ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 185, 4 May 1936, Page 3

ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Travel and Discussion Club The Travel and Discussion Club of the English Speaking Union commenced its 1936 season with an address by Mr. Denton on “A Trip to Indm. and the exhibition of an lent collection of lantern slides. The sneaker gave his listeners many interesting sidelights ou the quaint customs and beliefs of the people. The Hindus believe in the transmigration of souls, and on this account they will uot kill any living thing. Charcoal is used for cooking purposes in India, and Mr. Denton showed a caravan of coolies transporting this commodity. Native milk vendors were shown carrying umbrellas. Their mi.kcans are made of bamboo. Mr. Denton mentioned the dak bungalows in India, where, if there was a room to spare, one could stay for 24 boars by paying a small sum. At the expiration of that time, travellers were bound to move ou to the next bungalow ten miles distant if their rooms were required by new arrivals. 'There were wonderful views of the Himalayas from many of these bungalows. The natives are very fond of gaily-col-oured clothes, and their' attire made a splash of colour at a bullfight Mr. Denton witnessed, though he thought it a tame affair compared with Spanish bn"* lights. He mentioned the ‘‘purdah of the native women who are not allowed to be seen by any menfolk except those in their own households. Screened windows were shown all round dwellings ■which make it possible for the purdah women to dee, without being seen, everything that goes on outside. Tiie cries of the water carriers were very disturbing nt night to the uninitiated train traveller, said Mr. Denton. The native population becomes very thirsty, and at every train stop the water carrier's cry is heard and the answering cries of his customers. There were ninny interesting views ot Bombay (taken when the late King visited it when he was Prince of Wales), of the prayer bouse or Mohammedan temple at Delhi, the Tower of Victory at Delhi—a red sandstone structure containing a flight of steps inside, from which point of vantage one could obtain a magnificent, view of the city. A glimpse was also given of the famous Taj Mahal at Agra, the Jasmine Tower and many other wonderful palaces and temples. In according Mr. Denton a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting talk and pictures, Mr. Keruse. who occupied the chair, spoke of the advantages of travel and how it (ended to bring together in the bonds of friendship peoples of various countries thus helping the English Speaking Union in its work of promoting a lietter understanding among the Englishspeaking countries of Ihe world. A vote of thanks to Mr. Bland, who. operated the lantern, concluded the evening.