On Tuesday evening, the anniversary public meeting of the above Society, was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom. The Rev. William Schofield opened the meeting by prayer, and afterwards introduced Mr. Sidney Stephen, barrister, as chairman.

Mr. Stephen said that it afforded him great pleasure, to be engaged in such a cause, on the occasion of his first visit to Geelong. He had been delighted with the appearance of the country, having never seen any place on the earth which enjoyed so many of the temporal blessings of providence as this district, and he had travelled over the greater part of Europe, as well as several thousand miles through the United States of America, and throughout the neighbouring Australian colonies. While they thus enjoyed so largely these temporal blessings, he trusted that they would not neglect those privileges which were of incalculably greater value - that they would not content themselves with sending away merely the fruits of the soil and the produce of their flocks, but lend their aid in diffusing the glad tidings of salvation to the uttermost ends of the earth: to impart to others the gospel privileges they themselves enjoyed.

Mr. Dredge as Secretary read the report of the Society for the last year, an abstract of which will be found hereunder.

The Rev. Andrew Love rose to propose the first resolution as follows: -

That the report be received: and that while this meeting sees especial reason to rejoice in the prosperity vouchsafed to the operations of the Wesleyan Missionary Society during the past year, it cordially participates in the triumphs which have attended the efforts of other similar societies: and attributes the success of all entirely to the efficient and promised agency of the Holy Spirit, for whose pouring out in richer plenitude it encourages the most anxious desires and fervent prayers.

In the course of his remarks in proposing the resolution, Rev. Mr. Love remarked, that, the vicissitude which is the lot of man was strongly evidenced in a circumstance which had occurred since their last meeting. On that occasion he had the honour to occupy the chair, and he had since learnt with sorrow, that, at the very time he was so employed, a dear and valued friend, the one who in fact had first imbued his mind with zeal for the missionary cause, had passed from time into eternity.

Dr. Alexander Thomson seconded the resolution, which on being put by the chairman, was carried unanimously.

The Rev. Mr. Schofield moved the next resolution as follows: -

That this meeting, deeply impressed with the moral wretchedness of the heathen who are yet destitute of the glad tidings of the Gospel both in this and other countries - observes with interest the openings of usefulness presenting themselves in various portions of the mission field - particularly in the encouraging aspect of the neighbouring Mission to the Aborigines - resolves to use its utmost exertions to support and extend the means of salvation throughout the world.

In approaching this subject, he said, he felt much the same as the young native of Fiji, who, after having become qualified for the ministry, desired to preach in the 'great chapel,' because if overcome by the magnitude of his duties, he 'might lay hold of the pulpit with both hands to support him from falling.' The conversion of the heathen was indeed a subject of no ordinary importance. He remembered when he first heard of the decision of the Committee of the Society in sending an order for the discontinuance of the Buntingdale Mission and appointing Rev. Francis Tuckfield to be his colleague in Melbourne. He and his brother prayed earnestly for the welfare of the aborigines, but he was afraid that he had not prayed enough. Happily, however, the Committee changed their determination and the mission has since been eminently successful.

After relating several anecdotes of the depravity of savage tribes, and the change produced in them by their conversion to Christianity, he concluded by drawing particular attention to the claims of the aborigines of this country, and although he would leave all details to the next speaker, he could not but express the gratification he received from a visit to the aboriginal station, and from witnessing the habits of peace and industry which had been acquired by the natives.

The Rev. Mr. Tuckfield rose to second the motion. In looking around him it gave him great pleasure to see so numerous an assemblage of persons of all denominations of evangelical Christians, and he trusted it was a favourable omen of the final cessation of that spirit of intolerance and contention which might be said to have rent the church asunder. In reference to the particular object the meeting, he confessed that he felt a degree of pride in standing forth as the advocate and in a manner the representative of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Australian wilds. Very few would admire his taste, approve his choice, or envy his position; and yet he felt a pride in that position. It was true that he had his predilictions for his caste and his colour, and that he fully appreciated the difference between the company of his fellow Christians, and that of the degraded beings who had been considered by many as forming the link between man and the brute creation; but when he saw a clear line of duty laid before him - when he saw a means of rescuing these beings from their degradation, he could not allow mere personal considerations to cause him to swerve from the path of duty.

It was now one year and ten months since the present system of isolating one tribe of natives from the surrounding tribes, had been adopted, and he was happy to say with signal success. It was true, that on one or two occasions, a few of the old men left the reserve, and went to visit a neighbouring tribe, but they declared that they did not do so from their own desire, but from fear of their enemies if they did not accept the invitation. They had now entirely left off this practice, and he assured the meeting that with the exception stated, none of the tribe had ever left the reserve except upon the business of the mission. Their progress in agriculture and the arts of civilization had been rapid.

Last year, without any assistance whatever, they ploughed 16 acres of land, which is now tilled with wheat. The native women now spend their time in needle-work, and making trousers, shirts, and jackets, while their husbands are at work on the farm, or tending the flock of sheep on the reserve. That they were making progress in their religious studies was also most gratifying. They could now repeat their catechisms, repeat the responses of the Litutgy, and sing hymns of praise to God.

One young man in particular had given evidence that the good work had begun in his heart, and that he would ultimately become the means of imparting the gospel to others. One day after service he observed this young man look serious and agitated and he enquired what was the cause. The young man placed his hand upon his breast, and said "Here, I have two spirits within me, a good spirit and a bad spirit; and sometimes my heart is hard, very hard, but sometimes it is a little soft."

At another time, he had occasion to send two natives with a bullock team to Geelong for stores, and after they were gone about half an hour, one of them came back out of breath, and said he wanted his shield and his leanguil (hatchet), and also Jemmy's shield and leanguil. He (Rev. Mr. Tuckfield) said, "I hope you are not going to fight." "Oh, no," replied the black, "we are going to make a present of them, to the Barrabool tribe, for you know we shan't want them any more!"

Here was an exemplification of the influence of Christianity in causing the natives to turn their instruments of warfare into scythes and pruning hooks. Surely there is hope for these young men, that they may live to become a guide to their benighted countrymen.

In the school department, he was sorry to say that less attention had been paid. There was no one on the station but himself to undertake the duties of the school, and his time had been so interrupted, first by the expected abandonment of the mission, and his frequent journeys, even so far as Sydney on a late occasion, had prevented that continued application which was necessary to success. The natives had however made considerable progress in reading. A portion of the Conference Catechism had been printed in their own language, which had been found very useful. On the occasion of his visiting Sydney, he had the pleasure of attending a tea party at the opening of the York Street Chapel, and he there told the simple tale of the progress of his mission. The consequence was that during the remainder of his stay, scarcely a day passed without his being waited on with presents for his 'poor blacks.'

On his return, he proposed to his brother Schofield to take a begging excursion through the bush, in order that he might be enabled to lay before the meeting a statement of his success; but in this he was overruled, because it was thought that the meeting would set a better example to the bush, than the bush would to the town, so that this formed another reason why they should be generous in their donations. The object he had in view was to render the mission independent of all foreign support, to make the natives produce sufficient not only for their own support, but for paying all expenses connected with the mission. If it were asked how long it would take to accomplish this, he would reply, "in the course of a year and a half, or two years at the utmost." And if it were asked how it was to be done, he replied by the increase of their present flocks and by begging.

He commenced the Mission Flock with fifty ewes which had been presented to him by a few kind friends. There were now 600 in the flock, and had it not been for the interruptions already mentioned, he had no doubt but the number would now have been a thousand. In the course of a few days too, he expected to receive a herd of cattle to depasture on terms, and he had received many promises of support. One gentleman had laid out £10 in the purchase of ewes, and had promised after taking two clips of wool, to hand over the whole with the increase at the end of next year.

Another gentleman had promised to purchase two cows at the next sale, and several other offers had been made. It might be urged, that the indolent habits of the aborigines will prevent the profitable management of the stock. It is true they are indolent; but they are improving in this respect; and to show there was no fear on this head, he would state the system pursued at the station. Each of the men shepherd the flock in turns, and relieve each other every moon. As soon as the new moon appears, the shepherd receives a blanket and five shillings: and they always spend the money so earned in some useful article, so that these rewards, if fact, cost the mission nothing, inasmuch as the blankets and clothing would have to be supplied whether earned of not. At last moon he had no less that three applicants for the situation of shepherd during the next moon. He was confident that in two years the mission would be a self-supporting one, in which case they would be in a position to apply to the government for another reserve to commence operations with another tribe; and it was surely not too much to expect that the natives already converted, would be able to lend their assistance in rescuing others from their degradation.

Dr. Thomson having taken the chair, Mr. Schofield moved, and Mr. Dredge seconded.: -

That the thanks of the meeting be presented to Sidney Stephen, Esq., for the honour of his visit, and for the kindness and ability with which he has presided on this occasion.

In presenting a report of the operations of the Wesleyan Missionary Society for the past year, it is a matter of distinct and grateful acknowledgement to Almighty God, that he has greatly blessed his servants, the Missionaries in their arduous toils in the various parts of the Mission-field, crowning their labours with the joy of saving souls! Whilst, both at home and abroad, he has moved upon the hearts of his people to give liberally of their substance in the support and extension of a preached Gospel, thus exhibiting a valid illustration of the scriptural axiom, - "freely ye have received, freely give."

In New South Wales the increasing prosperity of the work is evidenced by the addition of 300 members within the last nine months. In Sydney a new and commodious chapel has been erected in York Street affording extensive accommodation to a flourishing Society and respectable and increasing congregation.

In the province of Australia Felix (Port Phillip) the work is acquiring stability, and there are inviting fields of usefulness holding forth the promise of encouraging success were an adequate supply of suitable instrumentality brought into operation. In Melbourne the Society is receiving gradual accessions to its members, while the Sunday and Day Schools are exerting a beneficial influence on the young. At Collingwood also there are flourishing Sunday and Day Schools - and the temporary chapel has recently undergone enlargement to meet the demand for accommodation both from the Schools and congregations. Similar institutions are also in useful operation both at William's Town and at Brunswick. At Geelong the Society and congregation have outgrown the accommodations afforded by the temporary place of worship hitherto in use and to provide more room a grant of Land has been obtained from the government, and handsome and generous contributions from persons of all denominations have been received towards the erection of a permanent and commodious chapel, and upwards of 100 children are taught in the Sunday and Day Schools.

In the Buntingdale Aboriginal Mission a favourable and most encouraging change has taken place. The isolation of the tribe amongst whom the Mission is established - and their consequent defence against the treachery of their enemies of their own colour have induced a more steady disposition to settle down on the reserve - the children are therefore more regular at school and the young men are entering upon their agricultural and other industrial pursuits with a zeal and interest which give promise of stability to their civilized habits - while some of them furnish most unequivocal proofs of the influence of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts.

At Adelaide in South Australia a school for the instruction of native families had been commenced with hopeful prospects.

In Western Australia the native establishment furnishes abundant proof that aborigines are capable of instruction and susceptible of religion.

In Van Diemen's Land the unhappy natives are nearly extinct; but the ordinances of religion are afforded to great numbers of convicts, and most beneficial effects have been manifested in many of these outcasts of society.

In New Zealand the missionaries of the Society have much encouragement in the success graciously vouchsafed to their endeavours by the Great Head of the Church; but many are their difficulties; and they need the wisdom of the serpent as well as the harmlessness of the dove to enable them to promote good feeling amongst the colonists and the natives.

With respect to the Friendly Islands, the state of the Tongatabu Mission is said to be, to some extent, satisfactory: many of all ranks have renounced idols, and operations have been extended to new places. The King and Queen at Vava'u continue to manifest great zeal for the extension of Christianity, and many of the people are making advancement. In Fiji, as in many other places the greatest difficulties arise from past successes. At least 13 additional Missionaries are wanted to place the mission in a state of tolerable efficiency, and secure the advantages already acquired by a great sacrifice of health and comfort.

In Africa, Cape of Good Hope District - the numbers of the missionaries have been still further reduced by the death of the Rev. Edward Cook. - In the Albany and Caffraria District decided prosperity has been exhibited. There has been a larger net increase in the number of members than usual; and the spirit of religious inquiry has been more expansively awakened among the people of many of the stations. This state of things is attributable in a great degree to the divine blessing upon the native agency which has been brought more fully into operation during the year, and instruction, exhortation, and warning, of the most efficient character administrated, by men, who in their own tongues declare the wonderful works of God, from a heartfelt and happy experience of them in their own hearts.

The Committee thankfully report that the missions in the Bechauana District have been extricated from the critical circumstances in which they were placed by the proceedings of the emigrant Dutch farmers; here a useful native agency is rising up, and the number of members have increased.

In the District of Sierra Leone there has been an addition of 300 communicants, and 570 remain on probation. The schools, comprising 2,200 scholars, are generally in a satisfactory state; the mission press, under the management of two young Africans, is in useful operation: and the report of the training institution is encouraging. From St. Mary's, Gambia, the accounts are satisfactory. At Macarthy's Island, the educational Institution owing to the death of the missionary, requires assistance; and the mission at the Gold Coast is in a hopeful state. The prospects of the mission at Rumasi, the capital of Ashante, are very cheering; the chief of Bantamo had placed his five sons under missionary instruction. But night still hangs over the land, and the partial introduction of gospel light has only thrown the surrounding darkness into deeper shade: in 4 months 800 Indians have fallen beneath the sacrificial knife in Rumasla.

The establishment of the mission at Badagry was a most important event. At this place the seat of sanguinely superstition and slave trade atrocity, welcome had been given to the returned Christianized emigrants from Sierra Leone; and missionaries had been hailed as benefactors, openings had also been made in the Aka or Yariba country, and to Hausa and Duhomi.

The General Summary of the Society's Operations is as Follows: -

* Central or principal stations, called Circuits, occupied by the Society in various parts of the world, 274.

* Missionaries and Assistant Missionaries, including 11 Supernumaries, 387.

* Other paid Agents, as Catechists, Interpreters, Day School Teachers, &c., 1,640.

* Unpaid Agents, as Sabbath School Teachers, &c., 4,884.

* Full and accredited Church Members, 191,137.

* On trial for Church Membership as far as ascertained, 5,086.

* Scholars, deducting for those who attend both the Day and Sabbath Schools, 64,307.

* Printing Establishments, 7.