His servants and His work.

The Mission is supported by the unsolicited freewill offerings of the Lord's people given in answer to prayer.

EDITORIAL ANNUAL Meetings seem to constitute them

selves a signpost on the upward road, where we pause for a brief rest to look backward over all the way the Lord our God hath led us.

This we have recently done, and we give thanks unto Him for the refreshment He gave us as we paused to rest with our friends and fellow-labourers.

It was good to hear from the lips of many witnesses of the Lord's doings through various branches of our work—at the base—in the Colleges—on our settled stations—in new areas through fresh ventures—all of which brought a thrill to our hearts and a "Praise God" to our lips.

Now we have turned our faces uphill again, and let us say to each other, "Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly . . . and let the Lord do that which is good in His sight." (1 Chronicles 19:13.)

I'm going by the upper road, for that Still holds the sun;

I'm climbing through night's pastures where The starry rivers run.

If you should think to see me in my Old dark abode,

You'll find this writing on the door— He's on the Upper Road.

CHRIST Jesus CAME INTO THE WORLD to save sinners."

In the celebration of the birth of Christ we

must never overlook the fact that the incarnation was purposed before the foundation of the world. Christ, manifest in the flesh, was the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. He became flesh that He might redeem us and put away sin by His death on the Cross,.

We wish all our readers a joyful Christmas in the relatisation of His holy birth as the Son of God and son of Mary, and in the blessed fact of Redemption by Him who knew "no sin yet became of sin for us."

WE know the message of Redemption is the great need of the world to-day. It is the

need of our Aborigines as fully as of any other race, and we are determined (may the determination be as strong as Paul's was) to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

This is the one object of our Mission, and at whatever cost we must obey the marching orders of our Risen Lord. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ alone can penetrate and break the powers of darkness which has held captive our Native people in cruel heathendom for so many centuries. The same Gospel alone can break the chains of those who have been swept into the degradation and corruption of so called civilisation. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith," for we have declared that "the gospel IS the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Let us as we enter the New Year declare it afresh.


4 "OUR A I M ' — December, 17, 1948

1948 Annual Meetings SYDNEY — NOVEMBER 13

"We were greatly encouraged by the large number of friends who gathered with us again to offer praise to God for another year's blessings and manifestation of His power among the people with whom we labour.

Our Chairmen were helpful leaders in each of the three meetings. Dr. A. T. Whale, at the last moment as it were, stepped into the advertised afternoon Chairman's place. Rev. W. Waters, who was prevented returning from Adelaide because of a strike.

We thank Dr. Whale for his ready response.

The field was well presented by the speakers, and this time the base work had a place and was worthily represented.

In the afternoon session "the Director, Mrs. R. Long, rehearsed some salient points of the Annual Report, which appeared in full in last issue of Our Aim, and Mr. A. L. Perry, General Treasurer, presented the Annual Statement.

Here an unusual incident occurred. Mr. Luke Stirling, Treasurer of the Melbourne A.I.M. Advisory Council, presented Mr. Perry with a cheque for £100 towards the reduction of the principle of the purchase of Minimbah House, the home of our Singleton College. He told the story of how it was promised and given to him, and then as a thank offering he handed Mr. Perry a cheque from himself, two-thirds of which he asked to be given to the College upkeep and one-third to the Darwin Home. Mr. Stirling stressed the blessing

which had come into his life since he began the practice of tithing.

Mrs. Keats., Sec. of the Blue Mountains Auxiliary and Mr. F. Wilson, Secretary of the Newcastle Auxiliary, were present to tell of the work of their Auxiliaries. Mrs. Keats described their meetings and activities. The Blue Mountains Auxiliary, while taking a general interest in the Mission's efforts, particularly existed to stand by and help Mt. Wilson College.

Mr. Wilson told also of a vigorous work by Newcastle members in organising working-bees to assist Singleton College, and also of the fruitful work carried on at Karuah Mission Station 30 miles distant. He apologised for the absence of the principal worker in this latter activity, Mr. Taylor, through sickness, and told of the great blessing which had descended upon the work at that centre.

Miss F. Rosan, who is now our Missionary in the Boggabilla district, and Mr. John Quinn, from Newcastle Waters, both gave testimonies of God's loading and faithfulness.

Five young women students from Singleton were present, all of whom gave testimonies during the various sessions. Four of them sang suitable pieces and at the close of the day one of them, Miss Evelyn Walker, recited very feelingly "The Ninety and Nine." Two young men from Mt. Wilson N.W.T. College gave testimonies, one in the interval meeting and one at night.

These young people, who are

getting ready to go forth with the gospel to their own people, were an inspiration to all who heard and saw them.

The tea meeting in the lower Hall of the Central Baptist Church had ben prepared by the Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary, and was appreciated by more than 300 who enjoyed their bounty.

Mir. A. T. Iliffe was the organist at the interval and evening session, while Mrs. Ridge-well, our Quarterly Prayer Meeting pianiste. officiated in the afternoon.

At 6.30 Mr. R. Hind conducted a happy hour's season of singing and testimony. During this session, Mr. H. L. Gazzard in an address told us of several cases of conversion and transformation he had seen in the Darwin area of our work. Mr Gazzard was most helpful, while engaged for some months at the Qantas Airways, Darwin

Mr. C. A White presided over the last session, beginning at 7.30 p.m. Mr. E. A. Collins read part of Ephesiams 1, and Rev. H. Cottrell-Dormer led in prayer.

Miss F. Rosan gave a fine Missionary address when she told of the work in Normanton, North Queensland, in which she was engaged before her furlough and appointment to Boggabilla. Mr. John Quinn described Newcastle Waters and its people, and the formation of a Native church there this last year, and told a little of his pioneer journey with Mr. Stret-

(Continued on Page 12)


"OUR AIM' — December 17 1948 5

F O R Y O U N G P E O P L E

Zoe was a sweet-faced, very shy little dark girl, about eight years of age, her mother's only child, and she was very precious.

She loved Sunday School and attended very regularly. We knew she must be learning to love our Lord Jesus Christ. Her sweet, responsive smile told us so, but she was too shy to say so

Her mother had charge of some of the old people—the old men—on the Settlement, and Zoe lived with her parents at the quarters.

One day her mother surprised us by asking for a picture roll for Zoe and on being asked why Zoe wanted a picture roll, she further surprised us by saying, "Every night she gathers the old men together and has church with them. She sings and makes them sing, and then tells them the stories she hears at Sunday School, and makes them say the Lord's Prayer with her, and the old men love it, but she thinks she could explain it bett:r if she had a picture to show them."

Zoe, too shy to talk to us, but doing this wonderful work for our Lord Jesus!

Of course we looked for her and found the very best picture roll, and took it to her, and her mother afterwards told us that she was making good use of it and the old men were enjoying her stories. "They sing with her," she said, "and do everything she tells them."

Some months later a dear old man, who had previously come into the light and loved dear

ZOE little Zoe and her "church'' became very ill, but feeling better one day went for a little wall'. It was his last on earth. He came holme feeling very tired and lay down on his bunk before the big log fire.

Little Zoe sat at his feet and saing to him, while her mother prepared tea. Pausing between the choruses, she said, "Will we have church tonight Grandfather?"

"Yes, I love church. I love Him," he replied.

Zoe went on singing, and the old man closed his eyes and lay very still. He didn't open them on earth again, for he went to be with Jesus.

When Zoe's mother brought his supper in she saw what had happened and quietly led the little girl away. Old Charlie had his "church" in heaven that night.

Many an old man in the Old

Mercy, a little coloured girl, eight years old, was setting the table, when the son of the house who was in the room said to her, "Mercy, do you pray?"

The suddenness of the question confused her a little, but she answered, "Yes, every morning and every night."

"Do you think God hears you?'' the boy asked.

She answered promptly, "I know He does."

Men's Quarters have found t h e Saviour since. Maybe little Zoe had a big share in bringing them to a knowledge of Him

A SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC

We arranged to have our Sunday School picnic on the 2nd October and it was really a lovely, clear day. All did their part to make the picnic a suc cess. Peanuts were hidden early in the morning in readiness for the peanut hunt, but the fowls had a hunt before the children arrived, and had to be chased away. We also had a treasure hunt—the gifts were hidden i n the sand.

A tin of lollies had been given by one of our local storekeepers, and some of the women spent hours making pretty baskets and bags for the lollies for each child. It was just on dusk when we wended our way home, thankful for the happy day spent amongst our boys and girls. —M. Bowen

"But do you think," said he, trying to puzzle her ," that he hears your prayers as readily as those of white children?"

For fully three minutes the child kept on with her work; then she; slowly said, "Master George, I pray into God's ear, and not His eyes. My voice is just like any other girl's, and if I say what I ought to say, God don't look at my skin."

—Gospel Herald.

No Difference in the Voices



The H a r v e s t F ie ld NARRANDERA (N.S.W.)

Mr. A C. Goulter

Our little Church on the sandhills has just had its fifth Anniversary. Mr. Ken Andrews, a Methodist local preacher from Leeton, was the special speaker. He spoke on "Anniversaries'' and mentioned the great Passover gatherings in Old Testament times, and said it was mot only an occasion for remembering how long the Church had existed, but a call to look into our own hearts and see if we are growing in the knowledge and graces of the Christian life. He was sorry he could not take a party of our folk to the Darlington Point Convention this year, but hopes to do so next year for the whole period of the meetings.

Church Building Lined.

The Church interior was admired with its new ceiling and lining almost completed, and made still more attractive by the light blue curtains provided by A.A.M.M. workers, and so well made and hung by Mrs. and Miss Pattin-son, who also brought a lovely lot of flowers to add to those brought by the ladies of the Church. The special singing was much enjoyed also by the congregation. Let us praise God and pray on for renewed and beautified lives and hearts. "Our God is able.'' —A.C.G.

FINGAL HEAD

Mr. and Mrs. K. Bowen

We have been having spiritual blessing at Fingal. Prayer meetings have shown an increased attendance and prayer has been answered, especially in the contacting of some who are not church-goers. One backslider has been restored; anther, a young man. is showing signs of coming right out for Christ.

Our staff of workers here are giving faithful service in Sunday School and Endeavour work, and also assisting in the ministry of the gospel at the Sunday services.

The Sunday morning services have been encouraging, not only by the increased attendances, but by the spirit of interest and inquiry

shown by the Christians who are keen to "buy the truth, sell it not."

In November I was present at the Kalbar Baptist C.E. Missionary night, and spoke of the triumphs of the gospel among the Aborigines of Australia There is a great interest in the work amongst the Aborigines at this Missionary-minded church at Kalbar. I was the guest of Rev. and Mrs. B. Hohnke and enjoyed their hospitality and fellowship to the full. —KB

BERRIMAH (NT.)

Miss A. Clark and Miss H. Brown

Attendances at our services and meetings have been smaller lately, owing to some being away from the Settlement and also because of illness, but we were pleased to see many back again at our services last Sunday.

Measles broke out here in the Settlement at the beginning of November and so the place was quarantined and no one allowed to leave, and if any came here they had to stay. We are pleased to say that, in answer to prayer, there were not many cases, and most have recovered.

One large family, who had been away from here for a couple of months, returned just recently. While they were away, they had services on their own, just amongst themselves. I said to May, "What did you do at the service?" She said. ""We sang choruses and hymns" I said "Did you have prayer?" and she replied, "Yes John prayed, and we said texts too."

I asked her, "You had service every Sunday?" and she said, "Yes, and on Friday nights, too.' Isn't it lovely that the services mean so much to them?

The second youngest daughter of that family knew several texts when she returned because her brother and sister had been teaching her.

God's Word says, "My Word . . . shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."—A.C.


HAPPY TIMES AT NORMANTON

Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Watson

About twenty-four of our folk enjoyed a little social evening in the open at the side of the Mission House on the 12th November, when in the light of the "Kayen'' lantern, games and supper were enjoyed.

The following night, a Saturday, a number of these joined in open-air witness in the town.

Our guest at the Mission House for twenty-four hours was Mrs. D. Potter, who, with baby Lynette, was returning to Doomadgee Mission from Cairns.

Dr. Marks from Cloncurry recently examined the eyes of the school children and of some t>f the elder folk and eye-drops for needy children are now administered daily.

Mr. H. L. Mitchell, the local Protector of Aborigines, together with others, made an official trip to Bentinck Island which has figured in rumours lately. He reports that all the inhabitants are being cared for at Mornington Island Presbyterian Mission.

Lately we note increased attendances, showing a pleasing growth of interest.

A tropical storm on 17th November, bringing just twenty points of rain, heralded the commencement of "the wet.' We hope for much more rain. The increased humidity now felt is one promising sign. Mr. Watson still has to bring drinking water half a mile on his bicycle.

What a joyous Christmas awaits our folk! Friends in Sydney have been most generous and thoughtful in their choice and preparation of gifts. Our people have already expressed gratitude at being remembered. —C.M.W.

CHERBOURG (Q.)

Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Bobbins and Mr. A Ingram

"Praise God from Whom all blessings How " We rejoice in the fact that all meetings have been, well attended, and that there is definite spiritual growth in the lives of a number of young Christians.

During the month the Lord in His love and wisdom saw fit to take to Himself one of our dear young girls, aged 16 years. Our hearts go

vtOUR A I M ' — December 17, 1948 7

The whole world came to church to-day, Their praise and gifts to bring;

In every tongue to sing and pray. And worship Jesus. King.

Not as the Wise Men, riding far, To find Him in one place.

His spirit, coming where we are, Binds hearts of every race.

out in loving sympathy for the parents and other members of the family, but we rejoice that dear Lorna is with Christ, which is far better.

Saturday, November 6, was a special day. The work done by the girls and boys of the upper school for the Retta Dixon Home at Darwin and for the children at Tennant Creek was displayed in the church. All the articles were nicely pressed and pinned on a large sheet decorated with coloured paper; the play-suits, pillow cases, hankies, etc., were much admired by all, as were the book-marks, text cards which had been coloured in and mounted on coloured cardboard were a credit to the younger boys and girls. All the articles were later sent to their destinations with the love of our Cherbourg Sunday School boys and girls.

A special meeting was held a fortngiht later, when the girls decorated the church with flowers and ferns and made a number of pretty bouquets to present to each visiting lady from Murgon. Quite a number of solos, duets and other musical items, including singing and organ playing by Mr. George Hill, our blind Native Worker of Woorabinda, were greatly appreciated by the visitors and all who had the privilege of being present.

We praise the Lord for some showers of rain on the thirsty land, and we pray that spiritual blessings and much fruit will be seen everywhere —M.R

DARWIN CHILDREN'S HOME (N.T.)

Miss M. Shankelton, Miss G. Dinham. Miss E. Yarrie, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bedford

Ths month we are rejoicing and praising God for answered prayer. For some time now we have feR the urgent need of the convenience of a bath and sink in the Nursery. Sergeant-


8 "OUR AIM" - - December, 17, 1948

Major Bowie's timely arrival in Darwin proved the answer to our prayer.

"Without knowing of our special prayers for this, S ergeant-Major Bowie saw the need and within a week of his arrival was at work installing these helpful assets. As an Associate Worker he is proving most helpful both in the spiritual and practical work of the Home.

This has necessitated the children being home from school.

A most important move this month has been the commencement of a Craft Class, Basket, leather, felt, macrame and fancy-work is provided and taught. Lessons in weaving have also been commenced and we hope in the near future to have manual work for the young men but at present they are doing well at basket work.

Mrs. Burgon, ex-Craft teacher of the South Australian Educational Department, is instructing in this class, and Mr. Bowie and Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are assisting.

Recently we laid to rest one of our Native men from Borraloola. Toby had heard the Gospel and we trust the message of salvation entered in. —GD).

DELISSAVILLE (NT )

Miss L. Carten and Miss C. South

The weather has been very oppressive of late, but we can still sing praises to Him. "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6.

For a time we were looking after a little baby here at the Mission House. This little one's mother died when it was only 3 weeks old. We loved looking after her, but it was necessary for her to go to Darwin for special care. We hope it won't be long before she returns well and happy again.

School attendance is still good and the children are keen. Recently the bigger children received new Readers and are thrilled to be able to read them halfway through now.

The services have not been so well attended lately—other attractions have come in. How we pray that there might come a consciousness of sin and that complacent hearts will be stirred up and be willing to let Christ dwell there. Then God will be able to pour out His blessing.

We have had sweet fellowship with one of the Lord's servants who was visiting this place. On three evenings we had a Bible study and prayer. It is times such as these which give us a fore

sight of that happy fellowship which will be perfect when Jesus comes.

"The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich with which He addeth no sorrow." —L.M.C.

ASSOCIATE WORKERS in SERVICE

Mr. Taylor and Mr. Wheatley at Karuah (NSW) I was at Karuah last Sunday and found the

people working and rejoicing in the power of God.

The Sunday Services and Sunday School are very bright. Their daily meeting for prayer still goes oca, and the women meet each Tuesday for sewing and fellowship. The people have now formed a Christian Endeavour Society to be held each Friday.

We had a good attendance at the 11 o'clock service and at the Sunday School and afternoon service and communion service. The singing was truly fine.

I called an after-meeting to discuss business and the work in general—the paying of subscriptions to the Evangel, and the matter of self-supporting the work, the arrangements for a picnic and an anniversary service. All this was viewed very favourably.

During the winter months much sickness had been amongst the people but all this is cleared up now. and it is good to hear them praising God for this.

Mr. Davison at Gayndah (Q.)

The work has been steadily maintained. Attendances average about 15, although in the early part of the year we often had 25 present at the combined Sunday School and service. Housing conditions have forced the folk to scatter about and some of the children have to walk quite a long way to day school and Sunday school.

No definite conversions dan be reported, but I believe our younger women are definitely influenced. Two men have requested prayer and one is a seeker, but drink so far hase proved too strong.

The children are interested in and have a good knowledge of their Bible stories. We pray that head-kmowledge may soon pass to heart knowledge. My daughter Erica assists by taking the tiny folk for their lesson and in playing the organ.

Taking all in all the interest this year has been greater and more sustained than for quite some time


A MEMORABLE MONTH ON PALM ISLAND (Q) Miss F. M. Beasley, Miss M. Spohn and

Miss M. Fletcher

On Sunday, 31st October, a t the evening Gospel Service, in the presence of a large congregation, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fulford were set apa r t as Native Workers of the A.I.M. on Palm Island, or wherever else the Lord shall call them.

It was a solemn moment as all present stood with bowed heads, while the two new servants of Christ and His Church knelt on the platform and the Senior Missionary " laid hands on them,'' and commended them to the Lord, whose Holy Spirit had separated them.

When visiting the leper sett lement and Fan-tome Island during the second week of November, we were able to t h a n k God with the dear ones there for the fact t ha t one pa t i en t had been returned to his home folks—symptom free.

Mrs E Scott—late of the Ceylon and India General Mission—has commenced a Sunday School for the dark children of Rowe's Bay Townsville. Mrs. Scott spent a week-end with us rcently and gave three addresses to our Palm Island people.

A wedding .for which Pastor Horswell journeyed across the sea to us: the dedication of a dear little baby; and the baptism on a bright Sunday morning of an earnest young man were further interesting events in a memorable month on Palm Island. —F MB.

DUBBO Miss Williams and Miss Argerakis

We give thanks unto God that the water is now laid on inside the Mission House We have water in the bathroom with a tap and shower over the bath , and taps for tubs. We also have two outside taps, one at the back and one at the front. The inside taps and shower were donated, and the job tha t is completed cost £4/15/8; £2 of this is being donated from the church funds and Miss Argerakis and myself are contr ibuting the remainder

The land has also been pegged out for the pipes to be laid for the sewer. It will be a big job for our men who have under taken the digging pa r t of the job, as the t rench is to be 7ft. deep, and the soil is mostly clay.

We praise God for the sweet fellowship we have had with many of His children throughout the past month . Early in the month a party

^OUR AIM" — December 17, 1948 9

of Peak Hill friends came across here, and i t was a joy to see t h e m again . We also h a d a little t ime with Mr. and Mrs. Milgate as they passed through Dubbo on the way to Brewar-rina.

At our Fellowship Tea, Major Laing, of the Salvation Army, gave our young folk a bright and helpful talk. Then it was my privilege to take part in both the Baptist and Presbyterian Sunday School Anniversaries.

The monthly meeting of the local Ministers Fra ternal is to be held in the A.I.M. church this month. The A.I.M. Missionary stat ioned here is a member of the Dubbo Ministers F r a ternal .

Some 60 of our young folk gathered for a Young People's Rally recently.

Miss Glass from the UP.A. Home came to one of our services and presented the Sunday School Examinat ion certificates.

We have received parcels of Christmas gifts from the Robert Street (Strathfleld) Bible Class, and will be busy sorting them for our people for Christmas. —S.W.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE A.I.M.

As announced in November issue of Our Aim. the Director of the A.I.M., Mrs. Retta Long, has been suffering for over 14 months with an eye complaint, glaucoma, for which she has been receiving t rea tment . Mrs. Long is to enter hospital shortly for an operation on the left eye, and the specialist does not expect the trouble to recur after the operation.

In answer to the prayers of the Lord's people, the specialist's t rea tment following the last a t tack of glaucoma has brought about a marked improvement in the Director's eye condition and general heal th, and Mrs. Long gives thanks to God for this manifestat ion of His care.

Mrs. Long desires to t h a n k all those who sent her such warm messages of love and sympathy and assurance of their prayers a t this t ime and expressing the wish t h a t she be long spared to carry on the work to which the Lord has called her. These tokens of love and esteem brought cheer and comfort to her. and lightened the way.


10 "OUR AIM ' — December, 17 1948

Graduation Day at Singleton College Three hundred people at

tended the second annual Speech Day of the Singleton Native Workers Training College, when four of the students were set apart as Native Missionaries.

This special day also marked the tenth anniversary of the founding of the College at Pin-dimar, Port Stephens, in 1938.

The afternoon meeting held on the front verandah was presided over by Mr. C. A. White. Unsettled weather made conditions somewhat uncomfortable, but there was no lack of warmth in the spirit of the gatherings. Many of the visitors, who came by bus and car and train, stated that they were thrilled to see what God had accomplished in the lives of the students, as well as in the improvements of the buildings

During the afternoon meeting, the Rev. N. H. Kline read very suitable passages of scripture which he had chosen for the occasion.

On behalf of the Federal Council Mr. L Scott brought greetings to the gathering, and Rev. Cottrell-Dormer spoke for Mt. Wilson Native Workers Training College. Many telegrams of greetings were read by Mr. Long from Mission Stations, graduates, friends and councils.

On the platform was the student choir dressed in white, with the green monogram of the College on the pockets of their white dresses. After each senior student had given her testimony of God's dealings with her life, Mrs. C. A. White graciously presented the term's prizes. Miss Mabel Langlo re

ceived first prize, and Miss Ruby Cahill, one of the seniors, received second prize. A scholarship provided by the Olive Muriel Scott Memorial was also awarded to Mabel Langlo for outstanding work in the previous term. This had previously been awarded to Marjorie Harris, who was now graduating.

Diplomas were presented for the first time this year and those receiving them were Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, of Bogga-billa. N.S.W., Miss Ruby Cahill, of Darwin, NT., Miss Marjorie Harris, of Central Australia, and Miss Evelyn Walker, of Palm Island, Nth. Qld. These four had all completed at least two years' residence at the College, and have passed all their examinations.

Mr. White's message to the graduates was based on three things which he urged them to remember. Firstly, he said, believe God and trust in God in every circumstance. Secondly, believe His Word and take it with you wherever you go. Thirdly, always take every opportunity of speaking a word for the Lord Jesus.

The four graduates then came to the front of the platform and stood while Mr. E. A. Collins, in the absence of the Director, through ill-health, set them apart as Native Missionaries, and the whole audi?nce stood with them as the Rev. H. Cottrell-Dormer .. offered the dedicatory prayer. The closing hymn was the prayer of all— "Bless Thy servants, Saviour, bless them, for they go at Thy command."

After the basket tea, films

were shown in one of the large front rooms. One film on native life in Central Australia was filmed in the very area from which Marjorie Harris originally came.

A large lighthouse over nine feet high illustrated very well the students' dialogue entitled "The Christian's life as a lighthouse."'

The final film, entitled 'The Man who forgot God," was shown for the first time in the Singleton area and was the means of both blessing and challenge to many.

More than 40 were accommodated at the College over the week-end, including visitors from Sydney, Tasmania, Fingal. Mt. Wilson College, and other places. Miss Dulcie Dennison, Native Missionary, a graduate of 1946, also returned from her station at Tingha for the occasion. —E. . Long.

TEN YEARS OF TRAINING NATIVE MISSIONARIES.

Extracts from the 10th Annual Report of the Singleton N.W.T. College.

Ten years ago. two or three young men were hacking down the long undergrowth around an old house and outbuildings on the water's edge at Pindimar Port Stephens.

They were the advance guard of the A.I.M Native Workers' Training College. It was only a name then, with dreams and visions of what it might be in days then ahead.

Students came slowly and appointments came quickly in those early days. Satan contested every foot of {he way. and ony the constant barrage of the prayers of the saints beat him back to the side lines. He

(Continued on Page 15)


" O U R AIM ' — December 17, 1948 1

PRAYER-PARTNERS CALLED HOME

CAPTAIN L. ROUSE We have suffered another loss by death of a

valued friend and prayer-supporter of the Mission, Captain L. Rouse, of Haberfield, N.S.W.

Suddenly, at 2 a.m. on the 24th November, he was translated to the Father's House.

Our sympathy is with dear Mrs. Rouse, whose service in the Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary extends over all the years since its inception.

At this year's Annual Meetings of the Mission, it was mentioned that Mrs. Rouse had had charge of our Annual tea for 28 years.

Captain Rouse, with Mrs. Rouse, a few months ago inaugurated the Haberfield A.I.M. Prayer Meeting. Many years ago, when we were in deep concern over one of our centres of operation, Mr. Rouse asked us to call together in the old Bible House, Sydney, our interested friends to co-operate with us in prayer over the matter. This we did, and that night we decided to hold such a meeting quarterly. It has been continued to this day.

Personally I have known Mr. Rouse since my youth and have esteemed him highly as a friend.

We shall miss him and his simple, sincere, direct prayers in our Haberfield meeting.

MRS. JONES

A dear handmaiden of the Lord, Mrs. Jones, was on her way to our Naremburn (N.S.W.) Prayer Meeting (which is now held at North Sydney) when she was knocked down by a car and fatally injured. Two days later, without regaining consciousness, she passed into the immediate presence of her Lord.

Mrs. Jones was on the way to the place of prayer to join those who were meeting at Mrs. Field's home to spend an hour at the mercy seat, to plead for blessing on the work amongst the Aborigines. Mr, Collins was waiting for her. as Mr. Harris had done before him, to take her on to the Prayer Meeting when an oncoming driver did not see her crossing the road and she was struck down.

We will miss our sister, and we express deep sympathy with her loved ones in their sudden bereavement, and also with our friends at Naremburn. with whom she had for so long enjoyed fellowship in the Lord.

MOUNT WILSON TRAINING COLLEGE Our greetings to all "Aim" readers. We are

very thankful and full of praise to the Lord for the way He has over-ruled in the erection and completion of a lecture room and chapel for our College.

Although we had to wait some months for the iron for the roof, when it arrived we were able to get all the needed timber, fibro-cement, flooring and lining, and Mr. W. Allen and his friend, Mr. R. Alchin (who helped so willingly before, at the time of the opening of the College) found it possible to spend a month with us working on the building, which is now completed with electric light and power installed.

We are truly thankful to these, the Lord's sarvants, and as they have done it for Him, so shall He reward them. We trust this will be a place of blessing through the grace which is in Christ Jesus the Lord to all who shall worship and study in it.

We were indeed glad to have the Missionary from Newcastle Waters, Mr. John Quinn—stay with us for a week, during which time he, our two studemts and myself went to the Singleton Coileg- for their Speech Day. It was a memorable occasion.

We brought back with us some tables and forms, the needed furniture for our lecture room.

Pray that from this place the Lord will send i'orth those who will wholly follow Him.

—H. Cottrell-Dormer

As the year closes, may I pass on to those who have lost loved ones during its days a few lovely lines which Archdeacon Begbie repeated to me on the night of my own sudden bereavement, wh:n my beloved partner went to be with the Lord just twenty years ago this Christmastide:

NOT DIVIDED E'en for the dead I will not bind

My soul to grief: Death cannot long divide. For is it not as though the rose

That climbed my garden wall Had blossomed on the other side?

Death doth hide, But not divide!

Thou art but on Christ's other side. Thou art with Christ and Christ with me.

In Him united still are we.


12 twOUR AIM" — December, 17, 1948

OUR STANDARD-BEARERS

Miss CAMPBELL has enjoyed the fellowship and in teres t of God's people in Tasman ia where she has spent a for tnight rehears ing the work of the Lord en our p a r t of the grea t Har vest Field.

Rev. H. COTTRELL-DORMER, the s tudents of Mt. Wilson College, together with Mr. JOHN QUINN, who was their visitor for a week, journeyed across to Singleton by t ruck and spent the week-end a t the College there, to be present a t the Speech Day.

Mrs. C. L. WESTON has been an i n m a t e of Cairns Hospital, suffering from an eye affection. Her hea l th has been giving concern for some time.

Mr. E. R STRETTON will be coming South in December, and hopes to be present a t t he Up-wey Convention. A few weeks ago h e re turned from Borra-loola to Newcastle Waters .

Miss F. GINGER is on a visit to Goodooga, on the Queensland border. This is a fulfilment of a long desire to be God's messenger to our people resident there . Mr. and Mrs. MIL-GATE c a n see a useful field of service, centred in Brewarr ina, and s t re tching out to the regions beyond.

Miss WILLIAMS has passed on news of much blessing amongst the young people at Dubbo. At a recent Young People's meet ing there were 60 present .

Miss SHANKELTON reports t h a t the measles epidemic among the children of the Darwin Ret ta Dixon Home has almost r un its course. As 40 of the 71 children a t t end Darwin Public School, they have all been a t home during the visita t ion .

A I M . ANNUAL MEETINGS

(Continued from Page 4)

ton to Eastern Northern Territory.

Rev. H. Cottrel l-Dormer, in a few closing remarks , emphasised the Mission's s t and upon the t r u t h t h a t t h e Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone t h a t believeth, and t h a t it needs Missionaries who will uphold this s t anda rd unfalteringly, " to open the eyes of the blind, and to t u r n them from darkness to light, and from t h e power of Sa tan unto God, t ha t they may receive forgiveness of sins a n d inher i tance among them t h a t a re sanctified by fa i th t h a t is in me. ' ' Acts 26: 18.

May the Lord give to some who were present the vision Paul received when he was sent to tu rn men from darkness to light.

ANONYMOUS DONATIONS

The following amounts have have been received gratefully during November a t the A.I.M. office from anonymous donors: £1, 15/- , 2/6, £5 (M.O.).

£1 received from G.I.T. tor the support of a Native Missionary.

WANTED TO PURCHASE

Mrs. Robbins of Murgon (Cherbourg) would be pleased to hear from any friend wan t ing to dispose of a (used) h a n d -sewing machine .

OUR AIM Annual Subscription 2/6

(Payable m advance.)

Business Manager : MISS V. MORGAN,

211 Concord Road, North Strathfleld, N.S.W.

State Agents : Victoria :

South Australia : MRS. R. GIBBONS, 17 Halstead

Street, Prospect.

Queensland . MRS. ELMS, Cotton Street,

Shorncvliffe, NE7

Western Australia : MRS. F. I. N. NUNN, 10 Barne t t

Street, North Perth.

Tasmania : Mr. L. McLagan

Lincoln St., Lindisfarne.

Great Britain : Mr. W. BARRETT. 26 The Dale,

Sheffield, 3. England

U S A . : MRS. D. W. MILES, 6th Street,

Michigan Center, Mich.

"OUR AIM" SUBSCRIPTION LIST, NOVEMBER, 1948

Misses: V.T., E.P., B., BMcL., B., A., B., VL., M.J., A.P., EE. , D.H., E.McG., L.P., 2/6 ea. LB. , E.C., I.R.H, S., R.O. 5 / - each.

Mesdames: D., W.S., T., W.S., L.C., W., P.M., L., S., B., H., B., McQ., S., H., V A J „ A.E.K., J.C., EM.T., S.. J.S.. S„ SJ . , M.G., A., J.WB., LS., F.S., W., 2/6 ea. C.R.W. 2/6 (don. 4/6), W.H. 3/r W.JM. 5 / - B. 10/- A.A. 10/- .

Messrs: B., E.WA., C , M D D . , S., A.F.G. 2/6 ea. H. 5 / - . H.W.S. 6/- . J.M. 10/-

Paid through Mrs. Nunn : Subs 5 / - , F .WG. M.E.F.. L., W., 2/6 each. E .TS. (don.) 2 1 / - W., (don.) 15/ - .

Paid through Miss Waite: 13/- . Mrs. But t 20/.


ABORIGINES INLAND MISSION OF AUSTRALIA TREASURER'S STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR

YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 1948.

RECEIPTS DONATIONS —

General Fund For Remittance to Field Vehicles Properties and Buildings Travelling Expenses Native Workers' Training College—upkeep Northern Territory Work Literature and Sundries

"EVANGEL" "OUR AIM" Bank Interest BALANCE brought forward —

Bank 1392 17 Cash

2393 4 99 5 111 4 133 16 81 11 21 4 221 13 52 9

392 17 4 10 0

7 5 0 4 6 5 3 5

2

3083 8

24 11 194 5 28 9

1402 17

11

8 10 0

6

£4734 12 11

EXPENDITURE GENERAL EXPENDITURE —

Office and other Rents, and Assistance . . . . 180 17 7 Telephones and Postage 57 0 3 Prayer Letter Postage 20 0 6 Sundries 9 2 10 Stationery and General Printing 47 5 1 Printing of Books and Literature 122 3 6

FIELD EXPENDITURE — Rents of Mission Houses Allowances and Remittances Christmas Cheer Travelling Expenses of Missionaries Vehicles and Aeroplane Properties and Buildings Colleges and Homes— upkeep Sundries Postage, Freights, Telephones, Stationery and

Printing

"EVANGEL" "OUR AIM" BALANCE — Commonwealth Bank

Cash in hand

367 15 503 18 19 15 716 5 258 5 166 10 136 19 23 5

68 15

1725 13 3 2

6 7 8 1 X

1 3 10

11

8 5

2261 48 258

1728

C4734

11 17 19

16

12

n 0 l

i

11

I have examined the Books and Vouchers of the above Mission and have received all the information that I require; and In my opinion the above Statement of Receipts and Expnditure is in accordance with

such Books and Vouchers. Wilfred Davis A.A.A. , A . A . I . S . , A.C.A.A. , 29th October 1948

A. L. Perry, Hon. General Treasurer. 29th October 1948.

* The bulk of this amount is in reserve for the proposed aeroplane, for various church buildings and properties, etc.

In addition to the above amounts received by the General Treasurer, our Missionaries have received on the field, direct from donors as, follows:

For personal support £1864/5/1; material gifts to the value of £415/8/5; donations for their local work £423/19/7; for Singleton College upkeep £1309/18/2 and material gifts to the value of £50; for Mt. Wilson College upkeep £35/10/ - ; Darwin Children's Home donations and material gifts £248/11/1 .


14 "OUR AIM ' — December, 17 1948

The Incomparable Christ He came from the bosom of the Fa the r and

pu t on humani ty t h a t we might pu t on Christ. He became Son of m a n t h a t we might become sons of God.

He came from Heaven, where the rivers never freeze, winds never blow, frosts never chill t he air, flowers never fade, and no one is ever sick. No under takers and no graveyards, for no one ever dies—no one is ever buried.

He was born cont ra ry to the laws of na ture , lived in poverty, reared in obscurity; only once crossed the boundary of the land, in childhood. He had no weal th nor influence, and had nei ther t ra in ing nor education. His relatives were inconspicuous and uninfluenced.

In infancy He start led a king; in boyhood He puzzled t h e doctors; in. manhood ruled the course of n a t u r e . He walked upon the billows and hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the mul t i tudes without medicine, and made no charge for His services.

He never wrote a book yet not all the libraries

of the country could hold the books t ha t have been writ ten about Him. He never wrote a song yet He h a s furnished t h e theme of more songs t han all song writers Combined

He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many s tudents as He has . He never practiced medicine, and yet He healed more broken hear t s t h a n the doctors broken bodies.

Great men have come and gone, yet He lives on. Herod could not kill Him; dea th could not destroy Him; the grave could not hold Him. He laid aside His purple robe for a peasant ' s gown. "He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. How poor? Ask Mary! Ask the Wise Men! He slept in another ' s manger . He cruised the lake in another ' s boat. He rode on ano the r man 's ass. He was buried in another man 's tomb.

All others failed but He never. The ever Perfect One—He is al together lovely!" And He is my Saviour. —Unknown.

Christmas Gift Meeting s in and Around Sydney GLENORIE

As has been the custom for over 25 years, our friends a t Glenorie, in the Dural district, a r ranged a gift af ternoon followed by a Basket Tea and a well-attended meet ing a t night.

We were glad of the privilege of a t tending these meetings and were accompanied by Mrs. Scott, wife of a Vice-President of our Federal It was a joy, too, to speak of the work and to receive on behalf of the Mission a number of very useful gifts. L

Our hear t s were touched as we thought of the faithfulness of our friends here as in other centres. MANLY

T h e W.C.T.U. a t Manly, as well as our own A.I.M. Prayer Meeting there , a r ranged gift af ternoons for our Chris tmas Trees. Many hours had been spent in making some of the lovely gifts and a t both meetings it was en couraging to have such evidence of practical interest in our da rk people.

Our sincere t h a n k s were expressed to these generous givers who have helped in this way for m a n y years.

STRATHFIELD There was a wonderful display of gifts and a

fine a t tendance at the Annual Gift Night of the Robert Street Bible Class. Over 1300 gifts were displayed, consisting of toys, books, gifts of all description, clothing made by members for the dark children and second-hand clothing.

These gifts were primarily for Normanton, Berrimah and Dubbo, where former members of the Bible Class are missionaries and to whom generous support is given from time to t ime by the Bible Class. Some of the gifts were given to Miss Acland for her city work.

DULWICH HILL The Kindergar ten Department of the Dulwich

Hill Baptist Sunday School h a s for a number of years set apa r t a Sunday in November as a Christmas Tree Afternoon, when the Kinders bring toys and place them on the tree provided for this purpose.

I t was lovely to see the tiny tots bringing their gifts and the beautiful toys were a distinct contribution to the boxes for far-away places in the Northern Territory. L (Other Meetings will be published next issue.)


" O U R A I M " — December 17, 1948 15

ABORIGINES INLAND MISSION OF AUSTRALIA Headquarters : 242 PITT ST., SYDNEY, N.S.W., AUST. Phone : MA 2078

FEDERAL ADVISORY COUNCIL, Sydney, N.S.W. — Meets 1st Monday of each month : President: The Director; Vice-Presidents: Messrs. W. E. Porter, M.A., L. Scott; Hon. Sec, Miss P. Swane; Hon. Tress

Mr A. L. Perry; Messrs. N. M. Leeder, B .A . ; W. D. Smith; G. Blacket, J . A. Evans, W. Hufton H. Bockman, Mrs. Small, Rev. A. T . Whale, D . D . Mr. R. V. Amos.

QUEENSLAND ADVISORY EXECUTIVE : President: Mr. J. Leitch. Hon. Secretary: Mr. G. E. Lean. Deloraine Street, Wavell Heights, N_E. 3. (Phone MU1708

Hon. Treasurer: Miss E. Underwood, The Pharmacy, Lutwyche. Mrs. G. Lean and Mrs. J, Leitch

VICTORIAN ADVISORY COUNCIL : President: Rev. G. McLaren; Hon. Secretary: Miss L. I . Waite. 20 Myrtle Rd. , Hampton, S7. Hon. Treasurer: Mr L. Stirling. 47 Illawarra Rd., Hawthorn, E2. Mr. W. W. Robinson, Miss V. Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. A. D .

Stoneham, Mr. R. Rosan. Mrs. Killingsworth

TASMANIAN ADVISORY COUNCIL — Meets 3rd Monday of each month : President: Mr. A. Waterworth. Vice-Presidents: Messrs. Freer and McLagan. Hon. S e c : Mrs. L. F . McLagan Lincoln St . , Lindisfarne. Treasurer: Mr. Reardon. Mrs . Tate. Mrs. Archbold, Misses Allen and Barnes MA '

Tate, Mapley, Archbold, Stacey. ' m e s s r s -

SOUTH AUSTRALIA • ADELAIDE AUXILIARY: President, Mrs. R. Gibbons; Vi ce President: Mr. Spicer; Secretary and Treasurer- M

J. Tate, Smith-Dorrien Street, Galway Estate, South Australia. m r s '

AUXILIARY SECRETARIES AND REPRESENTATIVES NEW SOUTH WALES : Sydney Ladies' Auxiliary: Mrs. Seivers, 916 Liverpool

S16 Liverpool Road, Bankstown. Young Women's Movement: Miss L. Perry. A . I . M .

Office. Last Friday, 7.30 p . m . , A . I . M . Office. Sydney Men's Fellowship: Mr. T.A. Young, 40 Station House,

Haymarket; 1st Friday, 6 p.m.. A.I.M. Office; Newcastle General Auxiliary; Mr. F. Wilson, 19 Mitchell St.,

Tighes Hill. 2nd Friday. Islington Baptist Church. Blue Mountains Auxiliary: Mrs. Keats, Albion St.,

Katoomba. Last Monday C. of E. School Hall. WESTERN AUSTRALIA :

Corner Edinboro and Robert Sts.,

Q U E E N S L A N D Brisbane Ladies' Auxiliary:

Annerley, South Brisbane. T oowoomba : Kulgun-Kalbar: Mrs. B. Huth, Kulgun. Rocktiampton Auxiliary: Mr. W. Perkins

oft" Agnes Street. Townsville: Mr.. N.

Cairns: Mr. and Mrs

Mrs. Thoday. Venner Road,

Wondai, North St.

Elms, P . O . Box 206. L. Mergard. 229 Esplanade.

Mrs. Stoneham, Victoria Street

Perth; Mrs. A. Wingrove. Osborne Park, Perth.

GREAT B R I T A I N : Mr. W. Barrett. 23 The Dale, Sheffield. 3.

ISLE OF MAN; Miss D Cubbon. Awyn Beg., Ballafesson Port of Erin.

V I C T O R I A : Melbourne Ladies' Auxiliary:

Sunshine. W.20. Ballarat: Mr. J. E. A. Thomas. Smythes Creek P .O. Geelong W.: Mrs. E. Butt, 144 Hope Street.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES : UNITED STATES OF AMERICA :

Mr. A K. Martin, 1002 South W i n e r Street, J» M ichigan.

N.W.T.C ANNUAL REPORT

(Cont inued from Page 10)

h a s o f ten p o u u t t a on us a g a i n , but never to win the day.

For m o s t of these 10 years Mr. a n d Mrs. E. A. Coll ins carried the load of responsibi l i ty. They c l imbed Hill Difficulty m a n y m a n y t imes , but e a c h t i m e from the top c a u g h t a g l impse of w h a t was to come, w h e n tra ined graduate s would work s ide by side wi th w h i t e miss ionar ies on the A I M . field.

The S t u d e n t Body. T o - d a y fourteen s t u d e n t s and

t w o g r a d u a t e s are here at t h e College, m a k i n g t h e largest

number t h u s far to be in t r a i n ing. Th i s Speech Day marks the g r a d u a t i o n of four more y o u n g w o m e n from the T r a i n ing College.

T h e Course of Study.

During th i s two year period they h a v e covered the greater part of God's word in in tens ive s tudy. T h e y h a v e discovered the f u n d a m e n t a l doc tr ines of Chris t iani ty . Their course of t ra in ing h a s included Bible and Austra l ian Geography , Engl ish , Ar i thmet ic , E lementary Bookkeeping , Personal s o u l - w i n n i n g , Bible Story te l l ing , publ ic speaking, s ing ing , f a i t h pr in

ciples a n d pract ices , a n d cooking, sewing , househo ld duties , a n d garden ing . Each one h a s s h o w n a wi l l ingness to work, a n d to do it a l l to t h e glory of God.

Staff Changes .

A year ago , a t Speech Day , the t rans fer of Mr. a n d Mrs. E. A. Coll ins t o A.I.M. Headquar ters in Sydney w a s a n n o u n c e d . Th i s c h a n g e w a s n o t effected unt i l t h e middle of January this year , w h e n t h e preesnt S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s c a m e to take the ir p lace .

Miss C Presnel l h a s c o n t inued h e r he lp , part icular ly in the domest i c s ide of College



life. In August, Miss Clough was

transferred to the College from the Boggabilla area. Her splendid help so consistently given has benefited the whole of the College.

Maintenance.

The financial year of the Mission closes on September 30. When we balanced our books we discovered that overall daily expenses this past year have averaged £3/10/9 per day. Every penny of this has been paid, and every penny has been received in answer to believing prayer. Who has not felt that rising tide of costs this year? Our bread, grocery and meat bills alone would stagger the average housewife, and, although often we have been cast on God in prayer for the payment of these large items, we have been able to maintain this tremendous establishment throughout another year.

We would acknowledge help given by shopkeepers in both Singleton and Newcastle, as well as the support supplied by praying friends of the aborigines throughout Australia and overseas. Practically every penny has been received direct at the College, and thus no large appeal has had to be made to the General Funds of the A.I.M. The Mission H.Q., however, has been responsible for the instalments paid on the College and buildings—about £8 per month.

The students have helped again this year with their upkeep. They are asked to contribute each week towards this, and sewing and hand work are made available for them to earn this amount.

Sunday School Dept.

The headquarters of the

A.I.M. Sunday School Dept. is also maintained here. A very successful Sunday School examination was held in June, for which almost 400 entries were received.

Quarterlies for the help of the teachers and work books for the interest of the scholars have been sent out to all A.I.M. stations. Miss Eunice Browning. Assistant at the College, one of the graduates, does the duplicating work, and others have helped in the writing of the lessons themselves.

The Flannelgraph Lending Library has been increased this year, and has been used by a great many Christian workers. It is available to anyone, at the same nominal rental, whether they are A.I.M. workers or not It has, however, proved tremendously helpful on many of our stations, by considerably lowering the cost of using flannelgraph stories and lessons.

A . A . M . M

The General Secretary of the Australian Aborigines Missionary Movement, an indigenous organisation primarily for the support of their own native missionaries, Miss Browning, has handled over £107 this year, sent in by the various mission stations. This money is sent out to the full-time native missionaries on our field.

Equipment.

Many items have been added this year to the furnishings of this large home. The long looked for refrigerator arrived early in January, and although it needed a lot of repairs, costing about £20, has been a great asset. A gift during the year made possible the purchase of extra chairs and beds for our

growing family.

The A.I.M. gave a large typewriter for use in the College office. The upstairs kitchen has been remodelled and built-in cupboards and sink installed. The Lecture Room has been redecorated and two desks and other tables added. It is now known as the Olive Scott Memorial Lecture Room, in honour of one whose loved one left behind provided the cost of this renovation.

At a disposal sale at Singleton camp we were able to purchase many things that have been of real help, including benches ,tables, kitchenware, bedside lockers, etc.

Another gift was four beautiful light shades. Another a 9 x 12 floor rug.

Labourers Together.

Many have come to help us this year. The working bees from Maitland Road are still a tremendous success, especially for us. The Newcastle Auxiliary has helped consistently.

Our Desires.

We desire that the very atmosphere of these buildings may speak of Christ and His presence. We desire that every student and visitor will feel that this is Holy Ground. We desire the fullness of the Spirit for every life here, and beg you to pray for us unceasingly that we may all know this fullness of blessing.

A copy of the full Report can be obtained on application to the A.I.M. Native Workers Training College, Singleton, N.S.W.

Printed by F. S. Pacey and Sons Ryde, for "Our Aim", 242 Pitt Street, Sydney.


our aim : a monthly record of the aborigines' inland …...our aim *s*«s) vol. xlii, no. 4...

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our aim : a monthly record of the aborigines' inland …...our aim s«s) vol. xlii, no. 4...