of the Bab might be carried forward more speedily.

In regard to your question concerning the Centenary of the birth of
Baha'u'llah's mission: The Guardian, at a later date, will give
instructions concerning this commemoration to the entire Baha'i world.

He has been particularly pleased to note, during the past year, the
increase in pioneer activity going on under your jurisdiction. As you
know, he attaches the greatest importance to this type of Baha'i service;
and he hopes that more of the believers will arise and go forth into the
field, establishing new centers and groups, and broadcasting the Message
of Baha'u'llah over the face of that vast continent.

This is at once their greatest duty and privilege, and one which will
attract the blessings of Baha'u'llah, and enrich, not only each individual
who arises to serve, but the entire Community of which he forms a part.

Whenever the friends feel that they are small in number, and the effort
required, truly colossal, they should remember what the British Baha'is
accomplished during the Six Year Plan; and how, after the long and
exhaustive years of the war and all its restrictions, they succeeded, at
the point of utter exhaustion, one might say, in achieving every single
goal gloriously. The Australian and New Zealand friends, who have not been
subjected to such rigors during the last decade, who are a young and fresh
nation, so to speak, can surely accomplish as much, and one would imagine
more, than their British brethren, who labored under such great handicaps.

He assures you all that he will remember you in his prayers at the Holy
Threshold, and supplicate that your Assembly, and the Community of
believers whom you represent, may achieve great things during the coming
Baha'i year and arise to new heights of self-sacrifice and service.

With warm Baha'i love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. I would like to add that the Guardian does not consider that it is
advisable for New Zealand to be separated in the near future from
Australia, and come under the jurisdiction of an independent National
Assembly. He considers that the present arrangement is the best one until
such time as there are more assemblies flourishing in New Zealand, and he
would consider the basis for a National Assembly strong enough there to
support such an institution.

Regarding the question of Mr. ..., the Guardian was considerably surprised
at his temerity in getting in touch with the Baha'is. He belongs