West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Thursday 26 May 1949, page 5


NEW NATIVE MISSION Site On Madura Station NORSEMAN, May 25: The Rev. Sopher, with his wife and five children, have arrived at Madura station, on the Eyrehighway, where 'they will set up a native children's home and school, under the auspices of the Australian Aborigines' Evangelistal Mission, with headquarters in Sydney. The organisation was established in 1947 with the Rev. E. J. Telfer, of Sydney, as president. It is supported by Dr. Oswall J. Smith, of the People's Church, Toronto (Canada). Mr. Sopher,

who is field director also comes from Toronto. The Toronto People's Church has 200 missionaries on 20 different fields throughout the world. Negotiations have not yet been completed for the purchase of 370;000 acres of land, including a homestead, at Madura, the property of Mr. R. Mackie. Mr. Sopher says that the property is ideal for a mission. He hopes to encourage natives from north of the eastwest railway line and along the line to come to the mission. "This is the first mission base set up in Australia by the organisation.