"AUSTRALIA FOR CHRIST. 9?

The Real Australian

Organ of the Bush Church Aid Society for Australia and Tasmania.

1/6 per annum (post free)

THE BUSH CHURCH AID SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA.

Headquarters Office :

Diocesan Church House, George

Street,Sydney.

Telephone : Mr 3164.Cable Address :

"Chaplaincy, Sydney."

President : Right Reverend Bishop JOHN W.

LANGLEY, D.D. Hon. Clerical Secretary : Rev. Canon W. L.

LANGLEY. Hon. Treasurer : T. S. HOLT, Esq. Victorian Hon. Treas. : G. H. DOWNER,

Esq. Victorian Hon. Sec: Rev. A. P. CHASE,

Williams Road, Toorak. South Australian Hon. Secretary : Rev. R.H. FULFORD, Holy Trinity Rectory, Adelaide. Organising Secretary of B.C.A. : Rev. S. J.

KIRKBY, B.A., Church House, GeorgeStreet, Sydney.

Victorian Deputation Secretary: Rev. K. B.

J. SMITH, St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

PERSONAL.

We are sure that our readers joined in the felicitations and good wishes tendered to our beloved and honoured President, Bishop John D. Langley, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday in May. All will

be glad to know of his remarkably good health, and of his keen interest in B.C.A. work. Our prayers will bo for God's continued upholding of him from day to day.

# * # #

For three years or more, Sister Agnes Head has splendidly served our cause in the Croajingolong Mission area as B.C.A. Nurse. Her work has been difficult, because it involved travelling from home to home in the bush. She had no hospital, no dispensary. In this truly Christian work she has never flagged, even denying herself needed holidays in order to render service. It is with great regret that the Society accepts her resignation from the work as from July 1. Yet the Society joins with many others in tendering to Sister heartiest good wishes on her approaching marriage. It rejoices to know that she will continue to reside in the area, and prays that her future will be rich with every blessing from God.

* * * *

Sister Audrey Spence, A.T.N.A., is filling the post in Croajingolong for a time. She comes to the B.C.A. with fine recom-

mendation concerning her professional qualifications, and with good Christian testimony.

A BIG DAY for AUSTRALIAN HOME MISSIONS !

DO NOT PAIL TO COME TO

THE ANNUAL RALLY

of the B.C.A. SOCIETYto be

held (D.V.) in THE CHAPTER HOUSE,

St. Andrew's

Cathedral,George Street, Sydney,

— on —TUESDAY EVENING,

AUGUST 28,at 7.45 p.m.

Chairman :His Grace the Archbishop of

Sydney.(Primate of Australia.)

The Programme will be Bright.

The Singing will be Inspirational.

The Pictures (to be screened) will

be Wonderfully Novel.

But you must come early if you want a good seat !

£100 Collection is Our Aim.

Sister Edith Elliot, A.T.N.A., promptly responded to our call for service at Ceduna Hospital to give the Sisters there urgently needed assistance until further help was available. All rejoiced in her fellowship, and in her cheerful readiness for any duty. The B.C.A. is glad to know that there is every likelihood of Sister's joining our staff as a permanent worker.

■P, mqi

Sister Kathleen Northcott has come to us trained and experienced in Deaconess work. To give Miss Reece a much needed rest from her post in the Croajingolong Mission area, Sister Kathleen has undertaken to carry on temporarily. Cheering word comes to us of the excellent impression she has made, and of her adaptability to new and strange surroundings. Hers

will be a winsome and a winning ministry.She is warmly welcomed to the B.C.A.* **

Miss Manning, who for over five years has rendered such sterling service in the Headquarters Office of the B.C.A., has been granted three months' leave of absence by the Council. It is the earnest desire of all that she will return to her work re-freshed and rested after this well deserved vacation.

During April, May, and early June the Organising Missioner was engaged in visiting the various Missions of the Society in South Australia and the Far West of New South Wales. He also spoke at the Annual Bally in Melbourne, and was able to preach in Churches in Adelaide en route. * * * *

Broken legs must " run" in the B.C.A. family. We regretted to hear of such trouble befalling the Eev. W. R. Brown, of Wilcannia, though now we rejoice at his recovery. But Mr. C. M. Kemmis, B.C.A. student at Moore College, has had a similar accident, and at present is in Sydney Hospital. Our sympathy goes out to him in his trouble.

A LITTLE LIGHT ON THE B.C.A. STAFE.

In a recent issue of the "Australian Church Record," a journal to which the B.C.A. owes much, a correspondent asked a question: "Has it ever occurred to the B.C.A. to find out the proportion of Australians to Englishmen on its staff?" Since the Society has an intimate know-ledge of all its workers, it has to confess its awareness of the measure of repre-sentation of the two countries in its ranks ever since it began operations. Further, it

has to confess that the measure has been such that it has not worried a little bit over the matter at all. Nevertheless, as it has been shown to us that others are inclined to worry about it, the following figures, used in a reply published in the "Australian Church Record," will be of interest.

The Society's workers' list shows that, if the Organising Missioner and his home base colleagues are left out of immediate consideration (and they are Australians), the number of native-born is 14 and the number of English people 8. Of the latter, two were trained for orders by the B.C.A. in Australia, and two have received part training.

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN. July 12, 1928.

Of students-in-training for B.C.A. work, and who are charges of the Society, six are Australian and two are English. We have one student of Irish birth (Hurroo for Ireland!), but he has been so long in this country that he has lost the delightful brogue; more than that, he served as a " Digger" in the Great War.

Concerning men in orders awaiting placement, and who are taking preparatory service in the city, we have four, and of them two are Australians and two are English. Putting the whole staff and trainees together, B.C.A. numbers are thus: 25 Australians, 12 Englishmen and Eng-lishwomen, and 1 Irishman. Surely the foregoing numbers will speak for themselves!

Perhaps in this article we may be permitted to deplore any accentuation of nationality in respect of our work. The B.C.A. is thoroughly Australian i n its spirit, as it is in its geographical location. It would welcome to its ranks all those of English birth who are Evangelical Churchmen or Churchwomen, and who are prepared to drink deeply of that Australian spirit and to engage in its definitely Australian w^ork. We are all British, and have a common mind on the one great task which we believe God in His providence has set before us—the ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in remote and lonely areas. If, as is true at the present, we have a concentration of State effort and propaganda to attract young people of sturdy stock from Great Britain to settle in this land of ours, surely it cannot be altogether wrong for us to give some place to workers from the same country, to share with us Australians in the responsibility of ministering to them.

But the curious notion lurks sometimes in the minds of friendly critics that, whilst organised appeal for service is made,, in England, " young Australians are not given a chance." The figures above will at least exonerate the B.CA. from such a charge. Moreover, the writer of this article most modestly claims that for nearly nine years he has sounded out the call to young Australians in season and out of season. And he rejoices to add that there has been no mean response. Young Australians are heeding the call to the ministry—at least to the ministry out-back— and the B.C.A. knows the painful embarrassment at present of having men under offer whom if cannot accept through lack of funds. We thank God for these men. The reproach against the organised Church is "that it

leaves us to find the money to train these postulants on whose very help and service it will depend in years to come. Almost irrelevant is the remark here, but it must be said: The Church officially is not doing very much to seek >out and call young men to the ministry, and officially it is doing mighty little to foster a sense of vocation in its youth.

What is remarkable (or at least we have found it so) is the deplorable absence of offers of service by young Australian women for the work, the truly urgent work of Bush Deaconesses. ;.4Qf Australian nurses willing to go out-back and witness for Christ by their skill and Christian character, we have had no lack up to the

present. But Australian Bush Deaconesses are strangely few in number. The situation has been closely studied, yet no satisfactory explanation can be suggested. The sorry fact remains. Surely it cannot be that the claims of back-country womanhood arouse no interest. Surely the spiritual and social plight of mothers and girls in lonesome areas must touch some hearts. A big work waits the doing in this fair land of ours, and we long for Australian women to come and do their share.

VICTORIAN NOTES.

The visit of Sister Bazeley to Melbourne and suburbs proved a most acceptable stimulus to B.C.A. work. Several meetings were arranged, and she was able to put before all present the claims of the new B.C.A. Hospital centre at Penong.

The Deputation Secretary for Victoria (Rev. K. B. J. Smith) will be glad to hear of any ladies willing to arrange Grocery Afternoons or Teas in aid of Sister Bazeley ?s work.

All Victorian parish representatives of B.C.A. will remember that August is one of our "Bark Hut;; opening months. All Bark Huts should be called in and contents duly forwarded to the B.C.A. Office, St. Paul's Cathedral, Swanston Street, Melbourne,

The Victorian Committee place on grateful record the action of a generous supporter who has transferred the interest in a life policy of £1,000 to the Society. This is an example worthy of being followed by others.

The appeal made in Melbourne by Rev. R. J. Tuck, B.C.A. Missioner at Werrimul (St. Arnaud Diocese), for a car for his extensive district, has met with considerable success. He now drives a nice Morris car in the stead of an ancient wire-mended Ford, nicknamed 'l Henry the First.'' All thanks to the donors.

The Victorian Annual Rally was an inspiration. The State Governor took the chair, and was supported by Bishop Arm-strong, Dean Aicken, and the clerical and lay members of the Victorian Committee. The enthusiastic audience gave generous support to the Society's work. A fine meeting, demonstrating the place that the B.C.A. has in the interests of the whole Church.

A DATE TO REMEMBER.

A Deed to Achieve.

The Big Day for our Bush Church Aid work has been fixed for Tuesday evening, August 28, at 7.45, when the Annual Rally will be held in the Chapter House, St. An-drew's Cathedral, George Street, Sydney. Such gatherings have always been inspirational; for some years past the Chapter House has been filled for the occasion. This year we expect greater things than ever. Our ever growing work, with its variety of interests, including the B.C.A.

Mission Hospitals, the Children's Hostel, the Motor Missions, and the new Aeroplane Ministry, make an appeal which few can resist. We are sure that the Church will come in with us in this real Australian enterprise, and thus the Rally for 1928 will be more crowded than ever.

His Grace the Archbishop of Sydney, and Primate of Australia, has kindly con-sented to take the chair. His presence there will be taken as a token of the place which the B.C.A. should hold in the Church in the Commonwealth; his message will be a stimulus and a spiritual cheer. Other speakers will occupy the platform, and they will give a first-hand story of the work which the B.C.A. seeks to do. If our readers want to know what the back-country is like; what the people of those distant areas are like in their isolation and frequent spiritual needs; what a body of men and women: B.C.A. Mission Padres, Deaconesses, and Church Nurses are doing to meet those needs—they should come to this big meeting.

During the evening, new pictures recently taken, and illustrative of B.C.A. activities, will be screened. These are sure to command attention.

Whatever happens, the Rally programme promises to be bright and full of good things. Thus it is imperative that people come early. At 7.45 p.m. the meeting will commence; but in past years folk have found it necessary to be at the Chapter House no later than 7.15 p.m., especially if they want a good seat. This year will be the same, but the half hour spent in waiting will be made brighter than ever. Our friends may come early; they must come early!

We propose to make the Rally ring with a great thanksgiving note. In spite of so many difficulties surrounding us in our work, there is so much to cheer us. Our "labour is not in vain in the Lord," and we rejoice. Will B.C.A, friends share with us by turning their thanksgiving into a thankoffering? We ask that the collection for the evening amount to £100. The Society needs it. There is a deficit on the general work, and such a gift will mightily help us. In years past the col-lection has come near to £50. This year we must double it at least. £100 given at that Chapter House meeting will be a tremendous encouragement, not merely to the Home Base workers, but also to those who minister in the field. Cheer their hearts by letting them see the spirit of thanksgiving and sacrifice of our supporters.

How can the £100 be obtained ?

We must be practical and answer this

question. We must give suggestions, so

that readers may adopt those suitable, and

thus help us towards our objective. Here

is the answer, with some suggestions:—

i. Pray every day that God may pour

out the spirit of sacrificial liberality

on all B.C.A. friends. Ask your

Rector to include a prayer in the

services. A helpful intercession is

printed on our last page. Beg others

to pray and to keep on praying.

July 12, 1928. THE REAL AUSTRALIAN.

ii. Give an invitation to all your friends to come to the Bally (mark the date, August 28). Make them your guests and bring them to the Chapter House. Tell them of the big ob-jective, £100—they will want to help too.

iii. If you are a Sunday School teacher, a member of the G.F.S. or Mothers' Union, or any Parish Guild or other organisation, invite a small gift from each of your fellow members. Put their gifts into an envelope, send it to the meeting, or place it in the plate at the meeting. If each of the members of the above organisations in the Diocese of Sydney alone gave 3d. each, that £100 would be assured.

iv. Begin from this day to "count your blessings," as the old hymn puts it, and for each blessing that God gives you put a penny or greater coin into an envelope. Truly will it "surprise you which the Lord hath done.'' Some of you would need envelopes like sugar bags! Add an extra penny now and then,' because there are lots of blessings God gives us of which we are not conscious. We so often are blind, we do not recognise His goodness. Let the contents of that envelope go into . the Bally Thankoffering. Send it or bring it.

v. Write to your friends and put this challenge before them. Ask them all to put stamps or a postal note in their letter when they reply. Gifts like these will accumulate, and you can be the stewards of their generosity.

vi. If there is no hope of your attending the Rally, send your thankoffering to the B.C.A. Headquarters Office, Diocesan Church House, George Street, Sydney. Earmark it for the Rally. We shall gratefully acknowledge it, and then keep it for presentation at the meeting.

The surprising thing is that the sum asked for is so easy to obtain if all set their hearts upon it. Look at it this way: There are 5,000 copies of this paper issued. A small sum of

sixpence from each reader would mean £125. But since the 5,000 readers are scattered over the whole of Australia and in lands far away ("The Heal Australian" has friends on the five continents and the seven seas), it is impossible for them all to be present at the Rally. Let us look at it in another way. Generally we have 600 to 700 present at this annual gathering, the full capacity of the Chapter House. If 500 at least of those present gave or collected a thank-offering of four shillings each, then £100 would not be a mere fact of arithmetic, but a glorious reality.

The call then is to a concentration and a consecration of all our interest and our prayers. The Rally Movement for 1928 must be a grand crescendo movement. Here are its terms: It can be done; it must be done; it will be done! To God be the glory. Amen.

A HANDSOME GIFT.

It is most cheering to us to acknowledge a fine gift made to our work of a valuable Lincoln (six cylinders) car. The kind donors are Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Gray, of Drummoyne, who have shown generous in-terest in B.C.A. work for years past. The gift is most opportune in view of the expansion of our Mission activities, and the consequent need of additional means of travel. The car is powerful and well suited to our back-country conditions, and should prove of immense help to our Mis-sioners. The Society begs publicly to tender its best thanks to our good friends who so generously have remembered the B.C.A. This is not the first time that motor cars have been given to our work, and so we are confident that such examples of giving will be of inspiration and help to others.

ANOTHER B.C.A. HOSPITAL CENTRE.

When travelling by car along the overland route that leads to Western Australia from the Eastern States, the last little township which the motorist will touch (if we except Fowler's Bay, on the Big Bight) is Penong. Hitherto it has not boasted big things, though there is a neat little Anglican Church, even if it is built of iron, crowning the crest of the hill on which the township is built. But now a new feature will mark the place—a nicely constructed Cottage Hospital.

The connection of Penong with the B.C.A. is not of recent growth. It was and still is part of the Far West Mission, in the Diocese of Willochra, which has been staffed by the Society since 1921. Without intermission, the work of the ministry has been carried on in that vast area for that long period. More recently —to be exact, just about 13 months ago— the B.C.A. was enabled by the J. B. Donkin Memorial Trust to place Sister Bazeley, A.T.iST.A., as a Nursing Sister in the township to attend to the wants of the people. Prior to her going, Dr. G. A. Chambers, well known in Sydney and a nephew of our good friend, the Right Reverend the Bishop of Central Tanganyika, had com-menced medical practice in the area. Thus with the cordial co-operation of the Doctor, a useful work was opened up, as well also have the interests of the Church generally been blessed.

The people in that far-off district have not been lacking

in appreciation of the Sister's work. It has taken a practical form. A movement to erect a properly equipped hospital has received considerable support, and at the present the building is approaching completion. A happy arrangement has been effected between the Hospital Building Committee and the Society, and when ready for occupation the Hospital and equipment will be handed over to the B.C.A. to staff and to manage along its own lines. The arrangement is a clear token of confidence in and appreciation of B.C.A. standard and spirit.

The building in question is constructed of limestone rubble masonry. It contains two wards, a fine operating theatre, as

well as rooms for the staff. Surrounding it are spacious and deep verandahs. The important matter of water supply has not been overlooked, and an immense underground tank is provided. Altogether, the building is on most commendable lines, and as a Cottage Hospital for a remote area it is a model.

Sister Bazeley will be in charge, and much responsibility will devolve upon her as the work opens up. We feel that all B.C.A. friends will be glad to share in this new enterprise, and make it possible for the Sister to begin her work in the tfew building without anxiety. It is necessary that she have a good stock of stores and medical supplies on hand, and on her recent vacation she visited friends of the Society in Sydney and Melbourne, who have generously promised to help; others will desire to join with them. Thus we append a list of needs:

Medical Requisites.—Cotton wool, lint, old linen, vaseline, glycerine, boracic, disinfectants, castor oil, soaps, linseed, safety pins, bandages (varied sizes, particularly 1 inch and 2^ inches), triangular bandages.

Hospital Linen for Ward and General Use.—Towels, face towels, tea towels, cot blankets.

Groceries.—All the usual lines suitable for ordinary household, and inclusive of tinned vegetables, tinned tomato soup, gelatine, jellies, condensed milk.

We would ask our friends that Grocery Afternoons or Grocery Evenings be ar-ranged. Perhaps a Gift Afternoon at a Sunday School could be held, or Church Guilds or Societies could help. Parcels or cases may be forwarded to the Headquarters at Sydney or to the Melbourne Office. Address same:—Bush Church Aid Society, Diocesan Church Society, George Street, Sydney. Or—

Bush Church Aid Society,

St. Paul's Cathedral Buildings, Swanston Street, Melbourne. It will greatly help us and be deeply appreciated if friends will take up a small collection to pay freights. Small parcels-can be sent direct. Address same:— Sister Bazeley, B.C.A. Nurse, Penong,

via West Coa

st, South Australia.

POSTS AND RAILS.

Remember the Annual Rally in Sydney, Tuesday, August 28, 7.45 p.m., in the Chapter House, St. Andrew's Cathedral, George Street, Sydney. His Grace the Archbishop of Sydney, and Primate of Australia, will take the chair. People must come early. £100 collection is asked for,, You can help!

♦ * * *

Is your subscription to "The Real Australian" due? Please send it along. We need it.

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN. July 12, 1928.

We are glad to find that our friends in various parishes are keeping our Children's Hostel at Wilcannia and its needs in their minds and hearts. Our thanks are due to Mrs. H. S. Robey, of St. Luke's, Thorn-leigh, as well to her friends, for a handsome consignment of groceries, as well for donations; also to Mrs. E. Pullen, of Henley, Gladesville Parish, for two cases of similar gifts, the result of her interesting other folk in the work. We specially note the case of dried peaches donated by Mr. H. Shelley, of Hunter's Hill, which accompanied Mrs. Pullen 7s parcel.

* * * *

Our friends at St. Alban's, Epping Parish, have again helped us in this substantial way. We cannot keep tally of the generous gifts from this parish, so frequently do they remember the B.C.A.

Mrs. and Miss Lowe, of West Byde, added to their kindnesses by a varied and valued assortment of commodities. Then from the Mothers' Union at St. David's, Arncliffe, came a similarly fine response.

* * * *

A fine gramophone, together with records, has been donated to the Children's Hostel at Wilcannia. It is a real boon, and is greatly appreciated by the staff, as well by the children. For it we have to thank Mr. Bert Mathews, of Hyde, whose work as a builder in connection with the recent additions to the dormitories we also appreciate.

From the B.C.A. Circle at St. Clement's, Marrickville, under the leadership of Mrs. Lamont, we have received a splendid set of novel blanket comforts, as well as other gifts for our B.C.A. Hospitals. Miss Lamont and her sister are the kind donors of the beautiful set of Communion Linen at St. John's Church in our Croajingolong Mission. To them also a big " Thank you!"

From Miss A. Milner Stephen we have received the gift of two large Bibles suitable for Lectern purposes; also one similar gift from Mrs. Favell, of Arncliffe. To both these donors we tender our best thanks.

To the Ladies' Guild of All Saints', Petersham.—Many thanks for the gift of a three-valve wireless set for the B.C.A. Hospital at Penong, S.A. It is a great success, and Sister Bazeley, B.C.A. Nurse,

writes of the enjoyment created by the set. It keeps them all in touch with the big world outside. May it be added that recently, while on a visit to the Hospital, the Organising Missioner realised the value of the gift. By means of it he first heard the rendering of that song fast becoming a "classic," viz., "Since Henry made a lady out of Lizzie." The strains reached him over about 900 miles of air, and the reception was perfect.

*?» *S* *a*

We want more Drawing-room Meetings both in Sydney and Melbourne. They help us to reach many folk whom we do not meet at ordinary Missionary gatherings. Ladies willing to open their draw-

ing-rooms are invited to write to the Organising Missioner in Sydney or to the Deputation Secretary for Victoria. Pictures of our back-country work can easily be shown at such gatherings. We are grateful to Miss Johnson, of Warrawee, N.S.W., for a happy meeting in her home on July 3. Many friends took opportunity of helping the B.C.A. as a result.

5jS Jj£ SjJ SJC

To all Rectors we shall be sending out notices of our Annual Rally to be held in the Chapter House, St. Andrew's Cathedral, George Street, Sydney, on Tuesday, August 28, at 7.45 p.m. We are ven-turing to ask them to give space to the notice in their parish papers for August, also to make good preliminary announce-ments from their pulpits. Such service helps us greatly.

To readers who wish to hear of a private convalescent home, we can confidently recommend '' Teurong,'' Campbell Street, Eastwood, N.S.W., conducted by Sister Harvey, A.T.N.A. ('Phone: Epping 663.) Mrs. Harvey is the widow of the late Rev. F. W. Harvey, whose work at Wilcannia under the B.C.A. will ever be held in remembrance.

I

Our good friend, Rev. Dr. A. Law, of St. John's. Toorak, Victoria, who is visiting England as a deputation for the Colonial and Continental Church Society of England, has forwarded to us a copy of his new Empire Tableau Play, entitled "The Quest of the Southern Cross." In verse and dialogue and novel tableaux it sets forth in most attractive fashion the claims and the interest of back-country Mission work in Australia. We are glad to note the references to some B.C.A. activities, such as the Hospitals and Hostel, as well as the general work of our Mis-sioners and Deaconesses. The play has a true spiritual ring, and should be of great value in fostering a real Missionary interest. We would commend it to Sunday School G.F.S. and Missionary Guild leaders. We go further, and appeal to someone to organise the first presentation of this stirring play to an Australian audience. Here is a chance for someone to help the B.C.A.

Our Book Stall stock in increasing. Beside the several publications which we have had on sale at our office for some time past, we now have:—

'' On the Wool Track,'' by Captain Bean, the well-known Australian war historian. This book gives a splendid account of the country and conditions in the Far West of New South Wales. ''Real Australian'' readers who know something of the B.C.A. work in the West Darling Mission will appreciate this volume. It affords a fine insight into the great wool-raising industry, and gives much of the lore of the real "out-back." Price is only 2/6, cloth cover.

"The Trans-Australian Wonderland," by Mr. A. G. Bolam, that fascinating volume dealing with the weird creatures, curious conditions to be found towards the centre of our continent and along the great East-WTest Railway, is now published in an enlarged sixth volume. Additional matter relating to bird, animal and aboriginal life is inserted, also photos. Every Australian should read this volume, and send it to an English friend. Price: 2/6 paper cover, 3/6 cloth. Send to our office for a copy.

"The Tale of Bluey Wren," by Neville Cayley. A delightful little sketch (illus-trated) of one of our charming Australian birds. Suitable for children. Price 1/6, paper cover.

"We of the Never Never," by Mrs. Aeneas Gunn. A real classic of the far out-back. Still sought after and read by hundreds. Price 2/6, cloth cover.

"Family Prayer," compiled by Rev. A. Law, D.D., of St. John's, Toorak, will be found helpful. Price, 1/-.

"Evangelical Sermons, by a Layman." An excellent little volume containing sermon messages full of the Gospel. To Lay Readers and others this little collection is warmly commended. Price, 1/6.

"The Dawning of that Day," by Rev. H. G. J. Howe, of Gladesville. A study of Second Advent Doctrine. In paper covers, 1/6.We need hardly remind our readers that in all cases the profits on the sale of the foregoing are devoted to our work. * * * *

For some time now the B.C.A. has had in use two interesting and attractive mov-ing picture films, the gift of Mr. H. Armstrong. One reel gives a very fine representation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, with a modern application; the other features the Curing of Bartimaeus. Both are chaste and reverent in their treatment of the Bible stories. We have used them out-back, where people have greatly appreciated them. We want to use them in the city and suburbs on behalf of our work. The ^Rector of St. Mark's, Northbridge, recently showed them in his parish, and speaks highly of their quality. Perhaps some Rector would like to arrange with his local picture show proprietor for a screening. The B.C.A. would be willing to lend the films if half proceeds were given to the Society's work.

August is one of our "Bark Hut" opening months. We appeal to all our parish

representatives to call in all Huts, and toforward contents to us as early as possible. Some of our Bark Hut holders reside in parishes where we have no repre-sentatives. Please open the box and send amount to us, and we shall gratefully acknowledge, and, with the receipt, return a new label. For any amount, small or great, we shall be thankful.

Our appreciations to all who send to us books, papers, magazines. They are so many in number that we cannot make individual acknowledgments, but our thanks are just as sincere.

July 12, 192a THE REAL AUSTRALIAN.

St. Alban's, Leura Parish, is a sort of "fairy god-mother" to the B.C.A. Through the Eev. G. Redmond, we have been made the recipient of the gift of a fine Church bell, which will be put into use at St, John's Church Croajingolong Mission. Also is there promised two frentals for the Holy Table. These will go to another Church in our care. Thanks to all the kind friends who thus remember our needs.

♦ . ' $ *Friends of Miss Harvey

(B.C.A. Hostel at Wilcannia), who are members of the Sydney Madrigal Society, have sent in a helpful donation towards the piano which has been purchased for her work out-back. This also cheers us along.

♦ ♦ ♦A Letter that Cheers.

Readers will remember that our Presbyterian brethren have been doing great-work in the Northern Territory for many years past. The founder and Superintendent of their Mission, the Australian Inland Mission, is the Eev. John Plynn. The following letter came to the B.C.A. Office recently. We do appreciate its message of encouragement:—

Australian Inland Mission,

Sydney, June 18, 1928. Dear Mr. Kirkby,

Our Superintendent, Rev. John Plynn, who is at present motoring round Australia, has asked me to convey to you his very hearty congratulations on the attainment of your Aeroplane Mission. He not only congratulates you, but he is grateful to you for blazing the trail. We ourselves, as you know, have already initiated our Aerial Medical Service. In our case, however, we have a heavy mail 'plane with a pilot set apart entirely for transport duty; also, under contract, the Queensland and Northern Territories Aerial Services Ltd. supply the 'plane, and keep it tuned up in their workshops, which have a .staff of sixteen men. The Moth, of course, is a different proposition. Mr. Plynn had the pleasure of flying to Adelaide in company with Major De Haviland himself. From his experience then, he hopes that a resourceful man will be able to keep the smaller machine going strong for months at a time, and that by its aid the work of the Kingdom will be trulyadvanced...............Meantime, he hopes your Society will pass from triumph to triumph. Yours

faithfully, (Signed) JEAN BAIED,

Secretary. * # * #

To ll WTellwisher" we give our best thanks for a gift of 5/- enclosed in an envelope addressed to us, and bearing a Sydney post mark dated March 27 last.

Our best thanks are due to Mr. R. G. Moon and his choir for their help in arranging the cantata, "The Haymakers," given on our behalf during March last. From a financial point of view, the effort was most successful, but the actual attendance was rather disappointing. The rendering of the cantata was a musical treat greatly enjoyed by all those present.

The B.C.A. will be represented at the forthcoming Church Congress, to be held in Adelaide during the month of October. Friends in that city are arranging a Rally in Holy Trinity Hall on Tuesday evening, October 18. In the Congress Exhibition there will be a court displaying the Society's activities. For the Congress programme the Organising Missioner has been invited to read a paper on "The Bush Missionary.''

Interest Table applied to—THE ANNUAL RALLY, St. Andrew's Cathedral Chapter House, August 28, 7.45 p.m. In terms of Spiritual Interest—< < Pray without ceasing." In terms of Personal Interest—Your attendance with 699 others (no room for more). In terms of Financial Interest—£100 as a thankoffering for the wTork.

B.C.A. Aeroplane and Sky Pilot (The Rev. L. Daniels).

THE B.C.A. AEROPLANE.

Despite all fears and exaggerations, the aeroplane is now in full commission. Certainly a serious mishap befel it on its first flight from Melbourne to Wilcannia, but neither the machine nor the pilot, Eev. L. Daniels, "crashed," as many thought. The accident happened whilst Mr. Daniels was "taxi-ing" after a perfectly correct descent. The machine collided with a small tree on the landing ground, and as a result the propeller and one wing were broken. It was most unfortunate; a similar accident perhaps would not happen again during the lifetime of the machine. As it is, the Society could do nought else but to arrange for its repair. The cost of same comes heavily upon our strained resources, especially just as the work was beginning, In faith we have

gone on, and are confident that B.C.A. friends will, as in days past, '' pull us through.''

The accompanying illustration (block kindly lent by "Australian Church Ee-cord") does not do the machine or its pilot complete justice. In later issues we hope to let our readers see the machine in its work. Great was the day when Mr. Daniels was seen hovering close to Wilcannia. The whole township went out

to meet him and* gave him a deserved welcome. In a way, the B.C.A. is putting Wilcannia on the "aerial" map, and we expect great things from its ministry.

We shall soon be receiving reports of flights and visits from Mr. Daniels, and readers will find a fascinating page on venturesome work for God's Kingdom set before them in our next issue. In the meantime, think of our aeroplane ministry with generosity and of our Aeroplane Missioner with prayer. The following hymn, which secured the award for the best airman's hymn, will not only be of interest to B.C.A. friends, but also be suggestive of intercession:—

God of the shining hosts that range on high,

Lord of the Seraphim serving day and

night,

Hear us for these, our squadrons of the sky,

And give to them the shelter of Thy

might.

Thine are the arrows of the storm-cloud's breath, Thine, too, the tempest or the zephyr still; Take in Thy keeping those who, facing death, Bravely go forth to do a nation's will.

High in the trackless space that paves Thy throne, Claim by Thy love these souls in danger's thrall; Be Thou their Pilot through the great unknown, Then shall they mount as eagles and not fall. —Miss May E'owland, Eastbourne.

NEWS PROM EVERYWHERE.

Little Tales about Big Work.

''For men only—a service!" Sophisticated city folk sometimes tell us with superior air that services nowadays are only attended by women and children. Of course, they themselves have not been inside a Church for twenty years at least! Such is their frequent admission. That it completely discounts their foolish assertion never occurs to them. Their claim is so painfully wide of the truth, whether they are thinking of religion in the city or in the country.

However, below is the account of a service held by B.C.A. workers, where there were no women or children. The scene is a/'pipe track" camp leading out of the scrub of Eyre's Peninsula down to near the coast of the Big Bight. The camp (occupied by labourers engaged in digging the trench, at least 300 miles long, and laying the huge pipes for a wonderful water supply) is made up of four or five neat rows of white tents. Two hundred men or more live there. Larger tents indicate staff office, mess rooms, and store. The latter is a microcosm of Anthony Hordern's or Foy and Gibson's. It is stuffed full to bursting point with an ex-traordinary variety of goods. You can buy anything from a shirt to a shoe-horn, from a biscuit to a bladder of lard.

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN. July 12, 1928

Babies' '' dummies'' would not be stocked, though the genial storeman would doubtless take an order if requested.

But it is not of the camp as an aggregation of tents that we would write, but rather of it as an aggregation of men. They challenge our interest because they come from the four corners of Australia. They challenge our faith because they are men, strong and big, with no particular allegiance to religion or Church. Yet Christ has a claim upon them which ought to be made known. Here they are living in roughness, and sometimes in discomfort. They can have no home, because the camp is ever moving on. Surely they appeal to the Church! Well, here is a note to indicate what the Church is trying to do. The "pipe track" camp had at last come into the area of the B.C.A. Missioner on the coast of the Bight, and our workers, Eev. A. Hodgson and Mr. T. Gee, were anxious that men should be reached. We shall let Mr. Gee tell the story: "I visited the camp after consulting Mr. Hodgson, and having fixed a time for service, made out a poster and stuck it up where all the men could see it. When the night came I brought the organ and dumped it by the big camp fire, collected some seats, and then started playing. When about twenty had gathered round I gave out the hymn books, and we sang 'Rock of Ages.' By this time Mr. Hodgson had arrived with nine members of the Ceduna choir, so while he carried on with the singing I went round the camp for more men. Some came, many did not. Quite a number, although they would not take a seat, stood just outside the light cast by the lamps and by the fire, where they could listen without being seen. Mr. Hodgson gave a pointed address on St. John iii., 16, and I tried to speak on Conversion. As they sang the next hymn, I went among the men with copies of St. John's Gospel supplied by the Bible Society. The men whom I approached first refused the proffered Gospels, but later these same men came to me and asked for copies.

"We believe that the 'campers' liked the service. I certainly hoped to see more of them present, but there is this consoling thought: every man in the camp—unless he were stone deaf—must have heard the singing. We shall try again."

Now, isn't that witness for Christ in that distant camp' well worth while? Please pray

for our Missioners who have this work on their hearts.

B.C.A. Sister's Baptism into New Work.

Sister Spence, who responded so readily to our appeal for a worker to take on the nursing post in our Croajingolong Mission hitherto held by Sister Agnes Head, was duly dispatched by motor service car leaving Sydney for Cann River up to 500 miles distant. What is generally a journey always uneventful, and perhaps wearying, proved this time to be full of excitement. A great introduction was it to her Bush Nursing work. From her letter we gather the following: "Seventy miles down we met a car well water-logged, but we managed to pass there without difficulty.

Further on the sky, with heavy clouds, looked more formidable, and the weather became worse. A man passenger had to wade through water up to his waist to •examine the culverts ere we went forward. We managed that flood also. But at the third we came to a full stop in the middle of the track. The water came up to the car lamps. We sat there for an hour,but at last got out on the battery.................................At the town we put up for the night, afterhaving proceeded 15 miles and turning backbecause of floods. Next day another venture was made, but not until afternoon.Good progress until dark came, and thenwe were once more bogged, but we all gotout and pushed—successfully. At Naroomathe punt was in dock, and we were transhipped in relays in a tiny rowing boatacross the river, where another " 'bus"was awaiting us. At last we got to Eden,only to find that the car for Cann Riverhad left, and there I had to stay for twodays until it returned. Eventually weleft Eden, and 15 miles out we "bogged"again. After working one and a halfhours trying all ways and means withoutsuccess (I was on my hands and kneesshovelling away mud from the wheels withmy hands), another car came along, and,without considerable trouble, pulled us out.No more flood troubles then; but alongthe track we found a broken bush telegraph wire, and so proceeded to mend it.I do wish that my Sydney friends couldhave seen me climbing on to the driver'sshoulders, and then reaching up the treewhere one . end of the wire was caught,and pulling and tugging to make both endsmeet! However, we succeeded, and atlast reached Cann River, where SisterKathleen, the Deaconess, met me and gavea warm welcome................................................As soon as I ar

rived, I went to see a patient needing attention, and then a baby. To-night (Sunday) I am riding down to play the organat the Church service.......................way,the scenery, as you said, is simply glorious, and the bell-birds were holding concerts in various places. I agree with you and think the people fine, and I am very glad I was sent."

There is the real B.C.A. spirit in this letter—the spirit of cheerful "endurance of hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Our readers must keep Sister Spence in the prayer remembrances.

Under the Banner of the Good Samaritan.

Sometimes we wish that we had hospitals on wheels.. We need them. It is good to know that in emergencies we can put hospital equipment on wheels, and if a couple of Sisters can accompany the equipment splendid work can be done. And it has been done! The B.C.A. Hospital Nurses are adepts at anything and everything. They can form organist and choir at a Church service; they can haul buckets of water out of a well without including the frogs or other unwanted "beasties" that enjoy free residence therein; they can spell-bind a fractious patient into remaining in bed for a day against his will; they can transform a

little room in a far distant home into & real operating theatre. The lastmen-tioned makes up a story. A call came-to the Hospital. Could the operating, table be packed up into a car, and could a couple of Sisters come with it to a far away home where was a patient needing a major surgical operation and who could not be moved? There was only one an-swer, and in quick time the Sisters, with-the necessary outfit, were speeding away to the house of suffering. There they met the Doctor, and preparations were made-for immediate operation. Dust and heat and flies could not be altogether excluded,, yet the gracious work was carried out. The operation was protracted, and time-was important, because the light of day was fading. But the Doctor and Sisters rose to that emergency. The final scene? showed the Doctor busy with stitchings and dressings, one Sister keeping the patient under the anesthetic and the other flashing a little hand electric torch so that the Doctor could have adequate light for his delicate task. Then when it was all over the Sisters make the patient comfortable, arrange for proper care, then pack up their table, and go back again to the-far away Hospital and face up to the insistent round of duty once again. God honours their work; may our readers honour them and their work. Those* Sisters in that Hospital appeal for more-blankets and sheets, an invalid chair (second-hand acceptable), deck chair (strong), bed screen, cot blankets, hot water bags, gramophone (good portable type preferred). Friends willing to help are invited to send cost equivalent of any gift. The B.C.A., as an organisation, is able to obtain most of its supplies at wholesale prices.

A BIG HOME AND HAPPY HEARTS.

If the B.C.A. had the chance, I would* like to take all its critics (we know that we have some!), all its sceptic, fearful1 cavillers on a free journey to all its Mission areas and Mission activities. Spiritu-ally, it would be fruitful—they would all become earnest intercessors for our work.. Financially, it would pay—they would all become generous supporters of our Society.. Personally, it would do them good—they would return with a bigger outlook, with cheerful heart, and with a humbling sense? of appreciation of what our Mission Padres, Deaconesses, Nurses, and other-workers are

doing.If we could not take them to

all our activities, we certainly would take them to our Children's Hostel at Wilcannia., That's the place for the critics and cavillers! They would be cured of all their grouches in less than 24 hours. Incidentally, they would feel like putting their hands deep down into their pockets and giving us that £100 odd that we need to clear the debt off the building. In factr there is no need for anyone to go to Wil-cannia ? to reach that stage of recognition of that truly great piece Of work. They can do it now, and go to see the Hostel

July 12, 1928. THE REAL AUSTRALIAN.

later. They will receive a double welcome.

But what is the Hostel like? What is it now doing? Let us answer the queries, first recalling some memories. Nearly nine years ago the idea of the Hostel was first mooted. The need of such a home for little children in the Far^ West was one of the impressions derived* by the Organising Missioner on the occasion of his first journey through the area. When the late Eev. Fred. Harvey and his wife com-menced work at Wilcannia, the Hostel, after much prayer and thought and consultation, was opened. Our troubles began then. Critics and pessimists swarmed around us; the half-hearted and the no-hearted wagged their heads and their tongues together. Still we held on, being mightily cheered by the late Mrs. E. Vickery and the Church of England Homes and Hostel Committee in the matter of purchasing the present building. But we could not get the children; the Roman Catholic Convent still held them. At first we had two inmates, then four. We seemed to mark time then, and the hearts of our two workers were cast down. The croaking chorus of the critics and the moaning undertones of the pessimists were heard in the land. A Hostel with four children was all that we could show.

What is it like now? The present writer has tender memories of sitting down at that Hostel table some eight years ago and sharing in a humble meal with the four children. The other day he rejoiced to be at the same spot and to sit down at the table with 28 children, all of them the happy, healthy inmates of the B.C.A. Hostel. The early days of tears and struggle, broken hopes and disappoint-ments were not forgotten, but the memory of them was transfigured by the actuality of the sight before his eyes. And to God alone was the glory for the wonderful contrast between the past and the present. Let this be said also in all humbleness and without ill-will: the B.C.A. (Anglican) Hostel now has more inmates than has the B.C. Convent—and the latter had held the field for the past 30 years or more. We started the Hostel to meet a need felt by Protestant parents, to keep our own children for our own Church, and we feel that our object has been realised.

The boys and girls of the Hostel are a bonny crowd.

Activity, noise (could they be children and keep silent?), laughter mark their concourse, yet regularity, order, discipline are splendidly maintained. All of them attend the local school (no High School training there); all have duties to discharge each day. The B.C.A. will hold in thankful remembrance the services of those Matrons and others who in times past helped to build up the Hostel on such sound lines, never forgetting the Rev. F. W. Harvey and his wife; and it must again place on record the ability and fine management of the present Matron, Mrs. Mann, who has been splendidly assisted by Miss Hayes. Then a special note must be made of the general work and professional attainments of Miss

Hilda Harvey, who recently joined the staff and who, with her musical knowledge, is making the Hostel additionally attractive. The Hostel is a great place, and a bright surprise awaits any who go there, be they critics or friends.

The recent additions to the accommodation, for which we have to thank the Rev. W. R. Brown so much, consist of a girls' dormitory, enlargement of boys' dormitory, the complete rebuilding of the kitchen, and some important and ingenious alterations, planned also by Mr. Brown, of the dining and sitting-room space. There is almost a new Hostel. Airiness and brightness are its features, and needed comfort has been afforded. Friends of the B.C.A. have helped. A gentleman in Melbourne kindly gave £100 for the kitchen block. The Matron desires to assure him of the wonderful difference his gift has made. Wilcannia folk have also remembered the Hostel. At an "Afternoon '' arranged recently, so that the Organising Missioner could meet residents, a subscription list was spontaneously sug-gested by one of the guests. One joyful result was that two ladies, Mrs. Knox and Mrs. Leckie, undertook to cover the huge girls' dormitory with much needed linoleum. Others equally keen donated sums to cover heavy painting costs in the kitchen. A fine spirit was shown, and the workers were greatly cheered. At present earnest effort is being made to remove the debt which has been incurred by some of these imperatively needed renovations. Miss Harvey trained the Hostel children, and they have just given an attractive concert on behalf of the funds. Will friends in Sydney and Melbourne and elsewhere help? £100 at least are required for this purpose. Send a special gift to our office.

Life in the Hostel is very busy, and always varied. Maintenance accounts are heavy. We are grateful to the good folk who arrange Grocery Teas for us. We want more. By such, our Hostel pantry is kept replenished. For milk, we are faring very well at present. The Hostel possesses about 25 goats—good hard-bitten, virile "nannies" that can live during dry seasons on old newspapers and jam tin labels, and yet give milk! Just now report has it that the boys are milking 18 goats. The season is good.

More blankets are required. Sister Grace Syms, of Deaconess House, Sydney,

kindly sent up seven the other day—a magnificent gift. Miss F. Cullen (Mos-man) forwarded another trunk to Headquarters full of most valuable gifts, and a mighty help to the Hostel. It cheers us all. Readers, please keep it going! A fine and tangible donation would be £5 to cover the cost of bed and bedding for one child. Let us disclose a secret—some of the boys are accommodated in bunks, ship-board fashion; we haven't enough beds.

To clear up any lingering doubts about the Hostel, may we quote from a letter written by the State School Inspector for the Far West!

"Broken Hill, 3/7/28. . ... At Wilcannia the Hostel is indeed doing a noble work, and supplying a great want in this land of great spaces, where educationalfacilities are unavailable................................................................E. Lewis, District Inspector."

EYRE'S PENINSULA.

If you have never been to Cummins you will probably never have heard of it; but' have no misgivings On this account, for such is the modesty and self-oblivion of the place that it is content to live while the great majority of mankind is blissfully ignorant of its existence. Should your business ever take you to Cummins, arm yourself against that sinking feeling when you purchase your ticket at the Tourist Bureau, for the official will not disguise the fact that such a place has never entered his ideas of topography. When you come to Cummins you will probably feel that you have moved out of the centre to the circumference of things; but such is the power of human adaptability that what was once your centre will now be your circumference, and Cummins will be the axis upon which your new world revolves. I would therefore have my urban and suburban readers' interests to revolve for a few moments round a new centre, the centre of Bush Church Aid activities on Eyre's Peninsula.

Crawling to Mecca.

The Cummins Mission District consists of a corridor 140 miles long, between pas-toral country on one side and w^heat producing land and virgin scrub on the other. It is traversed by a railway, but one would hesitate to say that it was " served" by such a system. The railway, strictly speaking, is intended for the "leisured''' classes, as the journey of 125 miles to the northern end of the district occupies from eight to nine hours. The return journey is not to be taken without weighty consideration of the subject, and the question of physical endurance is not the least to be considered. One travels in all the simplicity of a "blue brake-van" which, from a coachbuilder's viewpoint, is designed on improved horse-box principles. One is not permitted to look over the sides of one's box, but at either end there are doorways, one leading out upon a platform. After reclining upon the

tarpaulins strewn inside the van, in prolific confusion, for the comfort of travellers, one may vary one's occupation by strolling out upon the platform. Strictly speaking, one can spend one's time in no other manner. The vans have been designed to combine the maximum of vibration with the minimum of resiliency, and thus give passengers as little encouragement as possible to forget their journey on the South Australian railways by indulgence in sleep, reading or conversation. If you decided to take the journey by motor car, the penitent Mohammedan - who crawled to Mecca would listen with moistened eyes to the account of your journey to Minnipa.

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN. July 12, 1923.

Applejohn and Applejack.

Two outstanding types are served by the Mission. There are the descendants of the early pioneer who preferred to take all his journeys on foot because he thought he was tempting Providence by riding in a buggy. He is usually fairly prosperous, and, far from inheriting prejudices against a buggy, has preferences in fav-our of the motor car. Some of these men can give instances of forbears who walked five or six miles to Church after their last horse had perished from the drought. They themselves are usually staunch supporters and regular attendants at Church services.

Then there is the progressive pioneer. Very often he was considered delicate as a boy, and had become resigned to foot-warmers and wearing flannel next to his skin, as Andrew Applejohn, in "Andrew Apple John's Adventure," submitted to having everything done for him, until he became quite convinced that he was a con-firmed invalid and effort of any sort was injurious to his health. How the said Andrew eventually got the best of him-self is worth recounting. It was after a dream wherein he plays the role of a singularly robust, ancestral buccaneer named Applejack. At the faintest sign of cowardice on the part of his confederates, Applejack fearlessly, and in a tone of deepest contempt, dubs them "Scum"! It was this adventure in the dream world which enabled the old Applejack fire and courage to reassert itself in Applejohn's veins. The West Coast has the same beneficent result. In transforms many an Applejohn into an Applejack. These men are carving homes out of the primeval scrub. They face bad seasons, they live in a tent or a hut, but they eventually win through. They are always glad to see the parson, and give him a "shake-down" between stages of his journey. Usually a portion of Scripture is read and a prayer said before departure, and thus these men are left in touch with things Eternal.

What is it all about, anyway ?

The Church has a fruitful ministry amongst the young people of the Peninsula. They are sturdy young Australians with minds of their own which, when influenced for good, are the best asset the State pos-sesses. Thirty-two candidates, all of which have been

prepared by the parson himself, are being presented to the Bishop at his next period of visitation. Some of these candidates have not been lightly won to make the great decision, as the following story will show. During the notices at a service, the parson gave a short summary of the meaning of Confirmation, and invited any present to attend the preparation classes. At the close of the service, while at the Church door, he asked individuals to offer. The response was anything but promising, one out of about half a dozen accepting. Outside the building he approached a young fellow, and pressed him to accept; then he

wrent inside to make preparations for leaving. There was a tap at the door, and the young man previously approached entered. "What is it all about, anyway?" he asked. A further explanation followed, and this young fellow decided to offer. A few minutes afterwards four or five others added their names to his. They had been "having it out" outside, and by the help of a Churchwarden, had come to a right decision.

A few weeks ago the parson took a candidate for Confirmation to a neighbouring district, as he would not be in Cummins on the occasion of the Bishop's visit. During preparation this candidate, a young man of nineteen, gave way to drink, and was refused further admittance at the boarding establishment. The parson knew his man too well to accept a profession of penitence. Some stronger safeguard was necessary if he was to benefit by Confirmation. He was taken aside and the im-possibility of Confirmation pointed out in his present state. It was suggested that, in order to assist him to keep straight, he should join the Kechabites. This he refused to do. But a quiet, long talk at a fireside that same evening gave a cheering result. He joined the Eechabites, and has been confirmed.

Parishioners are very hospitable on the West Coast, and are always willing to put the parson up when holding services. He occasionally stays with a family where there are eight children. These have few opportunities of religious education, as they live too far from the siding. After discussing the matter with the mother, and pointing out the children's need, also extolling the excellences of "The Trowel," the mother decided to send a year's subscription, and this family now enjoys Sunday School at home.

If the mountain won't come to Mohammed !

With the coming of Lent the problem arose where to hold the mid-week Lenten Services. Previous Missioners had the use of the Presbyterian Church, but with the extinction of the Presbyterian cause the Freemasons acquired the use of the building. The Anglican Church then held its services in the "Agricultural Hall," a big,

bare, cold, uninviting building. Midweek Lenten Services would soon be extinguished if held there. The School was then thought of, and the Committee approached. Yes! they were prepared to allow us the use of the School for a charge of half a crown. In a Mission area one has to look at half a crown first before laying it out for hiring purposes. At last the idea of taking the Church to the people's homes came to mind. It was something new for Cummins, and some people were taken by surprise. Others freely offered a room. Every service was well attended, and at one there was not a seat or corner vacant.

C. P.

FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH IN CROAJINGOLONG.

"Do let us have the service outside in the open air, Mr. Nash!" I demurred, '' What about lights f"" " Oh, we can turn on the motor lights!" It was just about dusk, and we stood on a little rise over-looking the beautiful Mallacoota Lake. "All right* as you wish!" So we borrowed chairs from neighbouring dwellings, and arranged them in front of the two big cars, standing side by side. We took the cushions out of the cars, and placed them in front for the children to sit on. And there, lit by the powerful headlights, a little company of about twenty-five men, women and children, tourists, settlers, fishermen, polished city dwellers, and back-blocks pioneers met together under the open canopy of Heaven to worship the great Father of all, "Whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain" and "Who dwelleth not in temples made with hands''; and there on the green hill slope by the lakeside I taught them about that One Who, on just such a green slope by another hillside, ever loved to gather the people around Him to teach them, and Who "on a green hill far away" died "that erring souls might live, in sinless joy where God's blest mansions shine.'' At the close we all joined in that well-known hymn, "When I survey the wondrous Cross." The scene was unforgettable in its beauty and its wonder. The moon was rising out from the distant sea, touching all things with its silvery light. From across the sand-bar came the sullen boom of the surf, while on far off shadowy mountain sides shone the strange glare of bush fires. All Nature in its calm'beauty seemed to breathe a benediction as if instinct with "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding." And up thro' the still night rose the voices in harmonious cadence—

'' Were the whole realm of Nature mine, That wTere an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so Divine,

Demands my life, my soul, my all.'?

Mallacoota is always an inspiration—a little tucked away backwater of life at the end of the world, reached by an impossible road. Until recently there was no road at all, only a bush track. When the then Archdeacon of Gippsland visited the place eighteen years ago, he still

tells the story of how the buggy had to be lowered down the steepest pinches with ropes. If you don't believe the story, go there and follow the old bush track over those rugged gullies. .... A difficult place, so difficult that there had been no service there at all for some time, till Miss Reece rode down on her sturdy little pony, "Rambler," and by dint of sheer perse-verance succeeded in reviving Divine worship. And now, when I go down, from fourteen to twenty gather together on a week night in any available place—borrowed '' best parlour'' or the lounge-room of an hotel. One such service stands out

July 12, 1928. THE REAL AUSTRALIAN. 9

in my memory. There were about nineteen of us in all gathered together in the house of a lady who is nominally Eoman Catholic, and had kindly placed her front room at our disposal. And a more mixed congregation it would be hard to find— Anglicans, Methodist, Eoman Catholics: a truly '' Catholic'' Church—met together in fVhe Name of the One Saviour to worship the Father of all. There was a lady, acknowledged on all sides to be a veritable saint of God, sitting side by side with a couple who, judged by conventional worldly standards, were the deepest of sin-ners—for it was to seek and to save such that the Son of God came into the world. After the third collect, instead of an anthem, "in quires and places where they sing," some eight or ten bonny fresh-faced bush boys and girls got up and sang—-

'' Jesus died for all the children, All the children of the world; Bed and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight: Jesus died for all the children of the world.''

"If you want to go up to Helmer's, I'll lend you a horse; but it's a very rough track!" The speaker was a spare, grizzled busfcman, with blue eyes that looked you straight. In his younger days, it is reported that he was the wildest man in East Gippsland; yet the parson is always welcome, not only to a meal and a bed, but also to have a service in the "best room" of his log-built farmhouse. In fact, he specially asked that we should go there—eleven miles by a rough bush road from the nearest place where service is held—to teach his children (sturdy Australian boys and girls) the truths of religion. I accepted his offer, and mounted on his own horse (a fine bay) I pushed on.It is said that there is never an Irishman so poor but

what he has a still | poorer relation living "on him." It seems in Croajingolong that there is never a settler so far out that he has not someone still further out beyond him. It was in search of such that I followed the four-foot pack track that wound in and out T round the steep mountain sides, up the [ lovely valley of the Erinundra Eiver. In some places I could look.down an almost sheer precipice into the stream tumbling in its rocky bed, sixty feet below. At I one point, as I scrambled up the steep hank after. fording the river, I was con-I fronted with the work of one of the whim-I sical characters who had drifted into that I land of odd and whimsical characters—a 1 carved' figure, with underneath the arrest-I ing query, "Quo Vadis?" At another I ford my horse became suddenly water shy, I so I had to get off and lead him through, I with the water, ice cold from the moun-1 tain snows, swirling about my knees. All I of a sudden the four-foot track came to I an end before a hill that rose up sheer 1 like the wall of a house. A tiny bridle J path led straight up. I put my tough

mountain horse to it, and straight up we went, slipping, sliding, scrambling till we reached the top! Then along the spur to the right, and we came to the edge of a lovely hill-surrounded basin. Down at the bottom, at the other end, looking absurdly small in the distance, were a couple of huts—I had tracked the furthest out settler to his lair!

On arrival at the nearest hut I received a true bush welcome, not demonstrative, but real "Glad to see you!"—and one knows they mean it. "Come in and have some dinner; you're the second parson we've seen this way in eight years!" And after dinner, as we sat round the fire, the talk got on to the '' deeper things"; and then came a little reading and a short prayer. Three brothers there are up there, and one of them has his wife with him. True pioneers these! Nine miles from the nearest neighbour by a rough bush track, sixty-three miles from the nearest town or railway. It's hard on the men; but what of the woman! Such are some of the ones who are pioneering this land of ours—some of those who make Bush Mission work really worth while.

Then, later in the afternoon, homeward again, and toward dusk, I came to a camp of road makers, pushing civilisation out into that primeval solitude. I had tea with these men, and after tea we had a little service in the mess-shed. Only some eight or nine gathered, but they were quiet and attentive; and who knows how many others were listening in nearby tents or Avhat seed was sown as I preached on "Eternal Life" from the soap box at the head of the rough table! And sing! it did my heart good to hear them fill that silent, remote valley with the echoes of "Onward, Christian soldiers!" and "Eock of Ages.'' Then home again in the moonlight to the hospitable farm house; and as I rode I felt that somehow it was good to be there, and that my day, though arduous, had not been spent altogether in vain.

C. J. 1ST.

OUR PAPER.

Readers are called upon to forgive a delayed issue. We should have gone to press last month at the latest; but it was impossible. The Editor had been absent out-back for many weeks, and preparation could not be made. However, we assure our subscribers that the four issues of the year will be duly made. The next "Eeal Australian" should appear about September.

We are glad to announce that the Eev. W. G. Coughlan, B.A., of St. Matthew's, Bondi, has kindly consented to accept the post of Assistant Editor. The solid help that he will give will greatly relieve the Editor; moreover, it will mean the more regular issue of the journal. We hope also to introduce some new features into our pages. Readers have often cheered us by their remarks on the attractive character of "The Real Australian." With

Mr. Coughlan's help the attractiveness will increase.Many of our friends are glad to receive reminders

that the subscriptions are due. If a subscription form accompanies your copy, please take it as a note that we shall be glad if you will send along stamps or postal notes for the required amount. Don't delay ! Every unpaid subscription is a loss to us. Eighteenpence a year is a small sum to the procrastinating reader, but it is a large amount to us when we have the printer's bill in front of us, and bemoan the fact that the bill could be paid in full if all our subscribers paid promptly. Don't let your debt to "The Real Australian" be a charge upon the Missionary funds, which we seek to use for work out-back. Pay! Pay promptly! Pay cheerfully! Send your remittance to B.C.A. (Headquarters) Office, Diocesan Church House, George Street, Sydney, or to the B.C.A.'s Victorian office, St. Paul's Cathedral, Swanston Street, Melbourne.

To the following we give thanks for subscriptions received:—

Mrs. W. Miller, W. V. Falconer, Miss Locke, Miss C. Key, Miss Eose, Mrs. Gias, Miss F. Benson, Miss E. Clifford, Mrs. McArthur, F. A. Hester, Mrs. Heathersham, Mrs. JNTebergang, Mrs. Curnow, A. Donelly, Miss G. Brown, Mrs. Daley, Mrs. W. Clarke, Mrs. G. Hill, Mrs. N. V. Fullagar, Mrs. W. G. Blackman, Miss IT. McBrian, Miss N. Fullagar, Miss K. Costello, Miss N. Williams, Miss Miller, Miss Buck, Miss M. Sargent, Miss Dawson, Miss Jamieson, Miss Huxtable, Mrs. Shipley, Miss D. Hermanson, Mr. Beaven, Mr. Cox, Mr. Greenaway, Mr. C. Thomson, Mr. Maling, Miss N. Crosswell, Miss E. Bates, Miss A. Barton, Miss G. McKennan, C. L. De Boss, Miss Bennett, Miss McKeon, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Osborne, Mrs. I. S. Sergeant, Miss Walsh, Miss F. Bray, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Benson, Miss 0. Appleton, Miss Cue, Mrs. Truman, C. Daley, Miss Nicholson, Mrs. Walsh, Miss Howlett, Dr. Chas. Sundell, Frau Zundell, Deaconess Sundell, A. E. Eodda, Mrs. Hunter, Miss A. King, Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Eomanis, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Vine, Mrs. Lewers, Miss Noil, Miss Hearle, Miss E. Bennett, Miss H. Henning, Mrs. Anderson, Miss I. Woods, Miss C. Dennis, Miss E'. Delrich, Mrs. Dunbar, J. E. Whitehead, F\ A. Chevallier, Mrs. W. Kennedy, W. McDonald, Mrs. Knox, E. L. Backhouse, Mrs. McCann, Miss C. Peake, Eev. C. T. Eodda, Miss I. Gearing, Mrs. H. West, Miss S. F. Ware, Miss L. Bevin, Miss E. G. Lowe, A. L. Short, Miss M. Poole, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Linfoot, Sister Kathleen, S. Le Cocg, Mrs. M. Jones, Miss Ida Button, Mrs. Bartlett, Deaconess Lowenstein, Miss Carver, Miss Alderdice, Miss G. Wilkinson, Mrs. T. D. Stewart, Miss McLeod, Mrs. W. H. Harrison, Mrs. Stanbury, Mrs. Houston, Miss Eeeves-Palmer, K. Langford Smith, Miss E. Hodges, Miss A. Tickell, Mrs. Kenny, Mrs. Pullen, Mrs. H. W. Ives, Miss R. Crisp, Miss Alice Box, M. A. Parkinson, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Aitken, Mrs. Parrish, Miss Prince, H. de Jersey, Rev. C. Campbell Crowley, Miss O. L. Harris, Mrs. M.

10

Gunnis, Mrs. L. R. Livingstone, Miss E. Haddock, Miss Bolton, Miss B. Evans, C. Nellor, Miss A. L. Toye, Mrs. Chaffey, Mrs. E. Miles, Mrs. Silsby, Miss H. Boyd, P. H. Falconer, Mrs. Oonling, Miss M. Massey, Mrs. Thompson, Miss Stenebeck, H. Brownley, R. Potter, Mrs. Mills, Mr. Noakes, Mr. Robey, Mrs. Elston, H. Sil-burn, Mrs. R. H. Corner, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Corfield, Mr. Steventon, Mrs. J. Stott, Mrs. Kinghott, Mrs. West, Mrs. E. W. Smith, Mrs. A. R. Jones, E. Slack, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Cromhurst, Mrs. Skoglund, Miss Richardson, Mrs. Hinton, Mrs. Blewitt, Miss Oast, P. J. Fraser, Miss B. Robertson, Miss J. Pearsall, Miss Wade-Brown, Mrs. Davies, Miss Linwood, Mrs. F. W. Foote, R. Hen-niker, Mrs. G. Sait, Mrs. A. Hughes, Mrs. Sauerbier, Mrs. Rilby, H. Denteth, Mrs. Holroyd, Miss L. Sutton, Mrs. G. Pearson, Miss C. Scully, J. Cook, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. W. Cox, Mr. Bushell, F. B. Martin, Mrs. C. J. Walmsley, W. I. Whitfield, Mrs. L. M. Anderson, Miss Wall, Miss Shadforth, Miss Pcarse, E. J. Hainsworth, Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. E. Peadon, Mrs. C. J. Hughes, Rev. W. G. Cochrane, Miss E. Downey, Mrs. A. Kershaw, Mrs. J. Northcott, Miss M. Alcock, A. P. Watson, K. P. Craymer, G. H. Winton, Miss E. Helmsley, Miss K. Smith, Miss M. P. Ingle, A. T. Philpot, Mrs. Leggatt, E. M. Marsden, Miss M. Redfern, S. Maddocks, Mrs. F. Smith, Mrs. F. Dodgson, Mrs. L. G. Cerutty, Mrs. Newton, Miss G. Bladon, H. A. Hipwell, Mrs. H. S. Webb, Miss I. Grass, Miss Hoskins, A. Woodhouse, Mrs. Mau, Mrs. Street, Mrs. E. Jamieson, Miss A. Wilton, A. E. Stan-forth, Miss M. A. Allen, Mrs. W. Tozer, Mrs. M. Moody, A. Hardy, Rev. Pitt Owen, Mrs. H. G. Hall, L. Jones, Miss F. Wheeler, I. E. Brade, Lady Gordon, W. Bartlett, Miss Emily Peak, Miss A. E. Parson, Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. R. Swift, Mrs. C. Spinks, Mrs. Richardson, Miss F. Tucker, Miss Martin, Mrs. Furness, Miss Shekleton, Mrs. Shekleton, Mrs. Michael, Miss E. Ross, J. A. Thorburn, Mrs. West-ley, Miss F. McDougall, Mrs. Dew, Mrs. Milte, Mrs. Van Ziulecom, Mrs. Furniss, Miss W. Fowler, Miss E. J. White, W. Young, Mrs. Ault, Miss E. Pollock, Miss V. Edwards, Mrs. D. Thomas, Miss M. F. Mackay, A. Kraemer, Mrs. P. D. Brady, Mrs. Ashley Chapman, Mrs. S. J. Weekes, Mrs. E. M. Rainsford, Rev. F. B. Mullens, A. Matchett, Mrs. Gallimore, Miss F. Spooner, Mrs. Von Mulher, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Downing, Mrs. Burcher, Mrs. C. Hoskins, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. H. Thomas, Miss Winn, Mrs. O. Luscombe, Miss Wilton, Miss R. McCrae, W. U. Smyth King, S. B. Moore, Miss M. Gibson, Miss Vibert, Rev. R. A. Pollard, Mrs. S. Smyth, Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. Preston, Miss V. Windon, Mrs. R. Moore, M. Watton, Mrs. E. Colgan, Miss E. M. Downham, Mrs. T. Gordon, Mrs. P. Coggan, Mrs. C. M. McEwan, Miss E. Rowe, Mrs. Prendergast, Mrs. Frederick, Mrs. Short, Mrs. J. Reed, M. K. Faram, Mrs. L. Williams, Miss Wilson, A. E. Smith, Mrs. Collins, L. P. Noller, Miss M. Wade, Mrs. R. Ingall, Mrs. Moat, Miss K. Doak, Mrs. L. Rayment, Miss Webb, R. E. C. Hodge, Rev. B. B. Lousada, Mrs. Rounse-

verill, Miss E. Postlethwaite, Mrs. Pickering, Miss V. McDonald, Mrs. Day, Mrs. Marr, Mr. Bushell, Miss King Brown, Miss Akers, Miss E. Godfrey, Miss M. Rutter, Miss I. Bishop, Miss Una Watson, C. N". Marsden, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Day, Rev. J. Whiteman, Miss R. Whyfoon, Miss Olive, Miss M. Oliver, Miss M. Longfield', R. Morgan, Miss Brown, J. T. Atkins, G. Ogden, Mrs. Kenny, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Rees, Mrs. Lane, A. E. Watt, Mrs. L. Clap-ham, Mrs. E. M. Pain, Mrs. Gillett, Mrs. Chambers, Miss Hughes.I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I M I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

V>he

ANNUAL RALLYof the

Bush Church Aid Societyin the

CHAPTER HOUSESt. Andrew's Cathedral

Sydney

Tuesday, August 28at 7.45 p.m,

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I M I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I U I I I I I I I I I

THE PLACE Or PRAYER.

We beg the earnest, untiring intercessions of our friends. We depend upon them. Given a big band of praying men and women, remembering before God's throne our needs, our workers, our hopes, then we cannot fail.

There is so much to pray for. There are so many workers to bring unto God. But it is all so wonderfully worth while, because God not only hears but answers prayer. Surely no one doubts that! If need, affliction, loss, run as the warp through the fabric of our life, God's love, power, and answers to our prayers run through it as the woof. So let there be praise to His Name—and continued prayer.

Our prayer list covering B.C.A. work is appended below. We insert a prayer which may help some of our readers. Cut it out and give it to your Rector for use in Church services. Pass it on with an invitation to prayer to your friends. It will mightily help us in our Annual Rally.

July 12, 1928

" Almighty God, the Giver of all good gifts: Grant Thy blessing, we humbly be- I seech Thee, to the forthcoming Annual i Rally of the Bush Church Aid Society. I Give to the speakers the spirit of wisdom I and understanding, that they may stir up I the hearts and minds of Thy people. Let I Thy power and Presence be felt, that men t and women may joyfully enter Thy ser- i vice and unite in making Thy Name glori- § ous in this our land. Pour out a spirit t of abundant liberality upon all supporters I of the Society, that its needs be supplied [ according to Thy will. Lift up the hearts [ of all who gather there, and make it to I be a night much to be remembered of them I that fear the Lord. We ask it all through I Jesus Christ our Lord.M Amen.

We ask our friends to continue in prayer ffor the following :—Sunday—For the work of the Church of God in

far'ofl and lonely areas of Australia, j especially remembering those who in their isolation have not opportunities for fellow ship and common prayer.

Mondays—For the Organising Missioner, and I all workers at the Office. For the Victorian Deputation Secretary and his helpers. For all students, both men and women, pre j paring for ministry under the B.C.A. Also r for nurses and deaconesses awaiting loca' [ tion or in training.

Tuesday—For Wilcannia'West Darling Mis* sion, Rev. W. R. Brown and Sister Agnes I (Deaconess) ; also Rev. L. Daniels, the I aeroplane missioner.

Wednesday—For Eyre's Peninsula Mission (Willochra), Rev. C. Powell. For Far West Mission (Willochra), Rev. A. Hodg' • son, T. Fleming, T. Gee (Lay Brothers), j For the B.C.A. Mission Hospital, with Matron Saxby, Sister Morris, and Sister f Taylor, and their helpers ; Sister Ba^eley [ (Penong Nursing centre).

Thursday—For East Gippsland, Sister Spence [ (Nurse), Miss Reece, Sister Kathleen, and [ Rev. C. J. Nash (Missioner). For Ben-digo Bush Deaconess, Sister Mabel.

Friday—For Wilcannia Hoster, Mrs. Mann, j Miss Harvey, the workers, the children, their parents. For Rev. and Mrs. H. E. j Felton, Mungindi, and Rev. R. J. Tuck j (Werrimul, Victoria).

Saturday—For Motor Mission Van workers ; \ Rev. and Mrs. N. Haviland ; the Sunday I School by Post!; the Society's deputation j work ; Bark Hut holders ; and all our helpers and givers.

Every Day—Pray that "God will send forth 1 labourers into His harvest" ; and that our 1 workers have courage to go in.

Give thanks for :Ready response of workers to go out in'o

fields.Spirit of enquiry and offers of service

young men.Development of the nursing work of th? Society.

Pray especially for :Removal of deficit from Society's funds. A stirring of young Australian womanhood for bush service.

Wholly set up and printed in Australia by. J>. S. Ford, 44-50 Reservoir St., Sydney

THE REAL AUSTRALIAN.

m'o I

from I