his gratification at the news of the
enrolment of three new members in the Sydney Baha'i group, and of two
others in the Auckland community. He will pray that these new believers
may continue deepening in their faith, and in their understanding of the
Teachings, and that each of them may arise and lend every assistance in
his power to the further expansion and firmer consolidation of the Faith
in that far-off continent....

(Extract, ibid., p. 28)

(51) March 22nd, 1939

Dear Baha'i Brothers and Sisters,

The Guardian wishes me to gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your card
conveying to him your Assembly's greetings for Naw-Ruz, and to assure you
how deeply he feels appreciative of the renewed expressions of love which
you had felt prompted to transmit to him on such a happy and blessed
occasion.

He immeasurably values indeed your sentiments, and wishes me to take this
opportunity of assuring your Assembly, and all the members of the Auckland
Baha'i Community, of his ardent prayers for the further extension of the
Faith, and its firmer consolidation in your centre, and for the spiritual
advancement and welfare of each and every member of your group. May this
new Baha'i Year we have just entered witness a fresh intensification of
the spirit of service in the heart of each one of you, and lead you to
scale still nobler heights of service and sacrifice in your stewardship to
the Cause.

Reciprocating your kind greetings and with all good wishes for a happy
Naw-Ruz.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani

(52) April 19th, 1941

Dear Baha'i friends,

...He was very sorry to learn that Miss Stevenson has passed on. He will
pray for her joy and advancement in the Worlds beyond. She had the great
honour and blessing of being the first New-Zealand believer and her reward
must be great....

[From the Guardian:]

_Dear and valued co-workers:_

_...The passing of yet another staunch and indefatigable worker, Miss
Stevenson, constitutes yet another loss to the believers in that
continent. The work which that exemplary pioneer has achieved however is
imperishable. Kindly assure her relatives of my deepfelt sympathy._

_Sh._

(Extract, ibid., pp. 38, 39)

(53) April 25th, 1941

Dear Baha'i friends:

Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your Naw-Ruz greetings of the
year 98.

He deeply appreciated your thought in sending him a message at such a
time. The loving remembrance of