He immeasurably values indeed your sentiments, and wishes me to take this opportunity of assuring your Assembly, and all the members of the Auckland Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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-Rúz. Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani (52) April 19th, 1941 Dear Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í friends: Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your Naw-Rúz greetings of the year 98. He deeply appreciated your thought in sending him a message at such a time. The loving remembrance of the friends is dear to his heart in these heavy and sad times. He assures you that the friends of Australia and New Zealand are often in his thoughts and prayers, and he is so pleased with the continued evidences of their devotion and services to the Cause of God. With Bahá’í greetings, Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani (54) April 18th, 1942 Dear Bahá’í Sister: ...He was delighted to learn that the New Zealand members were able to make the trip to Australia, and that such a highly satisfactory N.S.A. meeting was held, in such a spirit of love and harmony. No doubt this experience will prove of great value, not only to the National Assembly, but also to the work of the Cause in the days to come.... (Extract, ibid., p. 45) (55) May 12th, 1944 Dear Bahá’í Sister: Your letters dated March 1st, 25th and March 21st--Bahá’í Naw-Rúz greeting--have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf. He was very pleased indeed to hear that the Cause in New Zealand is not only steadily progressing but that it is winning such good friends as Rev. Chandler. Also the preparations you are making for the Centenary should serve to not only publicise the Faith, but bring the believers closer to liberal-minded fellow-citizens.