MR DAN CRAWFORD, F.R.G.S.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20115, 30 June 1914, Page 2

MR DAN CRAWFORD, F.R.G.S.

MISSIONARY, EXPLORER AND

AUTHOR

Mr. Dan Crawford, F.K.G.S., the famous African missionary and explorer and author of the book "Thinking Black" is due to (arrive in Auckland by the "Mp.raina" from Honolulu on June 30th. He will spend five weeks in the Dominion, sailing from the Bluff for Hobart on August 3rd. His itinerary includes- a visit: to Wanganui, and he is duo here on the 9th July next to speak in His Majesty's Theatre. The arrangements for" Mr Crawford's visit are being carried out by the V.M.C.A.

Mr. Crawford entered South Africa from the Athmtie Ocean when a youth of 19. He bored his way into the interior to a district 250 miles beyond the spot- where Livingstone died. There he worked as missionary, Bible translator, sanitary reformer, town builder, road maker, and all the etceteras of a pioneer for an unbroken stretch of 22 years. He emerged from the "Long Grass," as Central Africa is called by the African, at the mouth of the Zambesi, on the Indian Ocean.

He returned to Europe on an important mission. And there speedily came to fame by the publication of his book on Africa, "Thinking Black," and by his picturesque and thrilling addresses. He is proclaimed as the best missionary .speaker who has ever addressed British audiences.

Under the guidance of Mr. W. R. Moody of Xorthfiekl, he has just concluded a visit.to America, where hi.'» tour has been in the nature of a triumphal progress.

After his New Zealand tour Mr. Crawford will spend some months in Australia en route -for South Africa. There- he will rejoin Mrs. •Crawford, and together they will re-enter the " Long Grass" for their second and final term; for Mr. Crawford never intends to return to civilisation.

Mr. Crawford is a pioneer, explorer and skilled geographer as well a® missionary, and has been elected a FelJoiv of the Royal Geographical Society in recognition of his work of exploration in the regions where the Nile takes its rise. He is also a scholar, and a writer and speaker of distinction. His lectures on Central Africa will give New Zealamlers an unique opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of the Dark Continent from one who on all hands is acknowledged to he the ■worthy successor of David Livingstone, nnd the greatest living African missionary.