METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

NORTH CEYLON DISTRICT.

REV. G. J. TRIMMER.

VEMBADI,

JAFFNA.

March 10 1916

Dear Mr. Niles,

The last mail from England brought me a letter from
Rev. W. Goudie of which I give you a copy.

"Dear Mr. Trimmer,

Mr. Brown reported to us at the last meeting
of the General Committee the death of the Rev. Daniel P. Niles of
your District. The members of the Committee heard with regret of the
death of one who has held so distinguished a place among the Ceylon
Ministers for so many years past. I was instructed to convey through
you to Mr. Niles' family a warm expression of our appreciation of his
his services for many years & of our sincere sympathy with them in
their bereavement & loss. Will you kindly communicate with them
accordingly on our behalf & believe me, with kind regards

Yours affectly
( signed ) W. Goudie."

With kind regard

Yours truly

5

No comment is necessary on the rest of our
contents, except the remark that the present is-
sue has been delayed so that it might contain
an account of the annual Old Boys' Celebration.
We propose to publish *The Central* three times
a year, in January, May and September: news of
the doings of Old Boys and articles of general
interest will be welcomed by the Editor, who
hopes he will not be set the difficult task of
making bricks without straw.

The Rev. D. P. Niles

My acquaintance with Mr. Niles began when he
was in the Point Pedro Circuit and things were
going very well there: there was great interest in
the Church, which took it into the field of evange-
lisation with much vigour. It was an old field for
him, for when he joined the W. M. S. it was as
Headmaster of the Point Pedro Central School (now
Hartley College). After that he had been to the
Jaffna Central, and then as minister had worked
in several circuits. It was during that period that
he had so much to do with the translation of the
whole of the old Wesleyan Hymn Book into Tam
il, besides doing much press work when in Batti-
caloa. Soon after I left Jaffna in 1886, he was
called back to the Jaffna Central School. It was
in great straits. Government had adopted a policy
which greatly reduced grants to English Schools
and closed many in the Jaffna Peninsula. The
Island was suffering from the collapse of the
coffee industry and the failure of the Oriental
Bank Corporation. Money was hard to get, and
fees had to be low. So the famous headmaster,
Mr. Nevins (Senior) had to go, and that meant
the establishment of a school in Jaffna town which

6

made the situation very difficult. After an experi-
ment or two, Mr. Niles was called to his old work
and the present College owes itself to the cour-
age, influence, and ability of Mr. Niles more than
to anyone else. It is true that the unfavourable
circumstances passed away, that the curious cus-
tom of changing the Principal every year or two
ceased on the second appointment of Mr. Garrett,
that many able men had a share in the work;
but Mr. Niles took over at the worst stage and
had to endure the hardest struggles. It was one
of my joys in returning to Jaffna in 1889-90, to
co-operate as acting Principal or as teacher (when
in charge of the Station) and to watch the tide
flow in numbers, finance and scholarship. It was
during those years that the School (long a College
affiliated to the Madras University) began to
send in pupils for examinations higher than the
Matriculation, and it was not long before it as-
sumed the title which it had long possessed, but
left modestly unused. In 1896, I was again a
teacher, when Superintendent of the Station once
more, and things were beginning to go fast in
the second principalship of Mr. Garrett. At this
time, too, Mr. Niles was associated with me as
tutor of three candidates for the ministry, and
very fervent testimony has been borne to the
power of that work.

A great teacher is not always a good head-
master, and a good headmaster is not always a
good colleague to a Principal, but Mr. Niles was
all three. He had to do with several Managers
and Principals, and knowing them all I can con-
fidently say that while he preserved his indepen-
dence and initiative, he was a most courteous
colleagues. It often appealed to one's sense
of humour to see how he managed to have his

7

own way whilst deferring to Chairmen, Superin-
tendents, and Principals. He was on the best of
terms with them all.

This is for the College Magazine, but it must
not close without reference to other parts of his
ministry. 'He was a great evangelist,' said Mr. Trim-
mer. 'He was a master of Tamil Literature and
classics' said Mr. Appapillai. 'A sage adviser,' said
Mr. A. Sapapathi. There are many who can bear
testimony to his ability as a maker of sermons
and his power as an orator. He was a real poet,
though his gifts were not directed to Tamil pros-
ody. He was a first class debater: this was prov-
ed in many a memorable Synod; and his keen-
ness never left a wound. For he was a true
Tamil Christian gentleman. His friends did not
leave these things to be said till he was dead.
We knew his powers and admired them, and
spoke of them often. Two small facts may help
to finish the portrait of the ablest Tamil minister of
the last generation—one is the statement of his son
that 'he was an enthusiastic gardener' who did not
disdain putting his own hands to the work—the
other is that he was a master of printing. No Tam-
il book was better printed than the old Hymn
Book, and the care which was taken in such
details as spacing, was brought home to me when
beginning to print that now in use. The mind of a
preacher, scholar, organizer, and poet cared much
for flowers and the disposal of leaden type! In
largeness of vision and care for details he was an
example which the students of the Jaffna Central
College may well imitate.

A. E. Restarick

To Central

OCT 1916

8

The Pickwick Papers.

It would be interesting to learn whether Pick-
wick Papers is popular in Ceylon or not. Probab-
ly not. Dickens is nearly always too English to
be easily transplanted to another country, and
Pickwick is the most English of all his works.
Perhaps this is why Dickens does not figure a-
longside of Thackeray and Scott, Stevenson and
Kingsley and Kipling, in the lists of authors
whose books are prescribed by the Director of
Education for study in Ceylon English Schools.
*David Copperfield* may some day attain to this
distinction, but Pickwick—never! C. S. Calverley
once wrote a famous examination paper on Pick-
wick from which schoolmasters might crib ques-
tions, should it ever become a subject for ex-
amination: though they would automatically
plough their pupils by doing so. An examina-
tion on Pickwick is thinkable; but a lesson on,
say, the character of Samuel Weller, or the Bath
footmen's *Swarry*, suggests a scene that only Dickens
could do justice to.

If the popularity of a book is to be judged
by the extent to which its characters and their
sayings have become part of the national tradi-
tion, *Pickwick Papers* ranks high. The Dickens
novels have given us a remarkable range
of types of character, easily referred to and re-
cognised, and much ready coin of current speech.
Neither Thackeray nor Scott has won this kind
of fame, though on other grounds the critic may
award them places above Dickens. Everyone
knows Mrs. Gamp and Pecksniff and Chadband,
Dick Swiveller and the Marchioness, Mark Tapley
and Micawber and Uriah Heep. If, as some
people say, Dickens' characters are caricatures

THE CEYLON METHODIST CHURCH RECORD

167

A. A. Carthelis

E. L. Brohier

Corpl. V. A. Azariah

Lt. R. B. Robertson

D. C. Ranasinghe

Sergt. F. R. Swan

Dr. R. Pestonjee

Dr. E. Samaraweera

C. R. Gooneratne

Dr. T. C. Vanderziel

Lance. Corpl. E. L. E.

Ranayake:

V. Koelmeyer

A. Ferdinand

France

Palestine (killed at Gaza,
April 19th, 1917)

France

Indian Army.

France (wounded and
invalided)

Mesopotamia (Engineers)

R. A. M. C.

R. A. M. C.

Y. M. C. A. Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia Sanitary
Corps.

Mesopotamia Sanitary
Corps.

Mesopotamia Sanitary
Corps.

France.

MATARA ENGLISH SCHOOL

A. Ernst

France, R. A. M. C

Carl Ernst

France

L. Ferdinands

Mesopotamia Sanitary
Corps.

COLOMBO ENGLISH CIRCUIT

Major Rev. P. M. Brumwell, France (Military Cross)
Divisional Chaplain.

C. F. Gessey
2nd Lt. S. T. Spicer

France (killed 1916)

France (Killed 1916)

2nd Lt. J. Smith

France

2nd Lt. E. R. Cox

France

2nd Lt. M. Gamble

France

Bruce de Rivera

France

Oliver de Rivera

France

S. Jansz

France

Capt. L. Robins

Naval Transport

WELLAWATTE INDUSTRIAL HOME

Rodney St. John
Harry St. John

France (Killed 1916)

France (Killed 1916)

D. L. St. John

France (Wounded)

J. St. John

France

H. O. Van Arcadee

France (Wounded)

A. L. Shaw

France

W. Perera

France

J. Van Heer

France

Peter de Alwis

France

S. Ferdinando

France

B. J. Hills

Mesopotamia

J. Small

Mesopotamia

Memorial to Rev. D. P. Miles

A Memorial tablet to the Rev. D. P. Niles has
been placed in St. Peter's Wesleyan Church, Jaffna.
It is of pure white marble, on a black back-ground.
The epitaph reads thus:—

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF THE
REV. DANIEL POOR NILES,

Born 30th April 1836, Died 10th December, 1915
in the 79th year of his age, and the 45th of his Ministry.

"A loving father, an erudite teacher, a skilful translator, an eloquent orator, a persuasivè preacher, a zealous evangelist, a far-seeing counsellor, a wise administrator, a loyal colleague, a faithful friend."

G. J. T.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

Erected by his sorrowing widow and children.

On Sunday, December 16th the tablet was unveiled
by Mrs. Trimmer at the request of the family, during
the morning service. The Rev. G. J. Trimmer,
Chairman of the Wesleyan Mission, speaking on the
occasion said :—

"It is fitting that such a Memorial to my friend Mr. Niles, should be placed in this Church. The inscription which I have just read is the brief summing up of more extended resolutions which were passed by the District and Provincial Synods at the time of his death. The tablet which has been placed here by his sorrowing widow and children is a token of their love.

Many thoughts crowd into the mind at such a time,
and it is impossible to do more than refer very briefly to
a few of them. The first impression Mr. Niles made on
me, many years ago, was that he was a great orator.
His pulpit ministrations evinced a high order of oratory.
Some years later I noticed a change. Still forceful
and appropriate, his language was simpler. He had
curbed the flight of his oratory. On enquiry I learned
that this was intentional on his part. That the less
learned and the children of the congregation might the
more readily follow his teaching he had denied himself.
This was no small self-denial to one of such elevated
powers.

He was a great educationist. That he was a
great teacher, many in this congregation know, for you
were his scholars. But he was more than a teacher.
That all the powers of men's minds should be cultivated
to the full; that the children of the Church should

169

exhibit the union of knowledge and true piety; that the Tamil people should rise to the full height of their powers was his abiding desire. To this end his efforts and sagacity alike combined to found and establish the work of education in this land.

He possessed the mind of a statesman. The statesman is never a man of short views. Most of us are keenly and mainly interested in what will happen tomorrow. But the statesman looks forward. He is concerned with what will happen the day after to-morrow and the day after that. Such a mind had Mr. Niles. The present needs of his Church and people were never forgotten, but he sought to lay broad and sure foundations for a future of great and increasing well-being.

He possessed the soul of a poet. We sometimes think a poet is a man who writes verses. But many men who write verse are no poets, and many poets write few verses. Mr. Niles original contributions were not considerable. But as a translator i.e., in the expression in Tamil of English verse, he had no equal that I have met. Our hymns, which we sing from week to week, are a proof of this. The poet reads deep into the inner meaning of things; he catches the fleeting changes of thought, the delicate shades of meaning. Of his translations we may well say that they are great thoughts wedded to fitting words.

But pre-eminently he was, to my mind, a great evangelist. Many of us here remember the impressive and successful series of meetings held in this Church many years ago. They were the outcome of a sleepless night of prayer. The claims of Christ, the grace of His Gospel, found their expression in "Messiah's Great Proclamation." But this was only one expression of a burning zeal which was ever within him. We may use of him, slightly altered, St. Paul's great declaration. "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved" Change 'Israel' into "Tamil" and you have his abiding prayer.

Finally I should like to utter a personal word. Mr. Niles was often my colleague. When I was a young Superintendent at Point Pedro many years ago and again, a few years later, when I first became Chairman of this District, his stores of wisdom and experience were placed ungrudgingly at my service. It would be impossible to say how much I owe to his wise counsel and loyal support

I have said it is fitting that such a memorial should adorn these walls. I trust the youth of our Church will read this inscription. Let them weigh the words in which his brethren have summed up his many and great gifts. These are not words of exaggerated

eulogy of the departed. They are the measured summing up of men who worked by his side. He was one of God's greatest gifts to our Church in this land. But as you read ask yourself what could a man, so gifted, have achieved for himself in the way of worldly ambition and station, had he been content to use his gifts selfishly for his own ends. Ponder his great example of sacrifice and then ask yourself whether to follow in his footsteps, using all your powers for the furtherance of the cause of Christ in this land is not a greater life, one more to be desired, than any life, devoted to the pursuit of merely selfish ambition ?"

The memorial table was placed in the Church by his widow and children as an enduring token of a love which abides and hopes.

## Galle Fottings

You will, I know, be glad to receive a few lines from our station and I have been thinking that it would be a good thing for the Synod to order every Quarterly Meeting to appoint a correspondent whose duty would be to send notes at least once a quarter of what is being done in each circuit. In this way we could get copy for the paper and perhaps save the Editor from the anxiety of finding news.

We have not been doing much but at our last quarterly meeting we had a record gathering of leaders and stewards; it may have been partly due to the presence of the Chairman, but, apart from this, the spirit of the meeting was good, showing that our people are more interested in the work. I am hoping that this spirit of interest will continue. We are glad to be able to record that we have been able this year to raise our various assessments. On Sunday last, the 23d instant, we had some carols after the evening service and Mr. R. O. Eade, our organist, is to be heartily congratulated on the splendid singing.

On Christmas day we had a fairly large congregation and our collections on that day were among the largest we have had for some years.

I almost forget to say that on Saturday the 22nd December the Industrial School here celebrated its jubilee, the school having been established 50 years ago. The Government Agent, the Hon'ble Mr. R. B. Hellings presided. Mr. Guy Grenier, Advocate, was the speaker at the meeting and both his and the chairman's speeches were helpful and encouraging. Mrs. Hellings showed her sympathy for the work by distributing the prizes. The attendance at the function was good

Rev. G. J. Trimmer's sermon on the occasion of the Memorial Service to the late Rev. D. P. Niles, on the 19th instant at St. Peter's Church, Jaffna.

+ + + + + +

It is not my intention to preach a sermon in the ordinary acceptance of the term. I have chosen a text as an introduction to what I have to say and as an epitome or summing up of our friend's life - in the second Epistle to Timothy, 4th Chapter 7th verse we read as follows:-

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. It seems to me fittingly to sum up the life of our friend, our brother, our leader, who has been called home to his great reward in the words that we have just sung. The last verse of the Hymn is not only a poetry we have had

Jesus smiles and says Well done, good and faithful servant thou!
Enter, and receive thy crown, Reign with me triumphant now!
It is a long way off to our minds. Let us not forget as we sit here tonight and especially those heavy with sorrow that it is an experience to him - he has passed away an abundant entrance into the Kingdom of God vouchsafed to him.

These three clauses I said are an epitome of his life -
I have fought a good fight. None of us know what the fight was to him
But many of us are able to testify that he warred a great warfare.
I have finished my course - the even time of life had come to him
as we who loved him rejoice that he had so long been with us, and
so peaceful, so happy and an even time. I have the faith - and that
was true of him up to the end. A faith in Jesus Christ which upheld
him in the darkest hours, that life's experience brought to him a
faith which he not only triumphantly and eloquently preached, but
a faith by which he lived.

Now, that is the thought, that I should like to be in our minds
as we think about him, and his life and his service and all that he
was to us. Yes, and as we think of all that we have lost, now that
he has been called home, I should like that the note of the text to
be in our minds.

As I stood in the house the other day when we were paying the last tribute of affection and regard to him, the one verse came in my mind which has been ever since - Death is swallowed up in victory. Death is swallowed. His is not a defeat- it is a triumph - a triumph to Jesus Christ over every power that opposes man's full and complete redemption through Jesus Christ.

I have written a short appreciation of Mr. Niles' services to our Church and to our Mission. I propose this evening in place of the usual sermon to read these these few lines.

It is with no common sorrow that these few lines of appreciation are penned. The death of Mr. Niles terminated, for this world, a friendship of thirty three years duration. The sense of personal loss is keen. The shock was sudden. No news of illness, had prepared me for it. Ill on Thursday, he passed to his reward early on Friday December 10th.

But the sense of personal loss is overshadowed by that of the loss which the community, and his Church and Mission in particular suffer. "A prince and a great man in Israel" has fallen. The world and the Church are appreciably poorer because he has gone.

Mr. Niles was blessed with a good ancestry. His father, Nathaniel Niles was one of the first converts among the Tamils in Jaffna. He was also the first licensed Preacher in the American Mission. Of his children, three sons entered the Ministry, two in connection with the Wesleyan Mission and one in the Church Mission.

The fruit of early training and of family religion is found in the fact that Daniel joined the Church at the age of 13. On the completion of his course at the Batticotta Seminary he became a teacher under the American Mission. But in QIXR 1860 he joined the Wesleyan Mission, his first appointment being in the English School at Point Pedro which he reopened in that year. After seven years work at Point Pedro he was appointed Head Master of the Jaffna Central College. His work in connection with the College will long be remembered. As Head Master, Vice-Principal and Acting Principal for many years he exercised a decisive influence on the fortunes of the Institution. Successive generations of students received the benefits of his able tuition and wise guidance. They also felt the

["benefit of the simple tutelage which guidance. They also felt the\ntie Institution. Un consecutive generations of students received the\nfor many years he exercised a directive influence on the fortunes of\nbe remembered. At Head Mater, Vice-Principal and Acting Principal\nCentral College. His work in connection with the College will long\nlast. He was appointed Head Mater of the Jatins\nSchool at Pont Tegio which he occupied in that year. After seven\nthe Wealeyn Mairon, his first appointment being in the English\na teacher under the American Mairon. But in 1928 he joined\nthe completion of the course at the Batticotta Company he became\nin the fact that Daniel joined the Church at the age of 12. On\nThe fruit of early training and of family religion he found\nin connection with the Wealeyn Mairon and one in the Church Mairon,\nMairon. Of his children, three were entered the Ministry, two\nJatins. He was also the first licensedREVISED in the American\nMansurol Wren was one of the first converts among the Tamils in\nME. Wiles was pleased with a good success. His father,\nWorld and the Church are appropriately located because he has done.\n\"A Prince and a Great Man in Israel\" was written. The\nJews with the community, and in Carol and Mairon in particular.\nBut the name of Territorial Jone is overshadowed by that of the\nhis reward early on Friday December 10th.", "", "World and the Church are appropriately located because he has done.\n\"A Prince and a Great Man in Israel\" was written. The\nJews with the community, and in Carol and Mairon in particular.\nBut the name of Territorial Jone is overshadowed by that of the\nhis reward early on Friday December 10th.\n\"A Prince and a Great Man in Israel\" was written. The\nJews with the community, and in Carol and Mairon in particular.\nBut the name of Territorial Jone is overshadowed by that of the\n", "Church and the community. I biologe this evening in face\nI have written a short presentation of Mr. Wiles, etc.\nman, a full and complete redemption through Jesus Christ.\n... a man of the Jesus Christ over every power that choose\nvictory. Death is overcome. He is not a defeat. It is a\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nthat which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nlast tribute of affection and recognition to him, the one who came in\nAs I stood in the house the other day when we were paying the", "last tribute of affection and recognition to him, the one who came in\nAs I stood in the house the other day when we were paying the\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nthat which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nlast tribute of affection and recognition to him, the one who came in\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nlast tribute of affection and recognition to him, the one who came in\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nlast tribute of affection and recognition to him, the one who came in\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up in\nway of life which has been every way - Death is swallowed up

3.

the impress of his personality. It is impossible to me to guess
how great and how varied were the results of these years of work.
We know however from the testimony of his students that these were
among the most fruitful years of his life. As an Educationist his
fame will endure.

But his varied gifts and talents marked him out for a wider
sphere than at College. In 1870 he offered himself as a candidate
for the Ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. By a unanimous
vote of the Jaffna Quarterly Meeting and in North Ceylon District
Meeting his name was sent forward to the British conference and in
that year his name appeared in the Minutes. He passed "with more
than ordinary credit" the four years of probation which the Methodist
Church demands of all, without exception, who enter the ranks of her
Ministry. In 1875 he was ordained to the full work of the Ministry
in Jaffna.

His Ministry throughout its whole course, was marked by the
full and willing consecration of all his powers to the service of
Christ and His Church. In the Minute recommending him to the
Conference in 1869, he is described as "a hard worker, sacrificing
-freely time and energy in the service of Christ." He bore this
mark to the end. He was an orator who swayed the minds of his
audience no less by the cogency of his argument and the felicity
of his pheas than by the weighty truths which he uttered. It
used to be said that Jaffna had produced three great Tamil Orators
Arunugam Navalar, Proctor Mylvaragan and D. P. Niles. Two of these
I have heard and can bear witness to the force of their eloquence
as it flowed an unbroken stream in rich profusion. But D. P. Niles
was more than an orator in the pulpit. He was a great preacher.
He had little of the sacerdotalist in him and made no claim to be a
priest. But he greatly magnified his calling as a Preacher - an
ambassador of the Cross. Slip shod work, inadequate preparation
for his pulpit work was far from his thoughts. To use a phrase
often heard among preachers in my youthful days, he brought "beaten
oil" for the use of the Sanctuary. One District Meeting Sermon
will ever be in my memory. It was on Isaiah 60th chap. and the

4.

the lofty strain of eloquence fitted the exalted theme of the and
the duty of the Church. Another of his striking sermons on
"The preaching of the Cross" was printed and widely circulated
in Jaffna.

He joined the Tamil Ministry at the time when it began
to take definite form in one District. Men of great gifts and
devoted service there had been before. But the body of the
ministry began to take form just as he entered. He attended the
second June (or as it was then called Native) District Synod.
From that time forward he had no small share in informing, inspir-
ing and guiding the counsels of the Church. In District Meetings
and on Important Committees his contributions to discussion, plans
and resolutions were invaluable.

His keen logical mind, his far sighted prescience, his prudent
watchfulness made him a debater of far more than ordinary ability.
His tact and brotherly kindness and his readiness to concede a
point fairly made against him disarned debate of all acrimony.

During his career he had charge of our work in all our
most important circuits, Vgannarponnai, Point Pedro, Batticaloa,
Jaffna and Colombo can all testify to his unwearied pastoral
care, his inspiring and edifying ministry of his work, his wise
and sagacious administration. The Minute passed by the South
Ceylon District Synod on the occasion of his retirement from the
the full work of the ministry in 1907 speaks of his 'wise and
sober judgment, fine Christian spirit, and his valuable work
in the Synod and on Committees. The Synod recognised him
one of its most gifted, earnest, brotherly and successful
Ministers.' To all which we in the North can set to the seal of
our experience,

Mr. Niles' gift of felicitous expression in Tamil made him
in many respects, an ideal translator. He did much valuable and
enduring work in this department. In the early day of his
Ministry, in addition to many other multifarious duties, he
assisted the Chairman (Dr. Kilner) in the work of translation.

5.

But his great opportunity and his great work came with the trans-
lation of the English Hymn Book into Tamil for the use of our
Churches. In the service of praise he delighted. In this
translation he found a congenial sphere for the exercise of his
Gifts. With more than a touch of the poet in his mind and with a
heart suffused with devotion to Christ he delighted to transfer
from English to his mother tongue those strains which set forth
the story of the Redeemer and the praise of His great redemption.
Genius has been defined as "an infinite capacity for taking pains"
of this genius he was fully possessed. No pains were too great
or too many to secure the clear and flowing expression either of
the soul's penetence for sin or its rejoicing in the Saviour. The
psalmody of our Church has been enriched for many generations, it
may be for all time, by this labour of love, which he maintained to
the very end.

But any review of his life and labours which failed to
emphasise as an Evangelist would miss the chief feature. First and
last, and all the time he was a great Evangelist.

O that the world might taste and see

The riches of His Grace!

was the abiding aspiration of his soul.

When proposals were made that our Mission should commence
work in the Mannar District he was commissioned by the Synod to
visit the Island and to report on the need and opportunities of
such work. It was due to his report that work was commenced there.
A modest commencement was made. The Mission from its earliest
days, has met with strong and violent opposition. But the effort
has not been fruitless and the growing churches on the Island of
Mannar and on the adjacent mainland have more than justified one
counsel which he gave.

In 1883 we were collegues at Point Pedro and during the
year we held the first Annual Day Convention for the deepening of
spiritual life in our Churches in this District. His prayerful and
intense interest will never be forgotten. A large part of the

6.

work of preparation and on the day itself fell to his share.
A great inspiration came to all who took part and for months after-
wards all villages of that station were evangelised in a campaign
in which practically every member of the Church took part. The
work of the women was a most noticeable feature and in this Mrs.
Niles, inspired and encouraged by her husband, nobly led the way.

Many will still remember a series of special services,
followed by a gracious revival, which were inaugurated on his sug-
gestion. They formed a fitting close to the session of a District
Meeting in Jaffna. As the end of the Synod drew near he came to
see me on Sunday Morning and said "I was not able to sleep last
night. I spent most of the night walking up and down my room in
prayer. I wish that we could make some special Evangelistic effort
now." We arranged for a series of open air addresses in front of
the St. Peter's Church after beginning we had the assistance of
the whole force of the Synod. Every night for a fortnight the
open air service followed by Meetings in the Church was held.

The message from God came to him and he hesitated not to obey.
"Messiah's great proclamation" was made known. At the close of
the series of special Meetings over seventy stood up in the Church
to acknowledge vows of consecration made or renewed. The influence
of this revival was felt in our Church life for long afterwards.

The Home Missionary Societies of our District owe him
their origin humanly speaking, to him. In 1885 the June Synod
was held at Batticalao. The Late Rev. S. Rigg who for many years
guided the District, as its Chairman, with conspicuous ability
was on the eve of his retirement. Much regret was felt at his
impending departure. In the Missionary Meetings, held during the
Sessions of the Synod, Mr. Niles seized upon this opportunity. He
proposed that as a mark of esteem for the Chairman who was soon
to leave us a definite advance in our Evangelistic ideals should be
made. "The Mission Church a Missionary Church" had been set before
the Churches of the District by Dr. Kilner. Set this ideal he
forthwith realised that our churches combine to prosecute some

Continued as follows that our churches comprise to prominent home
the Churches of the District by Dr. Kilburn. Let this idea be
made. "The Macaroni Church a Macaroni Church," had been set before
to leave us a definite advance in our Evangelistic ideas should be
promoted that as a mark of esteem for the Chairman who was soon
Cessation of the Church," Mr. Wiles seemed upon this opportunity. He
imposing departure. In the Macaroni Meetings held during the
was on the eve of his retirement. Much regret was felt at his
enlarged the District, as the Chairman, with comprehensive spirtity
was held at Buffet Hall. The late Rev. C. Right who for many years
then originated humanly checking, to him. In 1882 the June Cynog
The Home Macaroni Secretary of our District one him
of this Revival was left in our Church life for long afterwards.
to acknowledge rows of connection made on renewed. The influence
the series of special Meetings over seventy atood up in the Church
"Messiah's a Great Proclamation" was made known. At the close of
the message from God came to him and he requested not to oped.
Open air service followed by Meetings in the Church was held.
the whole force of the Cynog. Every night for a fortnight the
the 4th. Deten's Church after beginning we had the assistance of
now." We arranged for a series of open air addresses in front of
Church. I wish that we could make some special Evangelistic effort
night. I am most of the night walking up and down my room in
see me on Sunday Morning and ask "I was not able to get fast
Meeting in Jatara. Ve the end of the Cynog drew near he came to
geation. They formed a fitting close to the season of a District
followed by a Glorious Revival, which weregunnurated on the ang-
Many will still remember a series of special services,
Wiles' inspired and encouraged by her husband, nobly led the way.
work of the women was a boat noticeable feature and in this Mrs.
in which practically every member of the Church took part. The
made all villages of that station were evangelised in a campaign
A great imagination came to all who took part and for months after-
work of bluestation and on the day itself fell to his charge.

6.

7.

## Missionary labours in higherto unreached regions.

The proposal met with a ready response, the Batticaloa Home Missionary Society was, then and there, resolved on, and a Committee appointed. Within a few months Jaffna had formed a similar Society and now on all our principal stations there are Home Missionary Societies, a proof that the Church of Christ in Ceylon realises its responsibility for the evangelisation of the land. But he who guided us into these larger activities was Dr. P. Niles and one great success which has attained the movement in the North is due to enthusiastic work as Secretary through the earlier years of the Society's history.

In 1891 he, in company with the Rev. W. T. Garret B. A. (they were Principal, Vice Principal of the Central College at the time) utilised one of their vacations for a prolonged evangelisation tour among the Churches of the Eastern Province.

But these are only striking - outstanding incidents in a life's work. We miss one lesson of his life unless we realise that the spirit of the Evangelist was the abiding, informing spirit of the man. he was an Evangelist and no story was so welcome to him as a story which set forthsome triumph of the Cross. In the lightening up of the face, in the kindling of his eye the warrior spirit shone forth and the ascription of praise to God - the giver of victory was ever ready on his tongue.

In this sketch I have dealt with the public aspects of Mr. Niles' life. Those of us who were privileged to know him intimately and to enjoy his friendship cannot but feel a keen sense of personal loss - a tried friend and a trusted counsellor is gone.

But how shall we dare to think of those nearer to whom this loss has come. His beloved wife, his children, his grand children - who will fathom all this means to them - and yet to them, speaking as one who would interpret the mind of him they loved, I would say, "Take courage and hope to the end." As we long for a touch of the vanished hand and a sound of the voice that is still" let us hear him speaking to us still in that clarion voice that has so often sounded in this Church and remembering the great truths in which his soul

in this Church and remembering the great friends in which we stand
inquiring to us still in that church where we first met the Lord and
blessed with the Holy Spirit. We know that we are now in the Lord
Jesus Christ and a son of the Father that He ateth " let us be with
thee" take comfort and hope to the end." As we go forth for a touch of the
 Lord who would interpret the mind of Him they loved, I would say,
 who will father us in that name to them - and yet to them, speaking
 loss has come." His beloved wife, our children, our grand children -
But now shall we dare to think of those times when this
loss - a tried friend and a trusted companion in Mine

and to enjoy a friendship cannot but feel a keen sense of personal
worn's life. Those of us who were privileged to know him intimately
in this sketch I have dealt with the public aspects of Mr.
vicary was ever ready on my tongue.

spirit alone forth and the consecration of Christ to God - the river of
lightening up of the face, in the kindling of his eye the warrior
him as a father which set forth some triumph of the Cross. In the
man, he was an Evangelist and no story was so welcome to
spirit of the Evangelist was the spring, informing a spirit of the
work. We mean one lesson of his life unless we realize that the

But these are only attrition - outstanding incidents in a life's
among the Churches of the Eastern Province.

stirred one of their ascensions for a prolonged evangelization tour
were Principal, Vice Principal of the Central College at the time)
In JESUS He, in company with the Rev. W. T. Garnett B.A. (they
work as Geometers through the early days of the Society's history,
which has attained the movement in the Worth to due to entumalatios
in into these longer activities was Dr. J. Wiles and one great succed
reasonability for the evangelization of the land. But he who guided
Cooper's a proof that the Church of Christ in Ceylon resurfaces its
and now on all our principal stations there the Home Missionary
appointed. Within a few months标签 had formed a Christian Society
Missionary Society was, then and there, resolved on, and a Committee
The proposal met with a ready response, the Battalions Home
Missionary Society in lighters to unrescued regions.

7.

The Ceylon Methodist
Church Record

NEW SERIES.
VOL. III. No. 11.

[REGISTERED AT THE
G.P.O. AS A NEWSPAPER.]

JANUARY, 1916.

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CONTENTS.

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>PAGE.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>ANOTHER MEMORIAL NUMBER</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>REV. D. P. NILES</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>NEWS FROM REV. W. J. NOBLE</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>CHILDREN'S CORNER</td><td>169</td></tr><tr><td>THE RAWATAWATTA SUNDAY SCHOOL JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS</td><td>171</td></tr><tr><td>NEWS FROM OUR STATIONS</td><td>172</td></tr><tr><td>A SOLDIER OF THE NEW ARMY</td><td>172</td></tr><tr><td>CORRESPONDENCE</td><td>173</td></tr></tbody></table>

Another Memorial Number

It has been the singular good fortune of the Editor to know well the distinguished Sinhalese gentleman whose loss came so suddenly a while ago, and the eminent Tamil Minister whose name dominates this issue of the Record. Mr. Trimmer's striking characterisation is supported by testimonies from men who knew Mr. Niles intimately, and it is a real sorrow that all the matter furnished cannot find room here; those who have responded to the call have the Editor's warm gratitude, and will understand the limitation of our space. There is no false note struck in these contributions. Mr. Niles was a man of the first rank, a leader of men, a great personality. He bridged over the space between the era of Dr. Kilner and to-day, and to him more than any other man is due the direction of the progress made. The Editor will never forget his self-effacing helpfulness to a young superintendent, the radiant comradeship, the happy fellowship in all manner of work. Above all remains the memory of great debates when in very critical conditions, Mr. Niles' powers were displayed at their highest and when he said no bitter word but increased the admiration and affection of those who were compelled to take another view; but he was able to help towards the settlement of great interests. Not above all! The finest memories are those of moving sermons, powerful addresses to the unconverted, and great prayers.

Rev. D. P. Niles

The death of Mr. Niles terminated, for this world, a friendship of thirty-three years duration. The sense of personal loss is keen. The shock was sudden. No news of illness had prepared for it. Ill on Thursday, he passed to his reward early on Friday, December 10th.

164

But the sense of personal loss is overshadowed by that of the loss which the community, and his Church and Mission in particular, suffer. "A prince and a great man in Israel" has fallen. The world and the church are appreciably poorer because he has gone.

Mr. Niles was blessed with a good ancestry. His father, Nathaniel Niles, was one of the first converts among the Tamils in Jaffna, and the first Licensed Preacher in the American Mission. Of his children, three sons entered the ministry; two in connection with the Wesleyan Mission and one in the Church Mission.

The fruit of early training and family religion is found in the fact that Daniel joined the church at the age of 13. On the completion of his course at the Batticotta Seminary he became a teacher under the American Mission. But in 1861 he joined the Wesleyan Mission, his first appointment being in the English School at Pt. Pedro. He re-opened the school in that year. After seven years work at Pt. Pedro he was appointed Head Master of the Jaffna Central School, (now College). His work in connection with the College will long be remembered. As Head Master, Vice Principal and Acting Principal, for many years he exercised a decisive influence on the fortunes of the institution. Successive generations of students received the benefits of his able lectures and wise guidance. They also felt the impress of his personality. It is impossible even to guess how great and how varied were all results of these years of work. We know however from the testimony of his students that these were among the most fruitful years of his life. As an educationist his fame will endure.

But his varied gifts and talents marked him out for a wider sphere than the College. In 1870 he offered himself as a candidate for the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He passed "with more than ordinary credit" the four years of probation which the Methodist Church demands of all, without exception, who enter the ranks of her ministry. In 1875 he was ordained to the full work of the ministry in Jaffna.

His ministry, throughout its whole course, was marked by the full and willing consecration of all his powers to the service of Christ and His Church. In the minute recommending him to the Conference in 1870 he is described as "a hard worker, sacrificing freely time and energy in the service of Christ." He bore this mark to the end. He was an orator who gripped the minds of his audience no less by the cogency of his argument and the felicity of his phrase than by the weighty truths which he uttered. It used to be said that Jaffna had produced three great Tamil Orators—Arumugam Navalar, Proctor Mylvaganam and D. P. Niles. Two of these I have heard and can bear witness to the force of their eloquence as it flowed in

unbroken strain. But D. P. Niles was more than an orator in the pulpit. He was a great preacher. He had little of sacerdotalism in him and made no claim to be a priest. But he greatly magnified his calling as a preacher—an ambassador of the cross. Slip-shod work, inadequate preparation for his pulpit work was far from his thoughts. To use a phrase often heard among preachers in my youthful days, he brought 'beaten oil' for the use of the Sanctuary. One District Meeting sermon will ever live in my memory. It was on Isaiah LX. 1. and the lofty strains of eloquence fitted the exalted theme of the glory and the duty of the church. Another of his striking sermons on 'the preaching of the cross' was printed and widely circulated in Jaffna.

He joined the Tamil Ministry at the time when it began to take definite form in our District. Men of great gifts and devoted service there had been before. But the body of the ministry began to take form just as he entered. He attended the second June (or as it was then called Native) District Synod. From that time forward he had no small share in informing, inspiring and guiding the counsels of the church. In District Meetings and on important committees his contributions to discussion, plans and resolutions were invaluable.

His keen logical mind, his farsighted prescience, his prudent watchfulness made him a debater of far more than ordinary ability. His tact and brotherly kindness and his readiness to concede a point, fairly made against him, disarmed debate of all acrimony.

During his career he had charge of our work in all our most important circuits. Vannarponnai, Pt. Pedro Batticaloa, Jaffna and Colombo can all testify to his unwearied pastoral care, his inspiring and edifying ministry of the Word, his wise and sagacious administration. The minute passed by the South Ceylon District Synod on the occasion of his retirement from the full work of the ministry in 1907 speaks of his wise and sober judgment, fine spirit, and his valuable work in the Synod and on Committee. The Synod recognised him one of its most gifted, earnest, brotherly and successful members. To all which we in the North can set the seal of our experience.

Mr. Niles' gift of felicitous expression in Tamil made him, in many respects, an ideal translator. He did much valuable and enduring work in this department. In the early day of his ministry, in addition to other multifarious duties, he assisted the Chairman (Dr. Kilner) in the work of translation.' But his great opportunity and his great work came with the translation of the English Hymn Book into Tamil for the use of our churches. In the service of praise he delighted. In this translation he found a congenial sphere for the exercise of his gifts. With more than a touch of the poet in his mind and with a heart

165

suffused with devotion to Christ he delighted to transfer
from English to his mother tongue those strains which set
forth the glory of the Redeemer and the praise of His great
redemption. Genius has been defined as 'an infinite
capacity for taking pains,' Of this genius he was fully pos-
sessed. No pains were too great, or too many, to secure
the clear and flowing expression of the soul's penitence for
sin or its rejoicing in the Saviour. The psalmody of our
Church has been enriched for many generations, it may be
for all time, by this labour of love, which he maintained
to the very end.

But any review of his life and labours which failed to
emphasise his work as an evangelist would miss its chief
feature. First, and last, and all the time, he was a great
evangelist.

When appointed as a special Commissioner to visit
Mannar, he gave counsel which led to the opening of our
work there. The mission from its earliest days has met with
strong and violent opposition. But the effort has not been
fruitless and the growing churches on the island of Mannar
and on the adjacent mainland have more than justified the
counsel which he gave.

In 1883 we were colleagues at Point Pedro and during
the year we held the first 'All Day Convention' known in
the churches in this district. His prayerful and intense
interest will never be forgotten. A large part of the work
of preparation and on the day itself fell to his share. A
great inspiration came to all who took part. For months
afterwards the villages of that station were evangelised in
a campaign in which practically every member of the
Church took part. The work of the women was a most
noticeable feature, and in this Mrs. Niles, inspired and
encouraged by her husband, nobly led the way.

Many will still remember a series of special services,
followed by a gracious revival, which were inaugurated on
his suggestion. They formed a fitting close to the ses-
sions of a District Meeting in Jaffna. As the end of the
Synod drew near he came to me on Sunday morning.
'I was not able to sleep last night. I spent most of the
night walking up and down my room in prayer. I wish
that we could make some special evangelistic effort now',
he said. We arranged for a series of open air addresses in
front of St. Peter's Church. At the beginning we had
the assistance of the whole force of the Synod. Every
night, for a fortnight, an open air service, followed by a
meeting in the church, was held The message from God
had come to him and he hesitated not to obey. 'Messiah's
proclamation' was made known. At the close of the series
of special meetings over seventy stood up in the church to
acknowledge vows of consecration made or renewed. The
influence of this revival was felt in our church life for
long afterwards.

The Home Missionary Societies of our District owed
their origin, humanly speaking, to him. In 1885 the June
Synod was held at Batticaloa. The late Rev. E. Rigg who
for many years had guided the District, as its Chairman,
with conspicuous ability, was on the eve of his retirement.
Much regret was felt at the impending departure. In the
Missionary Meeting held during the sessions of the Synod,
Mr. Niles seized upon the opportunity. He proposed that
as a mark of esteem for the Chairman who was soon to
leave us a definite advance in our evangelistic ideals should
be made. 'The Mission Church a Missionary Church' had
been set before the churches of the District by Dr. Kilner.
Let this ideal be forthwith realised and let our churches
combine to prosecute Home Missionary labours in hitherto
unreached regions. Such was his appeal. The proposal
met with a ready response, the Batticaloa Home Missionary
Society was, then and there, resolved on, and a committee
appointed. Within a few months Jaffna had formed a
similar society, and now on all of our principal stations
there are Home Missionary Societies, a proof that the
Church of Christ in Ceylon realises its responsibility for the
evangelisation of the land. But he who guided us into these
larger activities was D. P. Niles, and the great success
which has attended the movement in the North is due to
his enthusiastic work as Secretary through the earlier years
of the society's history. In 1891, he, in company with the
Rev. W. T. Garrett, B.A. (they were Vice-Principal
and Principal of the Central College at the time) utilised
one of the vacations for a prolonged evangelistic tour
among the churches of the Eastern Province.

But these are only striking out-standing incidents in a
life's work. We miss the lesson of his life unless we realise
that the spirit of the evangelist was the abiding, informing
spirit of the man Warp and woof he was an evangelist
and no story was so welcome to him as a story which set
forth some triumph of the Cross. In the lighting up of the
face, in the kindling of the eye, the warrior spirit shone
forth and the ascription of praise to God, the Giver of
Victory, was ever ready on his tongue.

In this sketch I have dealt with the public aspects of
Mr. Niles' life. Those of us who were privileged to know
him intimately and to enjoy his friendship cannot but feel
a keen sense of personal loss. A true friend and a trusted
counsellor is gone.

G. J. TRIMMER.

166

THE CEYRON METHODIST CHURCH RECORD

APPRECIATIONS

He was a wise counsellor. His judgment was always correct, for it was the result of A Contemporary comparing both sides of any question. His demeanour was gentle but very firm. He possessed active habits from his youth, and his perseverance never abated. He grew with the time; hence the old as well as the young were interested in and benefitted by his company. He had a cheerful temperament which gladdened those who came in contact with him. He took a keen interest in the extension of the kingdom of God. His sermons were well prepared and his delivery was effective. He ruled his house wisely and lovingly.

J. V. B.

When I was pastor of the Jaffna Pettah Church, Mr. Niles greatly encouraged me by An Old Friend. co-operating in planning and stimulating evangelistic campaigns in the town and neighbourhood. It was his holy enthusiasm that led to the formation of Home Mission Societies in North Ceylon. His influence among the Hindus in Jaffna and other places elicited from them liberal financial help whenever extension work was attempted. As pastor of the churches in Jaffna Pettah, Vannarponne, Point Pedro, Batticaloa, Trincomalie and Jampettah St. (Colombo) where he laboured successively, he did inestimable work in consolidating and enhancing the resources for financial support and paving the way for self-government.

J. M. O.

When I was a ministerial student, I had the privilege of learning Theology under him and A Brother-in-Law. I am under a deep debt of gratitude to him for the knowledge I then gained. Mr. Niles was a scholar both in English and in Tamil, a successful teacher and able preacher, a good counsellor especially to those who were in difficulty and a devoted servant of Christ. Brother Niles spent a portion of his retired life at Point Pedro where he helped me greatly in Church-Work. I always looked to him for counsel. If ever I felt depressed, a few minutes conversation with our beloved brother almost invariably cheered me up. He was never known to be idle even after retirement. His time was occupied in reading, in translating hymns or in active Christian work.

D. V. T.

He was a born teacher and a strict disciplinarian. He was second to none of his A Brother contemporaries in the field of Scholar. education in North Ceylon. His teaching was so impressive that I can, even at this remote time, well remember the series of lectures he delivered to the senior students on 'Light and Heat' and other scientific subjects. Teachers and students always loved him, and looked upon him as their respected leader. A large number of boys came under his influence, and many were definitely won by him for Christ.

Mr. Niles did his pastoral work with great enthusiasm and love. The sick and the infirm found in him a true friend and sympathiser. He bore the griefs and carried the sorrows of his people. He saw many sunrises and sunsets in the families of the people who were committed to his care. But no sunrise was so beautiful to him as the glorious light that beamed upon the soul of the forgiven sinner. Many a dying saint he watched as he passed to his Heavenly Home; and a hallowed glow was invariably felt in the sick room, where Mr. Niles offered his prayer. His unfailing charity and kindness of heart have left behind him many to lament his loss.

Mr. Niles was a finished master of oratory. The subject matter of his discourses was generally so well arranged that even a child could follow him without any extraordinary effort. His striking personality, his ready and clear utterance, his cheerful disposition, all these gave an additional charm to his preaching power.

People who do not intimately know Mr. Niles may say that he belonged to the old school. I can safely say that he was one who marched with the time and kept himself in readiness to cope with any modern thought. He preached in English with fluency and ease, but was a master of Tamil Literature and classics, and an authority upon the language.

J. T. A.

I cannot but find pleasure in writing a few lines about one of the most illustrious sons of A College Jaffna and the most talented of the Wesleyan Tamil Ministers of this Island, since I was intimately associated with him as colleague for a period of ten years while he was Headmaster and Vice-Principal of the Jaffna Central College.

The late Rev. D. P. Niles took charge of this College as Headmaster for the second time at a time when a severe blow was dealt by the removal of its well known Headmaster, the late Mr. Wm. Nevins. That he had immense capacity for organisation and management was seen from the way in which he was able to maintain, amidst opposi-

167

tion, the position and prestige of the Institution, and even raise it to a higher standard of efficiency than it had ever before attained. By his energetic efforts was brought about the re-affiliation of the Institution up to the F. A. Standard of the Madras University. He was a man of strong individuality and self-reliance. Every one who knew him would bear testimony to his pleasing manners and winning ways as a gentleman, to his lovingkindness and burning zeal as a pastor, and to the high character he had maintained and the bright example he had set as an educationalist.

To the charming influence of his genial and generous personality was due the fact that the ties of fellowship and friendship existing among the different masters were drawn exceedingly close and tight. His pupils looked upon him with much reverence and pious fear, mingled with sincere love and deep admiration. He was able to inspire perfect confidence in his students because his actions were wholly compatible with his words. Mr. Niles was ever solicitous not only for their mental but for their moral and religious training, evincing thereby his zeal as a minister in the cause of salvation. He was particularly careful not to allow private or personal considerations to interfere with his public obligations and responsibilities.

L. P. S.

I was baptized by him at Point Pedro and joined the Church, I have also happy reminiscences of the time when I was working with him as catechist, first at Vannarponnai, and then in Trincomalie for one year. His nature and delight were to train young men by making them work and eliciting the highest ambition in them with a view to raising them to the highest rung of the ladder. His sound counsels were always helpful to me in my career as a minister. It was a real pleasure to work with a man, whose policy, in one aspect, was that yesterday's faults were today's teachers. I am glad to say that he was no fault-finder: because, fault-finders are like flies which leave all the healthy members of the body but alight on a sore. He was also one of my tutors when a Theological Student. But he taught us much more than the prescribed subjects. His object was to make men of us. We had always free access to him, without any embarrassment or shyness. Although he had lived a 'full life' to be an octogenarian, yet I am sorry I am losing in him a sympathizing friend and a good counsellor.

V. K. D.

The Protestant Tamil community in particular and the Tamils of Ceylon in general, have lost a good and great man, an erudite scholar, a deep thinker, a sage adviser and gentleman of unblemished character and spotless integrity. I have

known him for over forty years, both as a teacher and a Christian minister. When he assumed duties as Headmaster of the Central School (now called Central College) I was in a lower class and did not come under his direct tuition. But I was in a position to know the high esteem, respect and reverence in which he was held both by teachers and boys of that school which even then held a foremost place among the educational institutions of the Jaffna District.

I came again in contact with him in Batticaloa when he was stationed there as native minister for some years between 1878-1882. Most of the leading and distinguished families in that town being Christians and the members of those families being my friends or relations, and having known several other Wesleyan Native Ministers stationed in that town and elsewhere, I can safely assert without fear of contradiction that few other native ministers have enjoyed among his fellow Christians as much regard and respect as Mr. Niles did. He was always considered an ideal native minister—learned, pious, sagacious, dignified, and withal tolerant towards other faiths as much as his position as a minister of Christ would permit. While he faithfully devoted his life to the service of his religion, he did not, as far I know, give unnecessary offence to non-Christians in carrying on his work zealously as a Christian minister.

It was while stationed at Vannarponne—the greatest stronghold of the Hindus in Ceylon—in 1897 and 1898,— Mr. Niles showed what stuff he was made of. It was a time when, by the establishment of the Jaffna Hindu College within a few yards of the Wesleyan Chetty Street English School, the existence of the latter was in danger. But Mr. Niles reorganised that school and increased its efficiency, proving thereby that there is room not only for the Hindu College but also for the Wesleyan Chetty Street English School (which is now known as Kilner College) to exist in Vannarponne side by side without detriment to each other. In December 1898 I lost my eldest boy, a very promising lad of 10 years, which had then a depressing effect on me. Mr. Niles called on me as a friend to tender his sympathy and console me. In doing so he uttered some pregnant words of advice which I always remembered and which had some effect in assuaging my grief.

A. SAPAPATHI.

The thing that comes to my mind most prominently is the strong affection which he had for his children. Nothing cheered him more than associating with his children on equal terms—if I may use the expression. I may illustrate. At Point Pedro where he was stationed some years ago, in front of the minister's house there was a fine and spacious compound. His children with other relations and school-boys used to

A Convert.

A Tribute
form a Son.

168

have games there in the evenings. My father used to bring a chair to the play-ground and sit there and watch our games, and also settle our frequent disputes and wrangles.

He never liked the idea of keeping himself at a distance from his children. He was one of us and we freely took in the wholesome influences which radiated from his personality. He was on the other hand very stern in the discipline of his children. He sparingly used the rod, but it was never spared altogether. I very vividly remember a bitter experience I had. Years ago at Batticaloa, against his special orders and without his knowledge, I went with some schoolmates of mine to a Gospel-meeting held in a village on the other side of the Batticaloa river. When I returned, I was greeted with such a severe caning that it served me all my life.

He never gave a multitude of commands and in-junctions to his children. They were very few. But he closely watched to see that any command he gave to a child, was strictly obeyed to its very letter.

His ability as a teacher and forceful personality, combined with great affection and love towards the students, made him a very idol of the boys. An 'Old Boy' writes to me, 'your father was my best beloved master. He was very fond of me even after I left school.' Another student of his writes, 'I learnt with regret the sad death of my kind 'Guru.' You know how kind and loving he was to me in our class room.'

'He was altogether a great and good man. His wonderful personality had always such a great charm over me,' Another student who is now a Proctor practising in Colombo wires, 'Truly a great and unique personality is gone.' There are many other appreciations in a similar strain from his 'Old Boys.' It used to be said that he more often commanded obedience from his students by a smile than by a harsh word. The Hindu boys that learnt in the Matriculation class loved him so much, that whenever he requested them to attend Gospel-meetings at Vannarponnai or Oddumadam, they not only attended themselves but took with them many of their friends.

He was an enthusiastic gardener all his life. It was a most refreshing sight to see the old gentleman, even after he was seventy years old until two or three years ago, with a towel tightly bound raised his waist, working with the mammotty, or drawing water from the well for full two hours at a stretch. It is not an easy feat for a modern day young man in one of our Colleges. Years ago, he said, when he was once working in the garden, Dr. John Kilner met him and joined in the operations. The wreaths that adorned the coffin that bore his mortal remains were made from the flowers that were gathered in his garden at Kangesanturai. 'Like an infant's smile, over the dead, a right of laughing flowers' over the dear remains of the gardener was 'spread.'

W. D. NILES,

News from Rev. W. J. Noble

EXTRACTS FROM A PRIVATE LETTER.

MY DEAR RESTARICK,

First of all, thanks for the "Church Record." and all that it has contained during the year. It has been not only interesting, but most useful in my deputation work.

But the news in the last number was grievous. There is nothing I can add to what has been said about Dr. Solomon Fenando, except my own feeling of personal loss. I do not know any man, either minister or layman, who served our Church in Ceylon with more ability or devotion, or whose counsels were always so sane. We shall miss him in every branch of our work, and, for my own part, I mourn the loss of a very dear friend.

The year of quiet which I promised myself, and which the doctors at home advised me to take, has resolved itself into one of almost incessant deputation work, so many have been the calls and so few the men able to respond to them. Practically all the Sundays and most of the weekdays since July have been filled up, and I am now beginning to feel the strain of the constant travelling and the talking. I refused to go to Conference, because I did not want to undertake more journeys than necessary, and was not much like journeys just then, but that was only one small relief. It is, of course, entirely absurd of me to do so much, and I have nothing to say in excuse except the greatness of the need for workers at home this year. I go on till the Sunday before Christmas, and then hope to have some weeks of quiet.

I have been exceedingly happy in my deputations, for the missionary spirit in the home Church is very fine indeed. I went to Swanwick with a very open mind, and now profess myself an ardent convert and a supporter of that very remarkable bit of work. Few things have so greatly or deeply affected the missionary outlook of English Methodism as have the meetings there.

A number of Ceylon people have come within my range. At London in May I met Triggs, West, Bray, and Armstrong, besides Brumwell and Haigh, the former busy buying his outfit for the front, where he is doing good work. Bishop I missed, as he has been at the front for a long time. In Birmingham I stayed with Mrs Brown, late Miss Parsons of Colombo, and we had a very good talk. In the same city I had lunch with the Olivers and Thwaite, when nearly every other sentence began 'Do you remember?' and at the end of our long talk Thwaite complained of a severe attack of nostalgia, and said that again he 'heard the East a-calling'. This week I am going to my brother in Macclesfield, and shall meet Robson, who is in the same circuit.

169

As the time of the Synod draws near, I begin to long for it, and for all that it includes of work and play. I wish I could be with you, and am only consoled when I think that I shall be there soon after. Give my love to all the brethren; they are in my thoughts continually.

I don't suppose any of this will interest the reader of the Record, but you might give them my greetings. A happy Xmas to you all.

Yours affectionately
W. J. NOBLE,

## Children's Corner

DEAR CORNERITES,

I am in luck this month for my work is done for me. Edith Nonis has searched her Bible well, for texts on the use of the Tongue, and I am putting her selection in. She shall have a small book when I can find time to get one. Then Mr. Lionel Mendis has sent me a sort of tale which amused me and will amuse you - so in it goes.

Oh! Cornerites, the Synod I understand has just heard that Captain, the Rev. P. M. Brumwell, C. F. is doing so well with the soldiers that they won't let him go till the end of the War. This is a loss to the Corner, to Methodism in Ceylon, and to me, because I hoped he would come soon and let me sink back into obscurity. Never mind, he is doing his bit, and I hope will come back soon.

Wishing you and everybody, especially the Soldiers and Sailors, a Happy New Year.

I am
Yours affectionately,
ANON.

## SIX TEXTS ON "CATTINESS"

1. A soft answer turneth away wrath, but a grievous word stirreth up anger. PROVERBS. XV. 1.

2. A froward man soweth strife, and a whisperer separateth friends. PROVERBS. XVI. 28.

3. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love, but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. PROVERBS. XVII. 9.

4. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, it defileth the whole body, and is set on fire of hell, JAMES iii. 6.

5. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James iii. 8.

6. Therewith bless we God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men which are made after the similitude of God. JAMES iii. 9.

EDITH NONIS
Wesleyan Mission,
Wellawatte.

## PERCY'S WATCHNIGHT DREAM.

I was not going for the Watchnight. Everybody else was away except Nanah who was asleep in his room, and so I went to bed myself. But on my pillow was a bit of square cardboard on which something was written. I took it near the light and read it as follows :—

Tonight at 12-30,
Immediately after Watchnight,
Special Concert in Church,
You are invited.
Please don't get late

At first I thought it was one of Garrett's hoaxes, and I slept soundly till the church bell woke me at 12. I heard innumerable crackers firing and knew it was 1916. I waited till mother, sister and the others came. But nobody came. It was 12. 40 but there was no sign of anybody returning. I could hear as if some persons were cheering and someone singing. Music came faintly from the direction of the Church. There was no doubt the concert had started. As I had the invitation I had a good excuse, and so I dressed up and went.

When I got near I could see that the lamps were lit in the church. The whole place smelt of burnt powder from the crackers which had been fired.

But to my amazement, when I got to the gate, I saw that it was hardly possible to move a step forward for the dogs and cats gathered in hundreds there.

I was determined to get to the Church. So I walked up boldly towards the Church door and the dogs and cats with great politeness gave way to me. I noticed as I entered that Santiago, the Chapel-keeper, was asleep on the last bench holding the keys in his hands. But everywhere else there were dogs and cats—bull-dogs, terriers, spaniels and Ceylon dogs of all sizes and shapes, and cats of all colours ranging from black to white, with innumerable kittens each wearing a Christmas collar. It had been arranged that the dogs should occupy the central aisle by themselves and the cats had in compensation been permitted to reserve for themselves the window-seats right round the building. The seats elsewhere were open to first comers of both races.

Nobody questioned my presence, and I was too surprised to think of going away and too well treated to want to do so. One of the principal leaders among the cats

171

approached me and said: "Sir, would you mind taking a
seat on the platform?" I said, "No, thank you," but
after much persuasion took a seat in the front row, which
was vacated for me by half-a-dozen cats. The reason for
this I was quickly made aware of when I heard one of
them explaining to another that my name was Puss; that
was truly my pet name though I belonged to the human
tribe.

After a while one of the biggest dogs said aloud, "It
is usual before commencing a service to make an effort to
pull down the belfry. I suggest that half-a-dozen of the
biggest among us should take up that duty for to-day."

Immediately the six biggest dogs were chosen and they
entered the schoolroom and seizing hold of the rope
jerked it with might and main. Peal after peal rang out
from the bell but there was certainly no order in the
ringing. After a time the work was given up with a
general assent that the belfry would not come down.

A big black cat remarked aloud that it was time the
Concert commenced. A little pup impudently answered
that too many cooks would spoil the soup especially if
they came from the cat tribe. But seeing me he added,
"Yet, since the chairman has arrived, we might as well
commence." I took this in good part as an excellent joke,
and everybody smiled.

A moment later the biggest bull-dog present came to
me and inquired whether I would be pleased to preside as
the cats and dogs could not agree who should. I pointed
out that I should have been informed in time. The
arrangement having been that, in case I should refuse, the
big dog himself should take the chair, he did not press me
much. But the cats were evidently disappointed when he
announced, "Mr Puss has declined and I have taken the
chair."

All the cats on the wall stood up at this stage and the
chairman said: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the principal item
in the programme today is—," and he looked at the
paper before him.

The cats on the windows prompted aloud: "The
principal item is cat-er-walling, and we were ready to
begin."

"No", said the chairman looking furiously around,
"the principal item is the dogs-o-logy." Hundreds of
cats jumped to the windows and started singing, but the
dogs, who were not quite ready, also started their song and
drowned the voices of the cats. The impudent puppy bit
the tail of a cat and with that commenced a free fight
between the two races and this went on for quite a long
time. At last I heard the doors banging and saw that
Santiago had got up and was closing the church doors and
locking us all in. I jumped out of my seat—but I had
only jumped out of my bed. Mother and sister and the

brothers were only just returned from the Watchnight and
were knocking at the door. The only other sound I could
hear without was our neighbour's dog conducting a quiet
conversation with another dog about a quarter of a
mile away.

L. A. M.

## The Rawatawatta Sundap School Jubilee Celebrations

This joyful and happy event in connection with
our Sunday School took place on the 29th of December.
The first item of the celebration of the Jubilee was the
publication of a Souvenir through the instrumentality of
Mr. Walter F. Seneratne, the energetic General Secretary
of the school. There are several articles in this Souvenir
contributed by ministers and laymen. They give the reader
the past history of the Sunday School from the time of
Rev. D. H. Pereira who organised this Sunday School into
systematic working order. Since then it has seen times
of prosperity and adversity; passed through trials and
tribulation; until it reached its present flourishing con-
dition gaining experience and strength. Now there are
over 100 in average attendance, with a well equipped staff
of teachers. From the beginning of the year, the teachers
and the pupils were anxiously looking forward to the
Jubilee. When the day dawned for the celebration, it
began with a carol party which, it is said, was the best that
Morotuwa has ever seen. On Sunday the 28th of December
two profitable sermons in connection with the Sunday
School were preached by the Rev. G. A. F. Senaratne of
the City Mission and the Rev. C. E. de Silva of Katana.
Both these ministers are old pupils of this Sunday School.
On the day following, the Sunday School Prize-giving took
place presided over by the Hon'ble Mr. Creasy. The
prizes were distributed by Mrs. Creasy. Addresses were
given at this function by the Rev. J. A. Ewing of the B. M.
S. and J. S. B. Mendis of the W. M. S. The most highly
appreciated item of the Prize-giving was a dialogue in
which the history and the good work done by the Sunday
School were beautifully embodied. The Author of it was
the Rev. C. W. de Silva who has always taken a great
interest in the welfare of the work at Rawatawatte. On
this occasion the large School Hall which was tastefully
decorated under the supervision of Mr. J.S. Fernando being
insufficient to accommodate the large audience, a temporary
shed was put up. Nevertheless the accommodation
was not sufficient. It may be mentioned in passing that
the Hon'ble Mr. Creasy sent a letter two or three days
after the Prize-giving, to the Superintendent Minister
Mr. H. de S. Wickeremaratne expressing his and

172

THE CÉYLON METHODIST CHURCH RECORD

Mrs. Creasy's high appreciation of the Jubilee proceedings in connection with the Sunday School. Mrs Creasy paid a high compliment to the singing of the choir; Mr. Vincent F. Karunaratne, the organist deserves this credit.

On the day following there was a public Meeting in the Church chiefly for the Methodist community. This meeting was presided over by Solomon Fernando, Esq. J P. and U. P. M. the sympathetic circuit steward. There was a large gathering in the Church. The Revs. C. W. de Silva and J. E. Peiris and Mr. S. P. Fernando the Superintendent of the Sunday School who ingeniously engineered the Jubilee celebration took part in this meeting. It was followed by a Garden Party held on the grounds of Villa de Zylva. On the same day a foundation stone was laid by Mrs. Karunatileke of Katana, an old pupil of this school, a prominent member of our church, to extend the present Hall as there is not sufficient accommodation for children to assemble. Old pupils are contributing towards the building of this wing.

There was a dinner for the old pupils on the day following when nearly 100 sat at it. It was a time of great pleasure and enthusiasm. It is hoped that the dinner will be an annual function as a memento of the Jubilee. It should be mentioned that Mr. O. T. F. Senarate spared no pains to bring the dinner to a successful issue with the help of ladies who are always ready to render any help willingly and ungrudgingly towards the Church affairs.

This highly enjoyable and profitable Jubilee celebration was wound up with a concert. Several contributed to this from Colombo and also the members of the Sunday School.

COR.

News from Our Stations

WESLEY College.

In connection with Temperance Sunday at Wesley College we secured 40 pledges to follow the King's example and be abstainers during the war,

H. H.

MATARA FORT.

The Annual Missionary Meeting and the Sunday School Prize giving was held in the Church on December 4th 1915 presided over by the Rev. John Eagle. Mr. D. S. Gunasekara read a portion of scripture. Mr. S. P. de Silva, Rev. John Eagle and Mr. F. M. de Silva gave suitable addresses. Mrs. Eagle distributed prizes to the Sunday School children. Rev. S. I. de Silva spoke a few words. A Fancy Bazaar was held at the close of the meeting.

MEDDEWATTE (MATARA)

The Annual Missionary Meeting in connection with Meddewatte Girls' Boarding School was held in the School Room on November 30th 1915 under the Chairmanship of the Rev. John Eagle. Rev. S. Isaac de Silva gave a report of the work done in the Boarding School. The first address based on "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two fishes, but what are these among so many" was given through the interpretation of Mr. F. M. de Silva by Mr. Shelley an evangelist who with Mrs. Shelley was returning to Egypt from Australia to work among the soldiers. It was a soul-inspiring and an instructive address. The Rev. John Eagle then gave an address to the children. A few girls sang very beautifully two hymns in English and in Sinhalese. The Fancy Bazaar held subsequently was a great success.

A Soldier of the New Army

The British Army has never been wanting in brave men; but the present day has called into it men whose last thought it was that they should become soldiers. They have been surprised to find themselves in the army, they have surprised great soldiers by their efficiency, they have surprised the enemy by their prowess. This is a glimpse of the story of one, whose sister is amongst us, and has the sympathy of us all in her sorrow—and in her pride.

EDITOR.

His father received the following; letter from Capt. Syer, from the British Expeditionary Force :—

"It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, killed in action, on October 13th. I find it difficult to tell you in what high regard Corporal Westlake was held. I looked upon him as one of my coming men, a worthy successor of many fine non-commissioned officers who have left me to take commissions in this and other regiments. His conduct at our severe engagements on September 25th was beyond all praise, and his untimely death whilst leading his men on October 13th, is an enormous loss to me, his company and the whole battalion. Your son was quite close to me when, he fell, and I can vouch that he was killed quite instantaneously. It is such men as Corporal Westlake who add lustre to the fame of the British Army, and more particularly to the regiment to which they belong. Please accept my sincere sympathy on the great bereavement you have sustained. We on our part have lost a fine soldier and a good comrade."

Correspondence

UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, BANGALORE.

18th December, 1915.

1. Applications for admission into the United Theological College, for the regular course of theological studies, should reach the Principal not later than April 8th. All necessary information will be found in pp. 24-25 of the Year Book.

2. As announced last year (see the following) we shall be glad to arrange for a special one-year's course for Christian graduates who are, or who intend to become, teachers, provided we receive at least six applications. We are gaining encouraging experience from work we are doing this year with five graduates, even if it is not a regular teachers' class.

3. A desire has been expressed that pastors and evangelists, whose knowledge of English and general education would enable them to follow the lectures and classes of the United Theological College, but who cannot think of a three or four years course of study, might be allowed to come and spend a year (from the beginning of July to the beginning of April) in the College. In a very informal way a little has already been done along this line. And the United Theological College will be glad to receive such pastors and evangelists when their Missions and Churches find it possible to send them. The College will do all it can to make their stay with us helpful and profitable.

L. P. LARSEN,
*Principal.*

14th December, 1914.

It has been suggested that the United Theological College should make arrangements for a special one-year's course for Christian graduates who are, or who intend to become teachers.

While we feel that a one-year's course cannot be expected to give a Christian teacher all the theological knowledge and training, which it would be good for him in his work to possess, we realise that in many cases it may be impossible for a Christian graduate, who has also to get his teacher's training, to give more than one year to theological studies. Anxious to render any service in its

power, which may help to make Christian young men better fitted to do our Lord's work, the United Theological College will be glad to arrange for such a course if there is a sufficient number of men who wish to avail themselves of it.

The course will extend over one College year of nine working months, beginning on or about the first of July and closing about the first of April.

We believe that the foremost place in such a course for Christian teachers should be given to the study of the Bible and of Indian Religions. But some knowledge of the great names and problems of Church History and of the evangelistic aspects of Systematic Theology must also be acquired. The life-work of those for whom the course is intended will be borne in mind throughout, and practical work and exercises will be included in the course as far as possible.

The College is unable to offer any help towards the expenses of students who may be coming to attend this course. It is hoped that Institutions and Missions which approve of the plan will be able in several cases to render help to such of their Christian teachers as they would like to send for a course of study of this kind. The College hopes to be able to offer accommodation, rent-free, in the College Hostel to unmarried men and to married men who come without their families. In the case of our own students living in the College Hostel, Rs. 18 per mensem is supposed to cover all their living expenses. Ceylon students are usually allowed a little more by their Missions.

To the course here proposed will be admitted any Christian graduate whose application is accompanied by two satisfactory certificates from men in responsible positions, Indians or Europeans, to whom the applicant is known.

The College desires to ascertain as early in the new year as possible whether there will be applicants enough to justify the organising of such a class as has been here mentioned. Men who intend to come if a course is commenced in July, 1915, and those who will send teachers to such a course, are requested to write to the Principal not later than the end of February.

L. P. LARSEN,
*Principal*

174

Richmond College,
GALLE

STAFF

Principal—Rev. W. J. T. Small, M. A., B. Sc.

Vice-Principal:—R. O. EADE, ESQ. (English Teachers' Diploma)

Head Master:—E. F. C. LUDOVYK, ESQ.
(Inter B. A. London)

Eighteen Assistant Masters including two First Class Trained Teachers and a fully qualified Commercial Master.

COLLEGE

The College now includes an Infant Department under the charge of Lady Teachers and a SCIENCE LABORATORY.

BOARDERS

Boarders under twelve are accommodated in a separate house under the care of a Matron

MR. EADE resides in the Boarding House.

FOR SALE

Methodist Law
and Discipline,

in English and Sinhalese with Rules and Regulations for Church Officers and Orders and Forms of Business for Quarterly and other Church Meetings.

Price Cts. 25 per Copy

Orders received by Wesleyan Mission Press Wellawatte.

TO LET.

176

— THE —
Centenary Memorials

Compiled by L. E. BLAZÉ

This Volume, now in the Press, will be
a worthy successor to Spence Hardy's
Jubilee Memorials

It will contain about 300 pages Crown Quarto,
with statistical appendices, illustrations, etc.

IN TWO STYLES

I. On best antique paper, bound in stout
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The Edition is strictly limited to 1000 in each style

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JANUARY, 1916.

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CONTENTS.

Another Memorial Number

Rev. D. P. Niles

164

unbroken strain. But D. P. Niles was more than an orator in the pulpit. He was a great preacher. He had little of sacerdotalism in him and made no claim to be a priest. But he greatly magnified his calling as a preacher—an ambassador of the cross. Slip-shod work, inadequate preparation for his pulpit work was far from his thoughts. To use a phrase often heard among preachers in my youthful days, he brought 'beaten oil' for the use of the Sanctuary. One District Meeting sermon will ever live in my memory. It was on Isaiah lx. 1. and the lofty strains of eloquence fitted the exalted theme of the glory and the duty of the church. Another of his striking sermons on 'the preaching of the cross' was printed and widely circulated in Jaffna.

During his career he had charge of our work in all our most important circuits. Vannarponnai, Pt. Pedro Batticaloa, Jaffna and Colombo can all testify to his unwearied pastoral care, his inspiring and edifying ministry of the Word, his wise and sagacious administration. The minute passed by the South Ceylon District Synod on the occasion of his retirement from the full work of the ministry in 1907 speaks of his wise and sober judgment, fine spirit, and his valuable work in the Synod and on Committee. The Synod recognised in him one of its most gifted, earnest, brotherly and successful members. To all which we in the North can set the seal of our experience.

165

suffused with devotion to Christ he delighted to transfer
from English to his mother tongue those strains which set
forth the glory of the Redeemer and the praise of His great
redemption. Genius has been defined as ' an infinite
capacity for taking pains,' Of this genius he was fully pos-
sessed. No pains were too great, or too many, to secure
the clear and flowing expression of the soul's penitence for
sin or its rejoicing in the Saviour. The psalmody of our
Church has been enriched for many generations, it may be
for all time, by this labour of love, which he maintained
to the very end.

G. J. TRIMMER.

166

APPRECIATIONS

He was a wise counsellor. His judgment was always correct, for it was the result of comparing both sides of any question. His demeanour was gentle but very firm. He possessed active habits from his youth, and his perseverance never abated. He grew with the time; hence the old as well as the young were interested in and benefitted by his company. He had a cheerful temperament which gladdened those who came in contact with him. He took a keen interest in the extension of the kingdom of God. His sermons were well prepared and his delivery was effective. He ruled his house wisely and lovingly.

J. V. B.

When I was pastor of the Jaffna Pettah Church, Mr. Niles greatly encouraged me by co-operating in planning and stimulating evangelistic campaigns in the town and neighbourhood. It was his holy enthusiasm that led to the formation of Home Mission Societies in North Ceylon. His influence among the Hindus in Jaffna and other places elicited from them liberal financial help whenever extension work was attempted. As pastor of the churches in Jaffna Pettah, Vannarponne, Point Pedro, Batticaloa, Trincomalie and Jampettah St. (Colombo) where he laboured successively, he did inestimable work in consolidating and enhancing the resources for financial support and paving the way for self-government.

J. M. O.

When I was a ministerial student, I had the privilege of learning Theology under him and I am under a deep debt of gratitude to him for the knowledge I then gained. Mr. Niles was a scholar both in English and in Tamil, a successful teacher and able preacher, a good counsellor especially to those who were in difficulty and a devoted servant of Christ. Brother Niles spent a portion of his retired life at Point Pedro where he helped me greatly in Church-Work. I always looked to him for counsel. If ever I felt depressed, a few minutes conversation with our beloved brother almost invariably cheered me up. He was never known to be idle even after retirement. His time was occupied in reading, in translating hymns or in active Christian work.

D. V. T.

He was a born teacher and a strict disciplinarian. He was second to none of his contemporaries in the field of education in North Ceylon. His teaching was so impressive that I can, even at this remote time, well remember the series of lectures he delivered to the senior students on 'Light and Heat' and other scientific subjects. Teachers and students always loved him, and looked upon him as their respected leader. A large number of boys came under his influence, and many were definitely won by him for Christ.

J. T. A.

I cannot but find pleasure in writing a few lines about one of the most illustrious sons of Jaffna and the most talented of the Wesleyan Tamil Ministers of this Island, since I was intimately associated with him as colleague for a period of ten years while he was Headmaster and Vice-Principal of the Jaffna Central College.

A Brother Scholar.

A College Colleague.

167

L. P. S.

I was baptized by him at Point Pedro and joined the Church, I have also happy reminiscences of the time when I was working with him as catechist, first at Vannarponnai, and then in Trincomalie for one year. His nature and delight were to train young men by making them work and eliciting the highest ambition in them with a view to raising them to the highest rung of the ladder. His sound counsels were always helpful to me in my career as a minister. It was a real pleasure to work with a man, whose policy, in one aspect, was that yesterday's faults were to-day's teachers. I am glad to say that he was no fault-finder: because, fault-finders are like flies which leave all the healthy members of the body but alight on a sore. He was also one of my tutors when a Theological Student. But he taught us much more than the prescribed subjects. His object was to make men of us. We had always free access to him, without any embarrassment or shyness. Although he had lived a 'full life' to be an octogenarian, yet I am sorry I am losing in him a sympathizing friend and a good counsellor.

V. K. D.

A. SAPAPATHI.

The thing that comes to my mind most prominently is the strong affection which he had for his children. Nothing cheered him more than associating with his children on equal terms—if I may use the expression. I may illustrate. At Point Pedro where he was stationed some years ago, in front of the minister's house there was a fine and spacious compound. His children with other relations and school boys used to

168

He never liked the idea of keeping himself at a distance
from his children He was one of us and we freely took
in the wholesome influences which radiated from his
personality. He was on the other hand very stern in the
discipline of his children. He sparingly used the rod, but
it was never spared altogether. I very vividly remember a
bitter experience I had. Years ago at Batticaloa, against
his special orders and without his knowledge, I went with
some schoolmates of mine to a Gospel-meeting held in
a village on the other side of the Batticaloa river. When
I returned, I was greeted with such a severe caning that
it served me all my life.

He never gave a multitude of commands and in-
junctions to his children. They were very few. But he
closely watched to see that any command he gave to a
child, was strictly obeyed to its very letter.

'He was altogether a great and good man. His wonderful personality had always such a great charm over me.' Another student who is now a Proctor practising in Colombo wires, 'Truly a great and unique personality is gone.' There are many other appreciations in a similar strain from his 'Old Boys.' It used to be said that he more often commanded obedience from his students by a smile than by a harsh word. The Hindu boys that learnt in the Matriculation class loved him so much, that whenever he requested them to attend Gospel-meetings at Vannarponnai or Oddumadam, they not only attended themselves but took with them many of their friends.

He was an enthusiastic gardener all his life. It was a
most refreshing sight to see the old gentleman, even after
he was seventy years old until two or three years ago,
with a towel tightly bound raised his waist, working with
the mammoty, or drawing water from the well for full two
hours at a stretch. It is not an easy feat for a modern
day young man in one of our Colleges. Years ago, he
said, when he was once working in the garden, Dr. John
Kilner met him and joined in the operations. The wreaths
that adorned the coffin that bore his mortal remains were
made from the flowers that were gathered in his garden at
Kangesanturai. 'Like an infant's smile, over the dead, a
right of laughing flowers' over the dear remains of the
gardener was 'spread.'

W. D. NILES.

News from Rev. W. J. Noble

MY DEAR RESTARICK,

169

Yours affectionately

W. J. NOBLE,

## Children's Corner

DEAR CORNERITES,

I am

Yours affectionately,

ANON.

## SIX TEXTS ON "CATTINESS"

4. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, it defileth the whole body, and is set on fire of hell. JAMES iii. 6.

EDITH NONIS

Wesleyan Mission,
Wellawatte.

## PERCY'S WATCHNIGHT DREAM.

I was determined to get to the Church. So I walked up boldly towards the Church door and the dogs and cats with great politeness gave way to me. I noticed as I entered that Santiago, the Chapel-keeper, was asleep on the last bench holding the keys in his hands. But everywhere else there were dogs and cats—bull-dogs, terriers, spaniels and Ceylon dogs of all sizes and shapes, and cats of all colours ranging from black to white, with innumerable kittens each wearing a Christmas collar. It had been arranged that the dogs should occupy the central aisle by themselves and the cats had in compensation been permitted to reserve for themselves the window seats right round the building. The seats elsewhere were open to first comers of both races.

170

# Mellin's Food

is admirable and successful for children of all ages, because, when added to fresh cow's milk, it provides the proper substitute for mother's milk in the tropics.

## "Fed on Mellin's Food from birth"

Now two years and eight months. One more instance of the splendid building powers of Mellin's Food.

## "In the trying Indian Climate"

Writes the mother of this happy little one-year-old girl, "Mellin's Food has suited her admirably."

Mellin's Food produces firm flesh and strong limbs, enabling the infant to resist climatic influences that are so often unfavourable. Starch free and untouched by hand.

Every mother should read "The Care of Infants in India," sent free by

MESSRS. CARGILLS, LIMITED, COLOMBO.

## THE DRINK DEMON

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By JOHN COWEN

Price Cents 20 each

Procurable

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Wellawatte.

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171

approached me. and said: "Sir, would you mind taking a
seat on the platform?" I said, "No, thank you," but
after much persuasion took a seat in the front row, which
was vacated for me by half-a-dozen cats. The reason for
this I was quickly made aware of when I heard one of
them explaining to another that my name was Puss; that
was truly my pet name though I belonged to the human
tribe.

A big black cat remarked aloud that it was time the
Concert commenced. A little pup impudently answered
that too many cooks would spoil the soup especially if
they came from the cat tribe. But seeing me he added,
"Yet, since the chairman has arrived, we might as well
commence." I took this in good part as an excellent joke,
and everybody smiled,

All the cats on the wall stood up at this stage and the
chairman said: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the principal item
in the programme today is—" and he looked at the
paper before him.

L. A. M.

This joyful and happy event in connection with
our Sunday School took place on the 29th of December.
The first item of the celebration of the Jubilee was the
publication of a Souvenir through the instrumentality of
Mr. Walter F. Seneratne, the energetic General Secretary
of the school. There are several articles in this Souvenir
contributed by ministers and laymen. They give the reader
the past history of the Sunday School from the time of
Rev. D. H. Pereira who organised this Sunday School into
systematic working order. Since then it has seen times
of prosperity and adversity; passed through trials and
tribulation; until it reached its present flourishing con-
dition gaining experience and strength. Now there are
over 100 in average attendance, with a well equipped staff
of teachers From the beginning of the year, the teachers
and the pupils were anxiously looking forward to the
Jubilee. When the day dawned for the celebration, it
began with a carol party which, it is said, was the best that
Morotuwa has ever seen. On Sunday the 28th of December
two profitable sermons in connection with the Sunday
School were preached by the Rev. G. A. F. Senaratne of
the City Mission and the Rev. C. E. de Silva of Katana.
Both these ministers are old pupils of this Sunday School.
On the day following, the Sunday School Prize-giving took
place presided over by the Hon'ble Mr. Creasy. The
prizes were distributed by Mrs. Creasy. Addresses were
given at this function by the Rev. J. A. Ewing of the B. M.
S. and J. S. B. Mendis of the W. M. S. The most highly
appreciated item of the Prize-giving was a dialogue in
which the history and the good work done by the Sunday
School were beautifully embodied. The Author of it was
the Rev. C. W. de Silva who has always taken a great
interest in the welfare of the work at Rawatawatte. On
this occasion the large School Hall which was tastefully
decorated under the supervision of Mr. J.S. Fernando being
insufficient to accommodate the large audience, a tempo-
rary shed was put up. Nevertheless the accommodation
was not sufficient. It may be mentioned in passing that
the Hon'ble Mr Creasy sent a letter two or three days
after the Prize-giving, to the Superintendent Minister
Mr. H. de S. Wickeremaratne expressing his and

172

COR.

News from Our Stations

WESLEY College.

H. H.

MATARA FORT.

MEDDEWATTE (MATARA)

A Soldier of the New Army

The British Army has never been wanting in brave men, but the present day has called into it men whose last thought it was that they should become soldiers. They have been surprised to find themselves in the army, they have surprised great soldiers by their efficiency, they have surprised the enemy by their prowess. This is a glimpse of the story of one, whose sister is amongst us, and has the sympathy of us all in her sorrow—and in her pride.

EDITOR.

173

Correspondence

18th December, 1915.

L. P. LARSEN,
*Principal.*

14th December, 1914.

L. P. LARSEN,
*Principal*

174

Richmond College,
GALLE

STAFF

COLLEGE

BOARDERS

TO LET.

FOR SALE

Methodist Law
and Discipline,

Price Cts. 25 per Copy

178

Wesley College, Colombo.

(Commenced 1874)

Visitor.—THE CHAIRMAN, WESLEYAN MISSION, SOUTH CEYLON.

Principal.—REV. H. HIGHFIELD, M.A. (London and Cambridge).

Vice-Principal.—REV. PERCY T. CASH, B.Sc. (London).

Head Master.—C. P. DIAS, Esq., M. M. C.

First Assistant Master.—W. E. MACK, Esq.

Together with a Staff of 27 additional Masters.

The College Curriculum ranges from the 2nd Standard work up to London Inter Arts & Science and includes all the usual subjects.

The Science Department, (under the care of the Vice Principal) has a well equipped Laboratory in which Physics, Biology and Elementary Chemistry can be practically studied.

There is a Commercial Class for boys about the Cambridge Junior Standard, taught by a qualified master.

Pettah Branch Standards I—IV. under 6 masters.

The Wesley College Boarding is well equipped for about 60 boys. Splendid airy upstair dormitories and large dining and study rooms. Fees (including Medical attendance) 1st Class Boarders Rs. 30 per mensem, 2nd Class Boarders Rs. 20 per mensem. The Boarding is under the immediate care of the Vice-Principal assisted by 5 resident masters.

For further PARTICULARS apply to the PRINCIPAL.

METHODIST COLLEGE,
COLOMBO

Girls are prepared for the Government Examination and for the Junior and Senior Cambridge Local Examinations. The curriculum includes the ordinary English Subjects, Needlework, Singing, Pianoforte, Drawing, Science, Latin, Mathematics, Botany and Drill.

The Boarding Department is under the direct supervision of the Principal, assisted by a competent Matron.

PRINCIPAL.— Miss M. A. S. Choate.

VICE-PRINCIPAL.— Miss H. M. Park, B.A.

TO LET

GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL,
GALLE

Girls are prepared for the Cambridge Local Junior and Senior Examinations. Music is also taught.

The Principal has now accommodation for a limited number of boarders.

Principal:—
Miss WESTLAKE

GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL, KANDY.

PRINCIPAL—MISS SANSOM.

PUPILS are prepared for the Cambridge Senior and Junior Locals, Calcutta University, and the Government Examinations

For Prospectus Apply to the Principal

PRINTED AT THE WESLEYAN MISSION PRESS, WELLAWATTE

Vol. IV. No. 2.

February, 1916.

THE
CHURCH OF CHRIST
IN CEYLON.

"THE FIELD IS THE WORLD."

IN Siam Christianity has been given equal rights with Buddhism.

Russia has 20,000,000 Moslem subjects and there are not twelve missionaries among them.

A conference on Missions in Latin America is to be held in Panama this month.

The Director of Public Instruction in the Madras Presidency has requested all managers of secondary schools to introduce so far as possible reading books containing lessons on temperance.

There are 17,000 Moslem students attending the Christian schools in Egypt.

A religious paper called the *Good News* has been established in Borneo.

Since the time that William Carey came to India, the population of the world has increased 56% and the number of Christians 150%.

The income of the foreign Mission boards in the United States and Canada has increased from 7,800,000 dollars in 1914 to 17,160,000 in 1914.

A monthly Christian magazine is being regularly circulated in six hundred non-Christian schools in Japan.

The Scriptures have now been translated into 500 languages or dialects, and their annual distribution is about 10,000,000 copies.

Only 3% of the population of 350 millions in India is literate.

Less than 100 years ago, the Hawaiians were all savages. In 1914 the American board received from them 8,000 dollars (Rs. 24,000) for Mission work.

Pope Benedict IX has put himself on record in a striking way in favour of the reading of the New Testament in vernacular in the homes of the people.

THE SALVATION OF CEYLON.

15

THE SALVATION OF CEYLON.

(a). From Stagnation. The census reports show how little the Church has grown in the last decade. When compared with the rate of increase of the population the growth of the Church beyond its own borders is found to be practically nothing. The Church is at a stand still, and there cannot be for her a more dangerous position.

(b). From lack of power. There is much stir and life in the country to-day. The demand for large undertakings for the infusion of the spirit of Christ into the life of the country was never before so great. The forces of evil and reaction have to be uprooted from the national life, the Church of Christ must attempt great things for the glory of God. Many persons who have lost faith in the old religions and have not found Christ

Are drifting away

into irreligion and scepticism, and they must be saved!

The Church in Ceylon is not wholly unconscious of the present need of a forward movement. But it must be confessed that she is weak. Often she lacks faith. She is not spirit-filled; and there fore falters and is sometimes powerless. What will give her confidence and power?

(c). From lack of unity. The house is divided against itself. Brother sneers at

brother. Fellow-soldiers of the Cross are quarrelling one with the other. The camp is partitioned and the enemy cannot be signally defeated. Denominational squabbles oppose the spirit of Christ.

What must be done?

(d). From sin. What havoc sin is daily making in many a home! Children are su suffering as a result of parental sin. Parents are in grief and pain because of the sins of their children. In-temperance is reducing many homes to poverty and distress. Many are slaves of sin; they need to be saved; but what will save them from the chains of the evil one?

Money cannot save. Dives was not saved by his wealth. Knowledge cannot save; the reform we need is one of character and life, not mere intellectual enlightenment. What then will save Ceylon?

There is one answer. Jesus saves. He alone can save from sin. He can save us from the lack of brotherliness. He will save us from stagnation. He will endue us with power. He can save the Church. He can save Ceylon. Let us then boldly proclaim in town and hamlet this truth of truths: Jesus saves Ceylon.

JAMES S. MATHER.

"The Cross has put its due value upon everything which we see, upon all fortunes, all advantages, all ranks, all dignities, all pleasures; upon the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It has set a price upon the excitements, the rivalries, the hopes, the fears, the desires, the efforts, the triumphs of mortal man."

JOHN HENRY NEWMAN.

16

THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

A MISSIONARY CATECHISM.

I. RELIGION AND RELIGIONS.

1. What is religion?

Religion is the expanding life of
the soul whereby a man seeks to fulfil
to the utmost possible extent his duty
to God and man.

2. In what other sense is the word
used?

Any system which is an expression
of the faith that is in a people is also
called a Religion.

3. Why are there many religions?

Because religious progress is not
equally advanced among all nations,
and because the lines of religious de-
velopment among different peoples have
often varied, and also because though
a higher faith may be available to a
people they may not as yet have been
adequately stirred by its greater appeal.

4. Why do you think that there will ultimately be one religion only?

Because there can be only one
truth, though there may be different
aspects of it.

5. Is there any other reason ?

Because human need is one—the
discovery of the truth in its fulness.

6. Is there any further reason?

Yes, because God is one, and He
is the Father of all.

7. What are the great missionary religions of the present day?

Buddhism, Muhammadanism, and
Christianity.

8. Who is the founder of Buddhism?

Gautama Buddha, a prince of the
royal race of Sakya, who renounced his
wealth and position and went about the
cities of North India preaching his

doctrine—of suffering and salvation from
suffering.

9. What is the principal teaching of
the Buddha?

That the highest human happiness
was to be obtained by escape from suffer-
ing through a life of righteous conduct.

10. Did the Buddha solve the Problem
of Suffering?

No, all he could offer was a palli-
ation, and no cure. The Buddhist follows
after peace by being indifferent to the
world and its sorrows.

11. Why do you think that Buddhism
is not suited to be the religion of the
world?

Because it ignores the supreme
fact of the universe—God.

12. Give any other reason in support.

Because it is impracticable. For
instance, the people in the cold regions
of the earth cannot obey the first com-
mand of the Buddha—"Thou shall not
kill"—as they cannot subsist without
flesh food. No Buddhist nation even in
the tropics is strictly vegetarian.

13. What is the Christian attitude to
the killing of animals?

It is wrong to kill or harm ani-
mals except with good reason. We may
use them as food, but it is our duty to
be kind to them in our ordinary re-
lations.

14. What would happen if all people became earnest Buddhists and carried out the teaching of Buddhism in full?

All would be monks or nuns, and
the world would be depopulated in a
very short time.

*(To be continued.)*

THE LATE REV. D. P. NILES.

17

THE LATE REV. D. P. NILES.

By the death of the Rev. D. P. Niles, the Christian Church in Ceylon and the Tamil Christian Community in particular loses an able and honoured leader. It speaks much for the religious influences by which his early years were surrounded that he was one of three brothers who found in the Christian Ministry their life vocation. Daniel P. Niles would probably have done useful work in any situation, for he was well educated in English and was at the same time an accomplished Tamil

### Scholar and Poet.

In the early years of his career he won a name for himself as a successful English teacher. He was an orator and preacher of more than ordinary power, and as a counsellor and guide of a considerable community he exercised a lasting wholesome influence. Not only was he popular among his own people—the Methodists, but he enjoyed likewise the confidence and esteem of Christians of all denominations. A Hindu editor remarks of him that "he was learned, pious, sagacious, dignified, and withal tolerant towards other faiths, not giving unnecessary offence to non-Christians, whilst carrying on his work zealously as a Christian minister." One of his colleagues says of him that he "bore the griefs and carried the sorrows of his people." The following incident related by the Rev. G. J. Trimmer gives a slight insight into that deep yearning for the souls of men which characterised Mr. Niles throughout his whole ministry:

> "Many will still remember a series of special services, followed by a gracious revival, which were inaugurated on his suggestion. They formed a fitting close to the sessions of a District Meeting in Jaffna. As the end of the synod drew near he came to me on Sunday morning. "I was not able to sleep last night. I I spent most of the night walking up

and down my room in prayer. I wish that we could make some special evangelistic effort now," he said. We arranged for a series of open air addresses in front of St. Peter's Church. Every night, for a fortnight, an open air service, followed by a meeting in the church, was held. The message from God had come to him and he hesitated not to obey. 'Messiah's proclamation' was made known. At the close of the series of special meetings over seventy stood up in the church to acknowledge vows of consecration made or renewed. The influence of this revival was felt in our church life for long afterwards".

Mr. Niles' greatest contribution to the Church was in the missionary cause. He was a great evangelist. Whether at Batticaloa, Jaffna or Colombo, whilst he fulfilled his duties as a pastor with the greatest assiduity, the thought deepest in his mind was the evangelisation of the people that had not as yet responded to the gospel. By the blessing of God he was able to accomplish a great work. The Methodist Mission to Mannar owed considerably to his guidance. In 1885 were founded the

### Methodist Home Missions

in northern and eastern Ceylon. In this important work none took a larger share than Mr. Niles. Not only did he bring forward definite proposals to the synod but made a practical beginning almost immediately at Batticaloa, giving a lead to Jaffna and the other towns, which followed its example. As the Father of the Methodist Home Missions in North Ceylon his name will pass down to posterity and ever be held in great honour. His example of untiring energy coupled with a blameless Christian life has proved the inspiration of many and will continue to spread and bless Ceylon until the great ideals for which he fought, and we aspire to, are fully won.

18

# A MISSIONARY SURVEY
OF THE HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT.

## I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION.

**Name.**—Hambantota means “the port of the Alien Moors.” The word *Hamba* is generally applied to the coast Moors and other foreign Muhammadan traders, but not to the Ceylon Moors. The District is called after Hambantota town.

**Area.**—The Hambantota District is almost half of the Southern Province, its area being 1,012¾ square miles. The District is divided into three Pattus—Magam Pattu (642½ square miles) Giruwa Pattu East (122½ square miles) and Giruwa Pattu West (247¾ square miles).

**Natural Features.**—The Eastern portion of the District is sandy, ill-watered and for the most part covered with forest. The Walawe (80 miles), which rises east of Adam's Peak and enters the sea at Ambalantota is fed by both monsoons. Kirindi Oya (61 miles) and Kumbukkan Aru (63 miles) flow into the sea near the Great and Little Basses. To the north of Giruwa Pattu are the Morawak Korale Mountains.

**Climate and Sanitation.**—East of the Walawe the climate is very dry and more or less unhealthy. The rains are scarce, and during the South-west Monsoon many of the streams dry up. There is more rain in Giruwa Pattu, where the climate is much better. The health of the District is much affected by the lack of good water. Malarial fever is common especially during the “maha” season. A considerable number of persons suffer from parangi. There are Government hospitals at Hambantota, Tangalle and Tissa, and also 39 dispensaries scattered throughout the District.

**Communications.**—The District is practically cut off on the north and east from the Uva and from the Eastern provinces by huge forest though a good road runs northward across the forest country from Hambantota to Haputale. Communication with Ratnapura across the Morawak Korale Mountains is more frequent. “The boundary line between Matara and Hambantota,” as Mr. E. B. Denham remarks in the census report, “is only a geographical expression,” and about 3'66 out of 4'69 persons belong to the District but residing outside it are found in the Matara District. There is telegraphic communication between Tangalle, Hambantota and Tissa, the first named town being connected with the metropolis via Matara and Galle. The postal service connects nearly a dozen centres within the District.

**Population.**—The population of the District numbered 110,508 persons at the last census. The rate of increase during the last decade is as follows:

1871—1881, 18.2%;
1881—1891, 24.2%;
1891—1901, 17.4%;
1901—1911, 5.3%.

The fall in the increase from 15,552 in the previous decade to 5,638 persons during the last decade is a matter which calls for attention. Mr. L. S. Woolf, the A. G. A. at Hambantota a few years ago, pointed out that there has been an actual decrease of 2.4% of the population in nine ‘Chena Divisions’ and an increase of only 3.7% in five ‘partially Chena Divisions.’ He says, “The Chena villages of Magam Pattu, East Giruwa Pattu, and the east of West Giruwa

A MISSIONARY SURVEY OF THE HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT,

19

Pattu show no progress. Fever-stricken, fatalists by nature, unable and unwilling to procure any occupation other than that which has earned the opprobrium of half a century of officials, their comparative prosperity depends entirely upon the north-east rains and the policy of Government. As that policy has become stricter their condition has become more and more difficult, and fever and emigration has caused the disappearance of some and the reduction of many of these villages." More than half the population of the District reside in West Giruwa Pattu which has an average of 346 persons to the square mile. The average for East Giruwa Pattu is 106, and for Magam Pattu 18, per square mile.

There are 20 centres with a population of over 1,000 persons. Tangalle town leads with 3,506, and Hambantota town with 3,092 persons contains less people than the village of Getamanne which has 3,120 persons. Beliatta, though proclaimed a town because of its importance as a trade centre has a resident population of only 1,100 persons. It is interesting to note that at the 1901 census Hambantota town was the largest centre of population in the District with 2,843 persons, whilst Tangalle contained then only 2,333 inhabitants. But in the following ten years the population of Tangalle increased by 50.2% easily overtaking Hambantota which increased only by 8.7%.

The population according to race is as follows:—

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>Born in District.</th><th>Not Born in District.</th><th>Total.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>L-c. Sinhalese</td><td>98,329</td><td>7,903</td><td>106,232</td></tr><tr><td>Kandyan</td><td>4</td><td>171</td><td>175</td></tr><tr><td>Ceylon Tamils</td><td>160</td><td>244</td><td>404</td></tr><tr><td>Indian</td><td>—</td><td>305</td><td>305</td></tr><tr><td>Ceylon Moors</td><td>1,655</td><td>434</td><td>2,089</td></tr><tr><td>Indian</td><td>—</td><td>28</td><td>28</td></tr><tr><td>Malays</td><td>913</td><td>71</td><td>984</td></tr><tr><td>Burghers and Euras.</td><td>61</td><td>91</td><td>152</td></tr><tr><td>Europeans</td><td>—</td><td>24</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>Others</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>115</td></tr></tbody><tfoot><tr><td></td><td>101,122</td><td>9,271</td><td>110,508</td></tr></tfoot></table>

It will be seen that the Indian Moor population, after whom the District is named, consists at present of only 28 persons, whilst the Ceylon Moors in the District, evidently originally sprung from Coast Moors, is more than 2,000 strong. The Malay population is almost a thousand persons. The Ceylon Tamil population is the smallest number of Tamils found in any District in the Island.

**Agriculture.**—Rice is the chief product of all the three pattus, but in West Giruwa Pattu citronella vies with rice as an industry. The coconut grows along the coast and has been recently introduced into the interior at Wira-ketiya. Tobacco is cultivated on a small scale in Magam Pattu. Cotton has been experimentally grown (on lands leased by Government on easy terms) with promising results. Rubber is being introduced. Other agricultural products are: tumeric, ginger, fine grain and vegetables.

**Other Industries.**—The District is noted for its salt industry. Salt is a Government monopoly rented out to a firm of European merchants. The salt is naturally formed by the evaporation of water in the shallow lagoons called lewayas, which occur frequently along the coast; the collection takes place in the South-West Monsoon (March to October). The average collection during 1901-1910 amounted to 125,000 cwts. per year. The manufacture of salt was commenced in 1913 at the Kirinda Lewaya. Fishing is prevalent along the coast, especially in West Giruwa Pattu, and not only are the local markets supplied but quantities of fish are des-patched to Matra and thence to Colombo; there are fish curing yards at Hambantota. Cattle rearing is a prominent village industry; rinderpest devastated the District in 1909 and greatly impoverished the people. Hunting is not uncommon.

20

in the interior and is a source of food supply. There are lac works at Angulúmaduwa, 7 miles from Tangalle. Palatupana in East Magam Pattu is noted for turtle shells. Pottery is made at Puwakandawada.

**Irrigation.**—The Tissa works were completed in 1876. The Walawe works, just completed, are able to irrigate about 12,400 acres. The villages immediately benefitted by the Tissa and the Walawe works have increased in population by 44% and 36% respectively during 1901—11. There are 207 village tanks in the District.

**Education and Literacy.**—There are 34 Government and 13 Grant-in-aid schools in the District. Education is compulsory, and fines are collected from parents for the non-attendance of their children to almost about Rs. 1,000 a year. Hambantota is the district in the Low-country with the lowest percentage of literates both male and female, the proportion of male literates to the total number of the male population being 31.5 and of females to the female population only 2.5. About 27% of the Low-country Sinhalese are able to read and write. The following figures for literacy among them are not without interest.

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>Male.</th><th>Female</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Ages 5 to 10</td><td>7.3%</td><td>1.3%</td></tr><tr><td>10 to 15</td><td>27.1</td><td>3.4</td></tr><tr><td>15 to 20</td><td>39.6</td><td>5.2</td></tr><tr><td>20 and over</td><td>4.9</td><td>2.4</td></tr></tbody></table>

Among the Moors the male literates are 38.3, and the female literates are 4.7.

**Revenue and Excise.**—Exclusive of arrack rents and land sales, which are credited at the Galle Kachcheri, the income of the District is roughly Rs.400,000, and the expenditure about Rs. 100,000. The arrack rent is worth over Rs. 90,000 and the toddy rent about Rs. 20,000. In 1912—13 eighteen arrack taverns and

42 toddy taverns were authorised; of the latter only 24 were opened. The number of taverns was reduced in 1913 to 16 for arrack and 29 for toddy.

**Ancient History.**—The District contains many places of historical interest. Magama, east of Hambantota, was in ancient times the capital of Ruhuna and was the birthplace of Dutugemunu. Mr. J. Steel, A. G. A. at Hambantota in 1871. thus describes Tissa, where memorials of the ancient civilisation may still be seen:—"Though the country between Tihawa and the sea is now a desolate wilderness, there can be no doubt tradition speaks truly when it alleges the whole was at one time densely populated and highly cultivated, the magnificent reservoir of Tihawa supplying the whole tract. The tank was itself fed by a channel four miles in length conveying water from the amuna or anicut of masonry, thrown across the Magam river at Mayilagattota. The soil is a rich black loam, certain, were water again forthcoming, to be as productive as it was of old."

"Everywhere along the track leading from Kirinda to Tissamaharama, if the ground be lightly scratched, ashes will be found—traces as suggestive of ancient human habitations as are the kitchen middens that have of late years caused so much stir in Europe. Here and there, in what is now a thorny brack are places where, if old legends may be trusted, kings and queens went, 20 centuries ago, apleasing in golden chariots drawn by gaily caparisoned horses, and thickets overgrown with weeds and underwood, the haunts of the elephant, bear and leopard, occupy the site of royal pavilions, where of old was held high festival with revelry and song."

(To be concluded).

Supplement to the "Church of Christ in Ceylon."

21

N. M. S. NEWS.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED IN
DECEMBER 1915 & JANUARY 1916.

<table><thead><tr><th>Previously received</th><th>900</th><th>04</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mr. J. G. C. Mendis</td><td>50</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Collection—Y. M. C. A., Matale</td><td>6</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>The Rev. W. J. T. Small</td><td>5</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Secretary, Y. M. C. A., Matale</td><td>5</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>The Rev. A. E. Dibben</td><td>10</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mrs. L. W. A. de Soysa</td><td>50</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Dr. A. M. de Silva</td><td>50</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mr. W. Wadsworth</td><td>50</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mrs. J. Pandittesekere</td><td>10</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mrs. P. Pandittesekere</td><td>3</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Miss Lily Pandittesekere</td><td>—</td><td>50</td></tr><tr><td>Miss Laura Perera</td><td>2</td><td>50</td></tr><tr><td>Miss Oliyia de Silva</td><td>2</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mr. L. W. A. de Soysa</td><td>100</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Mr. Sam W. Soysa</td><td>10</td><td>00</td></tr><tr><td>Dr. J. A. E. Corea</td><td>21</td><td>00</td></tr></tbody><tfoot><tr><td>Total Rs.</td><td>1275</td><td>04</td></tr></tfoot></table>

THE RUHUNA FIELD.

Mr. H. T. Swartz, our Evangelist in the Ruhuna Field, commenced work there in November last. He resided at first at Hambantota, but in December he moved inland to Tissa, which is now his headquarters.

Tissa on the Tissa Wewa, is perhaps best known by its famous temple, Tissamaharama, which is a place of annual pilgrimage by the Buddhists. It is 16 miles north-east of Hambantota and has a population of 840 persons. There is a good hospital, and a post and telegraphic office. A mile away from Tissa is a settlement of Ceylon and Indian Tamils at Tanjanagram. Within the circumference of a few miles are about 300 Tamils, chiefly P. W. D. coolies. The Hindus and Muhammadans in Tissa itself are nearly a hundred.

Mr. Swartz works as an itinerant evangelist in East Magam Pattu. He regularly visits the villages on the road to Hambantota, as well as Wirawila on the west, and Kirinda, Magama and other villages to the south-east, of Tissa. His work is principally among the Hindus and the Muhammadans, but he sometimes speaks also to Sinhalese people in the villages, through interpretation. One of the important needs of this Field is a travelling worker to specialise among the Sinhalese population. The distribution of Christian literature is being made a special feature of our work. Gospel portions are being sold and tracts distributed throughout the District. Mr. Swartz has been successful in making arrangements for services among the Indian coolies in the District and he considers that a promising opening has been made. He has been able occasionally to co-operate with other Christian workers in the District. At the request of the Archdeacon of Colombo he recently examined a Church of England school at Hambantota.

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING.

The Second Annual Public Meeting of the National Missionary Society was held on December 17th at the Booth Memorial Hall. Mr. C. P. Dias, M. M. C., took the chair. The Meeting opened with a hymn, and prayer by the Rev. J. S. de Silva. Brigadier S. R. Samaraveera of the Salvation Army read a portion of the Scriptures. After the report by Dr. J. A. E. Corea, the Secretary, the Rev. A. E. Restarick, superintendent of the City Mission, spoke on the Acclimation of Christianity. The Rev. J. F. de Mel, Vicar of Tangalle, next addressed the gathering on the Missionary Problems of the Hambantota District. After a solo by Miss Hornby, the chairman spoke briefly of the very great work that had been undertaken by the Society and expressed the hope that with the blessing of God, the work would be carried on successfully. The meeting closed with the benediction pronounced by the Rev. M. J. Burrows.

22

N. M. S. NEWS.

SUGGESTIONS TO WOULD-BE-HELPERS-No. I.

Most persons interested in the National Missionary Society will be aware that four fields have been selected for occupation by workers of the N. M. S. viz: (1) the Ruhuna Field, the eastern end of the Southern Province, (2) the Polonnaruwa Field, the south-eastern portion of the North-Central Province, (3) the Wanni Field, the northern portion of the North-Western Province, (4) the Maldivic Field, or the Maldivic Islands, which are a Dependency of Ceylon. All the Fields, which now do not contain a single worker, excepting the first named, are in districts ordinarily difficult of access, and bear a bad reputation for ill-health. They represent a problem of more than ordinary magnitude to the Christians of Ceylon.

Hitherto only one worker has been sent but there are indications that we shall have at least two fields working in the near future. It is hardly necessary to mention that the work of the National Missionary Society will be understood generally to represent the enthusiasm and the capacity of the Christian community in Ceylon. Where it succeeds it will redound to the honour of all Christians in Ceylon, and where it fails it will be accounted to their inefficiency and instability. The work therefore requires the interest of all: and also the support that is necessary to make it succeed. The best thought which the Christian community in Ceylon is capable of, the best planning and the best organization, is what we require. Men and women, in different parts of Ceylon, with business ability and powers of clear thinking, are called upon to endeavour to study and specialize in the various problems of the Fields and to contribute for the benefit of the whole Church their share in the organising of the work and the administering of the business of the Society.

The Ruhuna Field is now opened. There are economic, social, and other problems which relate to the life of the people, and of which it is necessary to

take due notice. We must know all the facts we can possibly get and with their help discover the modes of approach most likely to procure the best results. And whilst tackling the immediate problems we must also build up the foundations of the work to suit the conditions of the Church still to be, discernible to the eye of faith. Thus it is necessary that we should accustom ourselves to think in the terms of those new conditions and of the new society which we are gradually helping to create.

In other words, the Society needs a band of workers, who will train themselves to be experts in some department of the work, whether of committee or of the field, by collecting and systematizing facts and other information and studying them in relation to the work in its various aspects, and planning and preparing for the various problems which have arisen or may arise and placing the gift of their knowledge at the disposal of the whole Church. This is the leadership for which the National Missionary Society calls most insistently today.

THE WIDENING OPPORTUNITY.

A Meeting of the Central Council preceded by a meeting of the Executive will be held early next month. It is hoped that Mr. H. T. Swartz would be able to be present at the meeting of the Council and to give a short account of his work in the Ruhuna field. The principal business of the Executive meeting will be (1) to decide regarding the opening of the Polonnaruwa Field without delay; and to consider the acceptance of a worker who has applied for service under the Society:—(2) to consider the commencement of an Anglovernacular school in Tissamaharama in response to a request made by the residents. We would urge all friends of the National Missionary Society to enrol themselves as members, as it will not be possible for the Committee to accept the responsibilities of the widening opportunity before the Society, unless it is justified by a decided increase in its financial resources.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

SHORT ADVERTISEMENTS
ONE RUPEE FOR THREE LINES.

SITUATIONS VACCANT.

TEACHER-EVANGELISTS wanted for
N. M. S. Field, —Secretary, National
Missionary Society, Chilaw.

SALE AGENTS for the "Church of
Christ in Ceylon" Apply to the Manager.

GENERAL.

PRINTING neatly and expeditiously
done.—Pearl Press, Dehiwala.

Memorandum Tablet, containing 100
leaves with name and address printed
Two for Rs. 1.50.—Pearl Press, Dehiwala.

Church of Christ in Ceylon.

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM.

The Manager,

"Church of Christ in Ceylon,"

MARIAN COTTAGE, DEHIWALA.

Dear Sir,

Enclosed please find Rs............,*advance
subscription to the Church of Christ in Ceylon
for...... years, commencing January 19......

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* Annual Subscription Re. 1.
Foreign 2 shillings.

MISSION STUDY, 1916.

The following Text-books may be ob-
tained from the C. L. S. Book Depot,
Colombo, at prices given below:—

The Regeneration of New China, by W. NELSON BITTON, 282 pages, 24 pages of illustrations. 64 cts. Help to leaders, 18 cts. (Senior Text-book).

Yarns on Heroes of China, By W. P. NAIRNE, 112 pages, 56 cts. (School boy and School girl Text-book).

Talks on Changing China, 56 cts. 14
grey-tinted pictures to illustrate, 18 cts.
(Children's Text-book).

Kindergarten Set on China, Rs. 1.12.

Graduated Missionary Lessons, for
Sunday School. Six Missionary lessons
on China, (1) for Infant School, (2) for
Middle School, (3) for Bible Class. 14 cts.
per course.

Outline Maps of China, 2½ × 3 feet on
brown paper, 18 cts. 11 × 4 inches on
white paper, 6 cts.

China's Appeal, a striking wall dia-
gram, size 20 × 30 inches, printed on white
paper, in grey and black, 18 cts.

PRINCIPLES OF METHOD
IN MISSIONS.

By Lionel A. Mendis.

An interesting study of the several
religious movements which have contri-
buted to the present position of Christian-
ity and Buddhism in the Island. The
subject is worked out in a thoughtful
way, and we commend the pamphlet
to all who are trying to think out the
problem of the extension of the Christian
faith in Ceylon."—Ceylon Churchman.

A striking contribution on the subject
of Missionary Method.—Morning Star.

PRICE 10 CTS.

PEARL PRESS OFFICE, DEHIWALA.

THE
CENTRAL

The Magazine of Jaffna Central College,
Kilner College, and their Old Boys' Association

Vol XI

October 1916

No. 1

## Editorial Notes

After a long interval, *The Central* re-appears; the generosity of the Old Boys' Association has made this possible. The Editor hopes that the new spell of life thus begun will be lengthy and useful.

It is not possible to record all the events that have happened in the two Colleges since our last issue appeared. The arrival in April of the present Editor as Acting Principal will serve as a convenient *terminus a quo*.

An account of the farewells to the Rev. W. M. P. Wilkes, B. A., and Mrs. Wilkes will be found elsewhere. Mr. Wilkes came to Jaffna to take charge of what is known in the Mission as the Jaffna Education Department in 1903 and, but for a year's furlough and another year spent at Point Pedro, continued in charge of the Colleges till the beginning of the year. He gave himself without stint to his work and saw a steady growth in every direction. The reorganization of the Colleges to meet the requirements of the new

2

Government Code rounded off an efficient and successful term of service. We regret that Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes will not be returning to Ceylon at least for some years. They are now appointed to the Dunstable Circuit, in Bedfordshire, where, in a very different sphere, we hope they may be equally happy.

The Kilner College Science Room is now finished and waits for furniture and equipment. In the meantime the advanced science students from Kilner have been working in the Central College laboratory. The daily walk to and fro has probably been good for their health, but no doubt they will be glad to have their own 'workshop' as soon as it is ready for them.

Perhaps it should be explained that Kilner College is the new name of Chetty Street English High School. The Department has allowed us to call it a College, and everyone connected with the Wesleyan Mission will be glad that the name of Dr. Kilner should be associated with the Vanarsonnai school.

During the last few months, the Colleges have been visited by Miss Pinder of Kandy, the Rev. S. Abraham of the F. M. S., the Rev. A. E. Restarick B. A., of Colombo, the Rev. T. Subramanyam of Madras, and Miss Dixon B. A., of the Girls' High School, Kandy. Mr. Restarick and Mr. Subramanyam addressed the students at both places to the delight and profit of their hearers. The former distributed the Cambridge Local certificates for 1915 to the successful candidates.

3

Mr. L. McD. Robison and Mr. C. A. Wicks, Inspectors of Schools, and the new Director of Education, Mr. E. B. Denham, have also visited us.

* * * *

A start has been made in the provision of class libraries in the Secondary Departments of the Colleges. We have also the nucleus of a Teachers' Lending Library from which we hope to place at the disposal of the staff a selection of good modern works on school method and educational subjects generally.

* * * *

Mr. Vincent Mendis, Scoutmaster of Richmond College, Galle, with four of his scouts, was in Jaffna for several days early in September working to start Scout Troops in the Jaffna Colleges. Central enjoyed the privilege of a visit from them and Mr. Mendis' exposition of the aims and methods of the movement aroused so much interest that an inconveniently large number of boys wished to become Scouts. Inconveniently large, because Scoutmaster and Patrol Leaders, like the Scouts themselves, are beginners, and must be learning their work whilst they are teaching and training their Scouts. It remains to be seen whether the new enthusiasm will persist. Mr. Horsburgh, the Government Agent, is giving the movement his encouragement and support, and an attempt is to be made to form a Jaffna District Association of Boy Scouts.

* * * *

The Principal-designate, the Rev. H. Bullough, M. A., B. Sc., with Mrs. Bullough and their younger child, will, we hope, have reached Jaffna by the time this is in the hands of our readers. We give them a sincere and hearty welcome to

4

Jaffna and to the Colleges. Mr. Bullough will find
plenty of work waiting for him; but he will also
enjoy the loyal and capable co-operation with
which the staff always supports a Principal, and
the help and good-will of a host of past stud-
ents who rejoice in the prosperity of their old
school. Mr. Bullough comes to us with a brilliant
record. He took a First Class in Natural Sciences
at Cambridge, and the London B. sc., in Chemistry,
Physics, and Botany. He has had varied experience
as a science teacher and lecturer. To that he
adds eight years of ministerial work in North of
England circuits. The sportsmen of the College
(and that means almost every boy who is big
enough to kick a ball or handle a bat) will be
glad to know that he played footfall in his Col-
lege Eleven at Cambridge and in the school team
at Manchester Grammar School. We congratulate
the Colleges on their new Principal, and Mr. Bul-
lough on his appointment to Jaffna.

* * * * *

We beg to acknowledge with thanks the re-
cept of magazines from St. John's College, Jaffna;
St. Anthony's, Kandy; Wesley College, Colombo,
Richmond College, Galle, Jaffna College and the
Scottish Churches College, Calcutta.

The place of honour in the present issue of
the *Central* is rightly given to Mr. Restarick's
article on the late Rev. D. P. Niles. It will arouse
grateful recollections in the minds of any of
our readers who enjoyed the privilege of studying
under Mr. Niles, and will inform the younger
generation of what the Central College owes to
the scholar and saint who was, perhaps, only
known to them as a retired minister making an
occasional appearance in the pulpit of St. Peter's
Church.

5

The Rev. D. P. Niles

6

A great teacher is not always a good head-
master, and a good headmaster is not always a
good colleague to a Principal, but Mr. Niles was
all three. He had to do with several Managers
and Principals, and knowing them all I can con-
fidently say that while he preserved his indepen-
dence and initiative, he was a most courteous
colleague. It often appealed to one's sense
of humour to see how he managed to have his

7

This is for the College Magazine, but it must
not close without reference to other parts of his
ministry. 'He was a great evangelist,' said Mr. Trim-
mer. 'He was a master of Tamil Literature and
classics' said Mr. Appapillai. 'A sage adviser,' said
Mr. A. Sapapathi. There are many who can bear
testimony to his ability as a maker of sermons
and his power as an orator. He was a real poet,
though his gifts were not directed to Tamil prosy-
ody. He was a first class debater: this was prov-
ed in many a memorable Synod; and his keen-
ness never left a wound. For he was a true
Tamil Christian gentleman. His friends did not
leave these things to be said till he was dead.
We knew his powers and admired them, and
spoke of them often. Two small facts may help
to finish the portrait of the ablest Tamil minister of
the last generation—one is the statement of his son
that 'he was an enthusiastic gardener' who did not
disdain putting his own hands to the work—the
other is that he was a master of printing. No Tam-
il book was better printed than the old Hymn
Book, and the care which was taken in such
details as spacing, was brought home to me when
beginning to print that now in use. The mind of a
preacher, scholar, organizer, and poet cared much
for flowers and the disposal of leaden type! In
largeness of vision and care for details he was an
example which the students of the Jaffna Central
College may well imitate.

A. E. Restarick

9

they are at least alive; and if we have never met
anyone quite like some of them, they are more
credible than some of the real persons we have
met. The marvel is that Dickens created so
many of these unforgettable personages, and of-
ten enough did it in a stroke of his pen. A
single phrase—"Barkis is willin'—and the man is
immortalized. As Mr. Chesterton has said, "If
Dickens brought in a man merely to carry a let-
ter, he had time for a touch or two, and made
him a giant." The *Pickwick Papers* are full of
such touches. The old lady who was surprised
to find *Hamlet* so full of quotations would have
the same complaint to make of *Pickwick*. The
very first chapter gives us that linguistic usage
(unknown to the grammar books) of a word in
"a Pickwickian sense." The "fat boy" (we do not
even know his surname) who "wants to make
your flesh creep"; the *Eatanswill Gazette* and its
rival, the *Independent*; Mr. Pickwick's sage advice
to shout with the largest mob; Mrs. Leo Hunter's
Ode to an Expiring Frog; Mr. Weller's "extensive
and peculiar" knowledge of London; the Bath
water with their "very strong flavour o' warm
flat irons"; no newspaper reader can afford to be
ignorant of these, for he may meet them almost
anywhere. There is, indeed, one scriptural phrase
which owes its vogue to Sam Weller. Probably
nine persons out of ten who speak of "wheels
within wheels" are quoting him, and do not know
that he was quoting, not quite accurately, the
Prophet Ezekiel.

As a novel, *Pickwick Papers* is chaotic. Indeed
Mr. Chesterton—to quote once more the author
of the wisest and most brilliant appreciation of
Dickens that has appeared in recent years—says,
“*Pickwick* is not a good novel; but it is not a bad
novel, for it is not a novel at all.... Dickens'

10

work is not to be reckoned in novels at all...
They (the novels) are simply lengths cut from
the flowing and mixed substance called Dickens
—a substance of which any given length will be
certain to contain a given proportion of brilliant
and of bad stuff.” This is sound criticism, and
provides a very convenient reply to the analysts
who complain of the absence of plot and the
unities in *Pickwick*.

The circumstances in which *Pickwick* was written
account, in part, for its loose construction; it must
be remembered too, that when he began it, Dickens
was still a hand-to-mouth journalist, with no literary
work to his credit except the miscellaneous *Sketches
by: Boz*. In 1836 Messrs. Chapman and Hall ask-
ed him to write a monthly serial, to be illus-
trated by plates executed by a popular and humor-
ous artist of the day named Seymour. The
artist's idea was that the serial should describe
the misadventures of a Nimrod Club, a company
of Cockney sportsmen, fated to get themselves
into difficulties. Dickens — a Cockney himself
in everything but birth, knowing little of sport
—objected to the proposed subject and asked for
greater liberty. The creation of the Pickwick Club
was the result, “the sporting Winkle” being a
concession to the artist. The 31st of March, 1836,
saw the appearance of the first monthly number
of *The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club*;
twenty-four pages of letterpress and four illus-
trations, bound in the green wrapper that bibli-
ophiles covet and that still appears occasion-
ally in the secondhand booksellers' windows.
Seymour died before number two was issued; with
number four Mr. Hablot K. Brown (Phiz) made
his appearance and the long partnership be-
tween Dickens and his illustrator began. Happy

11

the writer who finds so sympathetic an interpreter as Boz found in Phiz.

Of the first number of *Pickwick*, only four hundred copies were issued, to start with. Popularity came swiftly; the appearance of Sam Weller in the fifth number completed the conquest, and by the time the serial issue was drawing to a close the sale had reached forty thousand a part —a figure which would cheer even a modern 'best-seller'. *Pickwick* had become famous, so famous that manufacturers and tradesmen began to name their goods after Mr. Pickwick, and Dickens was launched on the high sea of success. "Everybody was reading it," as Mr. Forster says, "the high equally with the low. Judges on the bench and boys in the street, gravity and folly, the young and the old, those who were entering life and those who were quitting it, alike found it to be irresistible." Thomas Carlyle had a story of a clergyman who had been visiting a sick parishioner and who as he left the room after administering spiritual consolation heard the sick man say, "Well, thank God, *Pickwick* will be out in ten days, any way."

*Pickwick* is unique. Probably there will always be people who cannot enjoy it. One pities them, and passes on; for it is useless to attempt to expound the fascination of the book. Either we like it, and then it becomes a life-long friend, or we dislike it and had better leave it alone. The superior person will continue to sniff at its primeval humour and to point out its faults of construction. The moralist may object that insolubriety is not generally a comical and pleasant state; that it should be met with a stern reprobation that is impossible, for instance, at the sight of Bob Sawyer and Ben Allen in their en-

12

counter with Mr. Winkle's father. Some of us think that Stiggins is maliciously overdrawn; and that Dickens did not mend matters when, in one of his prefaces, he said that he was prepared to denounce cant wherever he met with it—whether in Exeter Hall or Ebenezer Chapel; as though there were no cant outside evangelical circles. Yet we cannot avoid a smile at the nemesis that overtakes the Shepherd at the energetic hands of Mr. Weller, Senior.

The manners and customs of *Pickwick* have disappeared, like the mail coaches and posting inns that provide so much of the scaffolding of the story. Dickens would be lost in the London of today if he could come back to it. The modern Cockney talks another jargon, so different that the slang of *Pickwick* is often almost unintelligible. Mr. Weller would no longer spell his name 'with a we.' The country changes less than the town, and there are probably many farm houses in England where Christmas is still kept much as it was at Manor Farm, Dingley Dell, on a memorable occasion. But the knight-errant is never out of date: romance and cheery adventure are always in season. This is what *Pickwick* introduces us to. Dickens had the genius to choose for his knight a fat, old man in spectacles and gaiters: but he endowed him with the spirit of a boy on holiday and made him immortal. By all the rules of fiction and of life, Mr. Pickwick should have been tending his garden in Suburbia: Dickens set him on the high road with the 'boots' of the White Hart Inn, Borough High Street, as his attendant squire; and it is not likely that the two of them will ever lack an admiring crowd of followers as they pursue their amazing way.

S.

13

Awake, my Soul. A Sonnet

Awake, my soul, from sad despair awake,
And turn thyself to Hope's eternal light
To see thy native form serene and bright;
As thou dost sordid earth-born cares forsake,
And on the golden wings of virtue take
Thy flight to Heaven's ethereal height
There shall thou e'er in living glory dight
With God, thy Father, blissful oneness make.
Why sitt'st thou then, immerged in idle gloom,
As though thy life on earth doth end in grave
And love and joy and hope are born in vain?
But look where thou shallt soar beyond the tomb,
What prospects lure and what from ruin save,
And how thou cans't thy glorious birth-right gain.

R. R. G.

Farewell to the late Principal

AT CENTRAL COLLEGE

When it became known that the Revd. Mr. Wilkes
and family were to leave for their home in England,
the masters and students of Jaffna Central Col-
lege began to make the necessary preparations to
have a farewell function and to make a suitable
presentation in token of the love, esteem, and regard
in which Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes were held and in re-
cognition of the many valuable services rendered
by them during their stay in connection with the
College. Mr. Wilkes became Principal of Central
College in the year 1903 and had served in
that capacity for over 13 years. Friday the 24th
of March was fixed upon for the farewell meet-
ing. At 5 P. M. three group photographs were
taken with Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes as central fig-
ures in each. One of the sittings was given by
the whole College, another by the tutorial staff,
and a third by the cricket eleven, which had re-

14

cently achieved the honor of winning the inter-collegiate competition cup that was offered by Mr. R. Doraisamy. Sharp at 6.30 P. M. the spacious hall, which was tastefully decorated, was fully crowded and the late comers were seen struggling hard to secure comfortable accommodation. The programme of the evening started with refreshments—cakes and sweets of various descriptions were in abundance, tea and aerated waters flowed profitably. Tamil songs, specially composed for the occasion by Mr. V. R. Thambirajah and sung to the accompaniment of native music, enlivened the occasion. It was a very pleasant and amusing sight to see hundreds of juvenile folks busy talking while engaging in a hearty treat in honor of their much loved teacher and honored Principal. The next item on the programme was the introductory speech by Mr. W. R. Cooke, the chairman of the meeting. He referred to the many sterling qualities of head and heart peculiar to Mr. Wilkes, to the high standard of efficiency the College had attained during his tenure of office, and to the heavy loss the College was to sustain, especially in the field of sports, by his departure. Mr. J. K. Chanmugam then read the farewell address, which was followed by the presentation of two caskets: one, containing a gold bangle set with precious stones, was handed over by Master W. G. Spencer, captain of football, and another, containing a gold chain and pendant, the latter bearing the College motto and crest, was handed to Mr. Wilkes by Master B. R. M. Seenivasagam, cricket captain. This was followed by a garlanding ceremony which was very gracefully performed amidst great applause by Mr. V. Thambo, the College Pandit and Mr. L. P. Spencer. The sprinkling of rose water completed this

15

part of the programme. Mr. Wilkes then spoke
feelingly on behalf of his wife and himself, thank-
ing all for what had been said and done in re-
cognition of their service. A long and varied
discourse of Tamil music by expert musicians
was then gone through, after which the meeting
was formally closed with the benediction by Revd.
Wilkes. Three cheers for the departing Principal
and his family, led by one of the Senior boys,
brought the function to a close.

L. P. S.

AT KILNER COLLEGE

On March the 21st the Kilnerites bade farewell
to their beloved Principal, Mr. Wilkes, and Mrs-
Wilkes and children. With grateful hearts they
assembled in their beautiful hall, which was taste.
fully decorated for the occasion, and escorted them
to the platform, where Mr. Edward, the Head-
master, garlanded them. Rev. G. J. Trimmer pre-
sided over the function, and after a few intro-
ductory remarks, in which he warmly appreci-
ated the work of the departing Principal, called
upon Mast. Edward of the Senior Local class to
read the address, from which we make the
following extracts:

“Dear Sir,

We the students and teachers of
Kilner College, have met here today to express
to you, on the eve of your departure from among
us, the great love and esteem in which we hold
you, and to tender you our heart-felt gratitude
for the solid and successful work you have done
in our College.

We avail ourselves of this opportunity to assure
you that in you we have found a worthy Princi

16

pal, a devout servant of God, an upright gentleman, and a friend of the Tamils, and admirer of their language and literature. We may mention here with great pleasure that the progress our institution has made, within the last decade, under your wise direction, and skilful adaptation of things to meet the requirements of the Education Department, has been very remarkable, in that it has risen from the status of a High School to a College full of usefulness and promise. To the attainment of this high level your merit as a teacher has contributed in no small measure....

"We now feel, dear sir, that your separation from us is a distinct loss not only to our College, but to the Tamil Community as well, with whom you have identified yourself in all their legitimate aspirations. We would most gladly desire that you stay longer with us to inspire us with your noble presence, but as duty calls you home, we submit to her stern decree, wishing you, and Mrs. Wilkes and children a long and Christly life."

In reply, Mr. Wilkes thanked the students and staff for all they had done that day to show him their love, and gave them his parting words of encouragement and counsel wishing prosperity to the College. Mrs. Wilkes was then presented with a golden bangle of exquisite workmanship and baby Wilkes a pendant. Songs of blessing specially composed for the occasion terminated the proceedings, and amidst ringing cheers and sprinkling of rose-water, Mr. Wilkes and his family said good-bye to Kilner College where they will be remembered long.

R. R. G

17

# The Annual O. B. A. Celebration

Old Boys' Day was celebrated on September the 30th. Proceedings opened with a cricket match, begun the previous evening, in which the Old Boys gave the College Team a very complete drubbing, winning by 205 runs to 54. We can only hope that the failure of the College in cricket will be the measure of their success in the Football Cup competition, for it was due mainly to the way in which cricket has been neglected in favour of football during the last few weeks.

The General Committee of O. B. A. met at 10-30 and the annual meeting of the association followed. The following is a summary of the report presented by the Honorary Secretary, Mr. W. D. Niles, B. A.

The number of members on the roll, including outstation members, is 86. Nothing of special importance has been done during the year. The collection of money for the Library Fund has remained in abeyance: a sum of Rs. 78.75 is in the hands of the Secretary. This fund is commended to the generosity of Old Boys. The Committee has heard with satisfaction that the College Magazine is to be revived. The death of the Rev. D. P. Niles is recorded with deep regret. His connexion with Central College began in 1865; from 1868 to 1875 he was its Headmaster, and from 1886 to 1897 vice-Principal. At the time of his death, he was Vice-President of the association.

Mr. L. P. Spencer, B. A., presented the Treasurer's Report. A portion of the profits from the performances of *Twelfth Night* last year has been borrowed to pay off outstanding debts on the magazine account and make its re-issue possible. Rs. 50 has also been sent as a contribution from the association to the Ceylon Disabled Men's Fund. The balance has been paid into the College Building Fund. A small Committee was appointed to prepare for the production of, *Julius Caesar* in November.

The following is the list of office bearers of the Association, appointed by the meeting:

President: Rev. E. T. Selby.

Vice-Presidents: Mr. Joseph Grenier, Dr. Paul, Messrs. A. Sabapathy, R. H. Leembruggen, N. Selvadurai, B. A., W. Durai-swamy, B. A., W. R. Cooke, J. K. Chanmugam, B. A. and S. A. Edward, B. A.

18

Hony. Secretary: Mr. W. D. Niles, B. A.,

Hony. Treasurer: Mr. D. P. Spencer, B. A.

Committee: Messrs. W. M. Muttuveluppillai, S. M. Muttiah, S. G. Koch, T. R. Nalliah, R. C. Alexander. C. S. Rajaretnam, B. A., S. Thambiahpillai, R. R. Nalliah, A. Canagaretnam, S. Rajaretnam, F. H. V. Gulasekaram, B. A., J. A. J. Tisseveera singam, C. R. Thambiah, P. Vytilingam, V. Ramalingam, V. A. Paul and T. Saravanamuttu, B. A., B. SC.

At 4-30 p. m. the Committee was 'At Home' to the members and their friends. Refreshments were provided and a pleasant time was spent in social intercourse.

The public meeting, which followed, was well attended. The Rev. E. T. Selby presided. After prayer by the Rev. G. J. Trimmer, the College Choir sang a part song "Youth and Love." The Chairman, in a short speech, gave a summary of the report adopted by the Committee, which will be found above. A humorous recitation by Mr. R. Ponnudurai followed, after which Mr. F. H. V. Gulasekaram, B. A. addressed the meeting. He made interesting and amusing reference to his own school days and urged on the Old Boys the support of the Library Fund. Turning to the subject of Education, Mr. Gulasekaram dealt briefly but very suggestively with two questions; the increasing pressure which the extension of the curriculum of English schools places on students, making the need of specialization emphatic, and the future of higher education in Jaffna. He did not despair of seeing a University College in Jaffna.

Tamil songs, composed by Mr. P. W. Thambyrajah, were sung by the composer and a student, and were so much appreciated that an encore was demanded. Mr. V. A. Paul, the next speaker, gave a thoughtful address on the life of service. A well rendered action song by junior pupils of the College and an amusing recitation excellently delivered by Mr. J. F. Philips followed.

Two of the appointed speakers, the Rev. J. Bicknell, B. A. B. D., and Mr. J. V. Chelliah, M. A., of Jaffna College had not arrived and the Chairman conjectured that the motor car had failed them on the road, an explanation which proved to be correct. In their absence the Rev. G. J. Trimmer consented to speak, and gave a vigorous address in the course of which he strongly deprecated the practice of employing private tutors for students out of school hours and working the unfortunate youngsters until their minds were exhausted.

The Choir sang another lively part song "Three Doughty Men." Mr. Niles thanked the speakers for their help and the Chairman expressed the thanks of the audience to Mr.

19

W. R. Cooke and the Choir, to the two gentlemen who re-
cited and to the ladies who assisted in dispensing refresh-
ments. The meeting closed with 'Tipperary' by Mr. Victor
Paul and the Choir, and the National Anthem.

The day's proceedings were unanimously voted a great
success; the spirit of friendliness and good-will was the
characteristic note of the whole celebration, and in the cap-
able hands of Mr. Spencer, Mr. Niles, and their helpers,
events succeeded one another without a hitch.

News of Old Boys

Mr. T. C. Jayaretnam, Government Scholar, has passed the
Mathematical and Natural Science Tripos at Cambridge and
the London B. sc. examination.

N. R. Nalliah has passed the M. R. C. S., L. R. C. P. of London.

Mr. V. A. Paul has passed the Law Final examination and
has come to Jaffna to practise.

Mr. S. T. Spencer has also passed the Law Final examina-
tion and is practising in Colombo.

Mr. J. W. Arulpragasam B. A., and Mr. C. K. Sathasivam
have joined the staff of Central College.

Mr. S. Amuthalingam has entered the Government Train-
ing College,

Mr. V. S. Coomaraswamy, Mr. T. Subiramaniam, Mr. J. A.
Amerasingam and Mr. V. Amblavanar have passed the B. A.
of Madras. The two last named are on the staff of Kilner
College.

Mr. R. R. Nalliah and Mr. K. Somasunderam have been elected
members of the Jaffna Local Board.

Mr. R. R. Alexander has joined the Excise Department as
an Assistant Superintendent.

Mr. A. Paramanathan, who was studying in England when
the war began, joined the Bucks Hussars and served in the
Senussi Campaign in Egypt. We regret that he has since
been invalided out of the army, and trust that Jaffna will
soon restore him to health.

Mr. V. A. Hoole has qualified as a veterinary surgeon from
the Calcutta Veterinary College.

Mr. J. H. P. Vijiretnam has passed the Proctors' Intermedi-
ate Examination.

HYMNS.

I

I **WHAT** are these arrayed in white,
Brighter than the noonday sun?
Foremost of the sons of light,
Nearest the eternal throne?
These are they that bore the cross,
Nobly for their Master stood;
Sufferers in His righteous cause,
Followers of the dying God.

2 Out of great distress they came.
Washed their robes by faith below
In the blood of yonder Lamb,
Blood that washes white as snow;
Therefore are they next the throne,
Serve their Maker day and night;
God resides among His own,
God doth in His saints delight.

3 More than conquerors at last,
Here they find their trials o'er;
They have all their sufferings passed,
Hunger now and thirst no more;
No excessive heat they feel
From the sun's director ray,
In a milder clime they dwell,
Region of eternal day.

4 He that on the throne doth reign,
Them the Lamb shall always feed,
With the tree of life sustain,
To the living fountains lead;
He shall all their sorrows chase,
All their wants at once remove,
Wipe the tears from every face,
Fill up every soul with love.

2

I **JESU**, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high;
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life be past!
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!

3

5 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are
strong. Alleluia!

6 The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia!

7 But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia!

8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's far-
thest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the count-
less host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia!

4 I Hark! a voice divides the sky,—
Happy are the faithful dead!
In the Lord who sweetly die,
They from all their toils are freed;
Them the Spirit hath declared
Blest, unutterably blest:
Jesus is their great reward,
Jesus is their endless rest.

2 Followed by their works, they go
Where their Head hath gone before;
Reconciled by grace below,
Grace had opened mercy's door;
Justified through faith alone,
Here they knew their sins forgiven,
Here they laid their burden down,
Hallowed, and made meet for heaven.

3 Who can now lament the lot
Of a saint in Christ deceased?
Let the world, who know us not,
Call us hopeless and unblest;
When from flesh the spirit freed
Hastens homeward to return,

4

Mortals cry, A man is dead!
Angels sing, A child is born!

4 Born into the world above,
They our happy brother greet,
Bear him to the throne of love,
Place him at the Saviour's feet;
Jesus smiles, and says, Well done,
Good and faithfull servant thou;
Enter, and receive thy crown,
Reign with Me triumphant now!

5

1 A few more years shall roll,
A few more seasons come,
And we shall be with those that rest
Asleep within the tomb.

Then, O my Lord, prepare
My soul for that great day;
O wash me in Thy precious blood,
And take my sins away.

2 A few more suns shall set
O'er these dark hills of time,
And we shall be where suns are not—
A far serener clime.

3 A few more storms shall beat
On this wild rocky shore,
And we shall be where tempests cease,
And surges swell no more.

4 A few more struggles here,
A few more partings o'er,
A few more toils, a few more tears,
And we shall weep no more.

5 A few more Sabbaths here
Shall cheer us on our way,
And we shall reach the endless rest,
The eternal Sabbath day.

6 “Tis but a little while
And He shall come again
Who died that we might live, who lives
That we with Him may reign.

# HYMNS

I. WHAT are these arrayed in white,
Brighter than the noontday sun?

Nearest the eternal throne?

Nobly for their Master stood;

Followers of the dying God.

2. Out of great distress they came.
Washed their robes by faith below
In the blood of yonder Lamb,

God resides among His own,

3. More than conquerors at last,
Here they find their trials o'er;
They have all their sufferings passed,

In a milder clime they dwell,

Region of eternal day.

4. He that on the throne doth reign,
Them the Lamb shall always feed,
With the tree of life sustain,

To the living fountains lead;

Fill up every soul with love.

2. I. JESU, Lover of my soul,

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Safe into the haven guide,

O receive my soul at last!

3

4 Hark! a voice divides the sky,—
Happy are the faithful dead!
In the Lord who sweetly die,
They from all their toils are freed;
Them the Spirit hath declared
Blest, unutterably blest;
Jesus is their great reward,
Jesus is their endless rest.