Fix this text
THE BULLETIN
Fix this textVol. s.—No. 62.
Fix this textSYDNEY, SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1881.
Fix this textPrice— 3d.
Fix this textSATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1881.
Fix this textLuckless Native Teachers.
Fix this textIt is now several months since a correspondent,
Fix this textwriting from the Malayan Archipelago to the
Fix this textQueenslander, in powerful and convincing terms
Fix this textarraigned the Missionary organization of reckless
Fix this textdisregard for the lives of the unfortunate native
Fix this textteachers in their employment. The writer, who
Fix this textdealt with the subject from personal observation,
Fix this textformulated several distinct charges, and pointed
Fix this textout in a graphic fashion the difference between
Fix this textthe labours and risks undergone by the white
Fix this textmissionaries and those to which their native
Fix this textauxiliaries were subjected. Some exceptions were
Fix this textfirst stated. We are not confident that the names
Fix this textmentioned are exactly retained in our memory,
Fix this textbut if we by chance include among those particu-
Fix this textlarised as sharing in all respects the hardships and
Fix this textperils of the native teachers, one or more who may
Fix this textnot be entitled to such distinction, the error will
Fix this textnot be a serious one. The feeva. Messrs. Lawes
Fix this textand Chalmers, we think, were mentioned as
Fix this textgentlemen who gave no heed to sparing them-
Fix this textselves. We do not remember others having been
Fix this textmentioned in that sense. But the broad allegation
Fix this textwas this: that while the white missionaries in
Fix this textgeneral passed a comparatively enjoyable and easy
Fix this textlife, cruising from place to place in well-appointed
Fix this textand comfortably-provisioned mission-ships, or
Fix this textestablished themselves at stations of ascertained
Fix this textexcellence, and secure from danger of hostile
Fix this textor treacherous savages, the wretched native
Fix this textteachers were dropped at isolated stations—some-
Fix this texttimes pestilential —among tribes of doubtful
Fix this texttemper, and there left, poorly provisioned, to take
Fix this texttheir chance, and bear the full brunt of the
Fix this textpioneering work of the missions. So inadequately
Fix this textwere they furnished in some instances, it was
Fix this textalleged, that they, with their wives and children,
Fix this textbecame before they were again visited a burden
Fix this textupon the uncertain savages by whom they were
Fix this textsurrounded, and that thus an inducement, not to
Fix this textbe lightly disregarded in view of the known un-
Fix this textreliability and ferocious customs of the barbarians,
Fix this textwas created for their destruction. It was further
Fix this textstated that the regularity of the visitation and
Fix this textprovisioning which was essential for the comfort,
Fix this textand even for the security of these poor native
Fix this textChristians was in some cases subordinated to the
Fix this textconvenience, and even to the mere inclination of
Fix this textthose who ought to have been their anxious
Fix this textguardians. That even a voyage to Sydney had
Fix this textbeen permitted to interfere with the regular and
Fix this textvitally necessary routine of the visits of relief.
Fix this textThat deaths attributable to pestilential stations
Fix this texthad not been unfrequent among those unhappy
Fix this textvictims, while among the white missionaries no
Fix this textmortality from such causes had occurred for years,
Fix this textalthough theoretically the European is more
Fix this textsusceptible to the influence of tropical maladies
Fix this textthan the natives of these latitudes. The writer,
Fix this textwhose allegations we have been reproducing from
Fix this textmemory, was not a mere purposeless grumbler.
Fix this textHe distinctly warned those responsible that the
Fix this textcourse which was being pursued must inevitably
Fix this textresult, sooner or later, in some of the unfortunate
Fix this textnative ‘teachers losing their lives at the
Fix this texthands of the savages who were being, by these
Fix this textill-considered measures, tempted to murder. The
Fix this textcommunication to which we refer was, we believe,
Fix this textmuch more forcibly framed than it appears as
Fix this textparaphrased by us. Wo have sedulously en-
Fix this textdeavoured to keep within the mark. At the time
Fix this textof reading, it made a strong impression, as being
Fix this textthe outcome of competent knowledge and tem-
Fix this textperate deduction. We are not aware that any
Fix this textattempt to contradict the allegations it contained,
Fix this texthas ever been made. No journal in N.S. Wales
Fix this textreproduced it at the time, and probably the
Fix this textmissionary societies at home are in placid igno-
Fix this textrance that any such statements have over
Fix this textappeared, and that so signal a warning of what
Fix this textmight be expected has ever been uttered. The
Fix this textfulfilment of what was then predicted should open
Fix this textPeople’s eyes to what has been going on. In the
Fix this textpresent instance it would appear that a white
Fix this textmissionary, the Rev. Mr. Beswick, shared in some
Fix this textdegree the perils of the unfortunate victims. It
Fix this textwill be interesting to learn how he happened to be
Fix this textin that galley,” and still more interesting to
Fix this textlearn how it chanced that while the four native
Fix this textteachers, their wives, and their babes, all perished,
Fix this textthe rev. white man saved his hide. The story of
Fix this textthe Dutchman who was nearly drowned comes
Fix this textunbidden into our mind. Seven of his companions
Fix this textPerished by the upsetting of a boat. When the
Fix this textfortunate self-styled swimmer was asked how he
Fix this textmanaged to escape he explained, “ I did not go in
Fix this textthe boat.” Perhaps Mr. Beswick’s narrow
Fix this textescape was attributable to a similar circumstance,
Fix this textft is a very poor chance that anything
Fix this textwhatever will open the eyes of the Jellaby
Fix this texttribes to the true character of the mission
Fix this textm the Malayan archipelago. But still some good
Fix this text®uy result from the catastrophe just announced.
Fix this textJust as the Naval authorities remained coolly un-
Fix this textconcerned while trader after trader was being
Fix this textmurdered by the savages of the Solomon Islands,
Fix this textand were roused to some sort of consciousness
Fix this textonly when a man-of-war’s boat’s crew suffered a
Fix this textlike fate, so it may happen that the Exeter Hall
Fix this textpeople, who have discussed their usual muffins
Fix this textwith smug indifference while trader and man-of-
Fix this textwar’a-man have been immolated in turn, may per-
Fix this textceive that something must be done now that their
Fix this textown poor servants have been made the victims.
Fix this textBut, until one or two of their most distinguished
Fix this textreverend yachtsmen and moral essayists abate
Fix this texttheir usual care for their own persons and share the
Fix this textfate of their unlucky native scapegoats, it would
Fix this textnot be wise to expect too much.
Fix this textThe Rev. Robert Steel, D.D.
Fix this textIt is a singular fact, and as significant as it is
Fix this textsingular, that the Australian colonies should have
Fix this textattracted so large a number of men of intellectual
Fix this textattainments. To keep within the temporal
Fix this textlimits of a quarter of a century, how many
Fix this textdistinguished names are emblazoned on the
Fix this texthistoric scroll now, which were not heard of in
Fix this text1855 ! Even then we had some ‘ ‘ bright particular
Fix this textstars” amongstus—Dr John Woolley,for instance,
Fix this textwith all the charms that could be given by a cultiva-
Fix this textted mind, a refined personal appearance and a tem-
Fix this textper as mellow as the honey of Mount Hybla—the
Fix this textgenial and learned Nicol Drysdale Stenhouse, a
Fix this textNestor in philosophy and a Macamas in the en-
Fix this textcouragement of literature —the remarkable word-
Fix this textpainter, Richard Rowe, better known as “ Peter
Fix this text’Possum,” and the versatile Frank Fowler. It is
Fix this textnot, however, very surprising that the walks of
Fix this textjournalism should have attracted clever men, or
Fix this textthat the Bar and the ranks of professional scien-
Fix this texttists should be largely recruited from the mother
Fix this textcountry; but it is, as above intimated, somewhat
Fix this textsingular and significant that, among the
Fix this textreligious hierarchies of the colonies, persons
Fix this textof old - world reputations for purity of
Fix this textlife and excellence of culture should have
Fix this textbeen induced to make these colonies their
Fix this texthomes —the land of their adoption. Of all the
Fix this textbright surprises we have had in this respect, we
Fix this textshould think the appointment of Dr. Vaughan to
Fix this textthe Roman Catholic Archbishopric of Sydney, and
Fix this textthe elevation of the Rev. Dr. Steel to the highest
Fix this texthonours that the Presbyterian Church could confer
Fix this textare the most remarkable. Taking New South
Fix this textWales into social consideration, we do not think
Fix this textthat, as a colony, there is any very deep regard
Fix this textfor ecclesiastical personages. The contrary has
Fix this textbeen often asserted, and seldom strongly con-
Fix this texttradicted ; but the truth is, young countries are
Fix this textalways tranquilly favorable to the expansion of
Fix this texthigh, intellectual, and moral qualities amongst
Fix this textthem, many of which are amply and justly
Fix this textrecognised in the reverend gentleman whose
Fix this textportrait we give in this day’s issue. His life has
Fix this textbeen that of a student and an evangelical laborer.
Fix this textIf he wrestled with “ the angel of the schools ” in
Fix this texthis youth, he has since directed his best energies
Fix this textand efforts against the spirit of the world as mani-
Fix this textfested in its coarse dissipations ; its Bacchic
Fix this textorgies; its arrant dishonesties ; its vile hypocrisies
Fix this textand, to cap the climax of its ignominies, its torpor
Fix this textof conscience and the hebetude of its moral instincts.
Fix this textRobert Steel was born of Scotch parents, at
Fix this textPontypool, Monmouthshire, England, in 1827, and
Fix this textreceived the rudiments of an English education at
Fix this texta parish school. He began his classical and
Fix this textmathematical studies at the Royal Burgh Aca-
Fix this textdemy in Ayr, Scotland, entered the University of
Fix this textAberdeen in 1843, where he remained three years,
Fix this textthen grappled with Theology, in Edinburgh, in
Fix this text1846. In January, 1851, he was licensed to preach
Fix this textby the Free Presbytery of Irvine. Animated,
Fix this texteloquent, with an imagination warmed by the
Fix this textspirit of Christian poesy beyond most young men
Fix this textof his time and religious denomination, he soon at-
Fix this texttracted attention, and received a call to the Island
Fix this textof.Cambrae, in <he beautiful and romantic Firth
Fix this textof Clyde. The “ tongue of good report ” soon
Fix this textsyllabled his praise beyond the Scotch Border,
Fix this textand he was invited in succession to Preston,
Fix this textSalford, and Cheltenham, at all of which
Fix this texthe made his ministry felt, and his per-
Fix this textsonal character appreciated. During these transi-
Fix this texttions, he maintained a close connexion with
Fix this textthe religious Press, and was the originator and one
Fix this textof the editors of the ethical, scientific, and social
Fix this textquarterly review entitled Melioea. In 1862 he
Fix this textreceived a special appointment to Sydney. Here
Fix this textthe great work of his life began and has “ prosper-
Fix this textously proceeded.” Under the southern cross has
Fix this textho prosecuted his ministerial labours—preaching,
Fix this textorganising societies, lecturing, writing instructive
Fix this textbooks —so that it is no compliment to assert that
Fix this texthis fame “ fills all the churches,” because it is
Fix this textnot amongst his own denomination alone that he
Fix this textis held in high repute, but amongst Christians of
Fix this textall classes, Hebrews, and Chinese. Acting for
Fix this textyears as agent to the New Hebrides Mission, he
Fix this textpaid a visit to the stations there in 1874, one result
Fix this textof which was (on his return to Sydney) the publi-
Fix this textcation of some interesting notes on his observations
Fix this textwhile sojourning amongst the islands. Last year,
Fix this texthaving obtained nine months’ leave of absence,
Fix this textand his friends having liberally subscribed six
Fix this texthundred guineas to enable him to take a more
Fix this textextended tour, he went by America, travelling
Fix this textthrough several states, visited Canada, was pre-
Fix this textsent at several general assemblies of the Presby-
Fix this textterian Church, and stored his mind with fond
Fix this textmemories of the great development of life and
Fix this textenergy he found both in America and in Europe.
Fix this textHe attended the Universal Convention of Sunday
Fix this textSchools held in London, in the beginning of July
Fix this text1880, and subsequently visited England, Wales,
Fix this textScotland, and Ireland. Ho afterwards journeyed
Fix this textto Switzerland, passing some time in its historic
Fix this text, cities, and then crossed the Alps, in the old style,
Fix this textby the Simplon Pass, and the celebrated Gorge of
Fix this textGondo. He soon entered the land of poetry and
Fix this textart—ltaly—the mother of two civilizations, and
Fix this textsaw the glories of the Yalley of the Arno, the
Fix this textgrandeur of Milan, the pathetic beauty of Venice,
Fix this textthe Rome of the Caesars and the Popes, luxurious
Fix this textNaples, and excavated Pompeii. What noble
Fix this textscenes for a cultivated scholar and lover of art
Fix this textto travel and survey! The soul of the divine
Fix this textsighed for the sacred land moat congenial to his
Fix this textcalling—Palestine, the Holy Land. A visit up
Fix this textthe Nile to ancient “ Thebes of the hundred
Fix this textgates,” brought his tour proper to a close.
Fix this textHe joined the P. andO. Company’s boat at Suez, and
Fix this textreached Sydney on the last day of 1880, exactly
Fix this textnine months from the day of departure. We
Fix this textmust now give a few details of “ the large
Fix this texthonours ” and distinctions he has won. He was
Fix this textelected Moderator of the third general Assembly
Fix this textof.N. S. W., in 1867. He zealously helped to
Fix this textbring St. Andrew’s College University into exist-
Fix this textence, and has for years been one of its clerical
Fix this textcouncillors, as well as its principal Professor of
Fix this textTheology. He received, as far back as 1861, the
Fix this textdegree of Doctor of Philosophy from the Univer-
Fix this textsity of Gottingen; and of D.D. from Lafayette
Fix this textCollege, Pennsylvania. His devotion to exegetical
Fix this textand other kinds of literature has been unbounded,
Fix this textand his works —particularly the biographic series
Fix this text—are extremely interesting, his style being
Fix this textpicturesque, vivid, and perspicuous. In this
Fix this textrapid survey we have indicated the career of an
Fix this textenergetic and self-possessed man. Are we wrong
Fix this textin thinking—to recall an echo from our previous
Fix this textremarks —that he is potential for greater good
Fix this textnow than he has been heretofore, bright though
Fix this texthis career has been ? Or can we suppose for a
Fix this textmoment that he will—while strength abides —fail
Fix this textto be foremost in promoting the moral and social
Fix this textamelioration of the community ?
Fix this textDavid Buchanan, M.P.
Fix this textHIS BOOK.
Fix this textIt has been frequently our province to notice the
Fix this textgentleman whose name forms the heading of this
Fix this textarticle. Occasionally we have deemed it our duty to
Fix this textwrite of him unfavourably, when his political conduct
Fix this texthas been more than ordinarily paradoxical. At other
Fix this texttimes, he has received from us the acknowledgment
Fix this textwhich is only the jnst need of his undoubted talents.
Fix this textIn the present instance, however, we do not notice Mr.
Fix this textBuchanan as a politician, but as an author. Some few
Fix this textweeks since, we received from him a neatly-
Fix this textbound volume, entitled specimens of "Australian
Fix this textOratory," That the name the author has given to his
Fix this textbeok is slightly egotistical will be generally admitted.
Fix this textThis, however, will surprise no one, since it has long
Fix this textbeen known that the person Mr. David Buchanan most
Fix this textadmires on this earth is the junior member for Mudgee.
Fix this textPutting this little eccentricity of genius aside, and
Fix this textcritically reading the book before us, we are, in common
Fix this textfairness, bound to admit that some of the extracts are
Fix this textnot only eloquent beyond doubt, but exceedingly clever
Fix this textwithal. Yet even in th’s small brochure the peculiar
Fix this textcharacteristics of David Buchanan are painfully promi-
Fix this textnent. In it we have David at his best; a few pages
Fix this textfurther, David at his worst. When at his best, Mr.
Fix this textBuchanan is dilating upon matters outside the narrow
Fix this textpolitical groove in which he moves: when at his
Fix this textworst the author is mouthing in purely local matters.
Fix this textIn order to end this notice the more i leasantly, we wiU
Fix this textgive, what we consider (irrespective of any sectarian
Fix this textview of the subject), his worst form. Here, then, is
Fix this textan extract of his speech, in re Archbishop Vaughan,
Fix this textupon the Education Question: —“ Archbishop Vaughan
Fix this texthad the audacity to assert that the Public Schools were
Fix this text* seedplots of infidelity, immorality, and lawlessness.*
Fix this textI feel so shocked at the cruelty of this atrocious libel
Fix this textand insult to the community, that I wish that someone
Fix this textwould lay a criminal information against him for libel.
Fix this textI would like to see him get six months hard labour on
Fix this textthe roads, and I am sure there is not a man, so
Fix this textpunished, that deserves it more. Can you conceive the
Fix this textTHE REV. ROBEET STEEL, D.D.
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
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http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-130151897
(1880). The bulletin Retrieved August 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-130151897
The bulletin Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880. Web. 4 August 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-130151897>
1880, The bulletin John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, Sydney, N.S.W viewed 4 August 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-130151897
{{Citation
|
| title=The bulletin.
| year=1880
| section=105 volumes : illustrations (chiefly coloured), portraits (chiefly coloured) ; 30-40 cm.
| issn=0007-4039
| series=John Ryan Comic Collection (Specific issues).
| issue=Vol. 5 No. 62 (2 Apr 1881)
| location=Sydney, N.S.W
| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-130151897
| id=nla.obj-130151897
| access-date=4 August 2025
| via=Trove
}}
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