Misss Jean Begg Speaks of Women's Work in the World

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 133, 8 June 1935, Page 15

Misss Jean Begg Speaks of Women's Work in the World

RECEPTION AT Y.W.C.A, A reception was tendered to Aliss Jean Begg, national' general secretary' of the Y.W.C.A. of India, Burma and Ceylon, at the Y.W.C.A. rooms, Bryant’s buildings, yesterday afternoon, there being a very large gathering representative of the women’s organisations of the city. The hostesses were Airs IV. J. Phillips, president of tho Palmerston North Y.W.C.A., and Airs 11. Sinclair, vice-president. Opening proceedings, Mrs Phillips oxtended a general welcome and a particular one to the guest of honour, whose work in other lands was followed with such deep interest and whom they wero very proud to sec in person, she said. A large bowl of purple irises and greenery' made striking dceoratiou, and a dainty posy' was presented to Aliss Begg by' Airs Phillips. Aliss Begg returned thanks for tho opportunity of sharing some of her experiences with this particular gathering of women. Outlining her own duties as general secretary' of India, Aliss Begg said had she known the difficulties that would confront her she would have hesitated to take up the position. However, her four years in that country had been a great privilege in that she had had the chance of knowing India intimately and never at any time had she felt any hostility to her organisation. Dcspito tho fact that the women of India were coming out of purdah, and doing things for themselves, they still turned to the Y.W.C.A. for advice in building up their social services.

Aliss .Begg referred briefly to the inspiration of the World’s Council of the Y.W.C.A., at which she, a New Zealander, had had tho privilege of representing tho Indiau association. It had been arresting to hear some of the great women at that meeting in Geneva state that no longer did the club idea of the Y.W.C.A. draw, but that its character-building ideals, which were the foundation of tho whole association, were making the most appeal. Aliss Begg deprecated the fact that no woman delegate from New Zealand had attended tho League of Nations, sitting in Geneva af that time. Women had a very special contribution to make in world affairs, sho contended, whether in economics, industrially or in child welfare—woman belonged in all thoso places. The women of New Zealand needed to go abroad and mix in world organisations to sense their importance. The world was looking at New Zealand, with all its national advantage, its high standard of education, and the highest type of population, and asking “What are we doing?” and above all, ‘‘What are the women doing?” The speaker paid tribute to the ability of the New Zealand delegates at tho world council — two from Auckland, and Aliss J can Stevenson, national secretary for the Dominion, whom she said was one of the leading women in New Zealand. Miss Begg spoke very' strongly' about the apathy of the women of New Zealand with regard to social reforms, and said she hoped tliero would bo someone to take the place of the lato Airs McCombs, their solo representative in Parliament, who had passed away that day.

Miss Bcgg gave vivid word pictures of some of the great personalities at the world conference, mentioning particularly Lady Aberdeen, who had an amazing insight into world affairs; also Mrs Corbett Ashby, who had presided. British women were doing much more along social aud educational’lines than the women of Now Zealand, who wero rather inclined to leave things, accepting what the pioneers had given. “If you don’t keep busy, you will grow into a second-rate country,” Miss Bcgg said. The Nationalistic Tendency

Miss Bcgg stressed the point, that the Y.W.C.A. did not enter a country with the idea of helping that country, but rather to share with its people any gifts they may have. There was a trend to nationalism to-day, and every country was working out its own destiny. Many of the women of India had greater education and more culture than the British women -with whom they worked, and Miss Bcgg said she feit it a privilege to bo a colleague of some of the women leaders in the Indian world to-day. Each year there were more and more women passing matriculation and going on to college, the speaker mentioning, itv passing, that except in a few Indian States, candidates wero required to do the whole examination in English. Miss Begg went on to speak of the tremendous advance made by the world when they could meet in conference from all over India—women of different religions, speaking different languages and eating different foods, yet meeting together to discuss social and educational problems. This conference had previously been most exclusive, but last year by special invitation Mrs Corbett Ashby and. Dr. Maude Royden had attended the gathering at Kura chi, making the trip by air, They had been most acceptable and had done much towards strengthening the links of friendships. The women of India, Miss Begg said, were buzzing with ideas, and were now demanding co-education. Woman’s voice was indeed being heard in India. Miss Begg referred to Rajkunmri Amrit Kaur, of Jui'lindur, one of India’s greatest OJi.risi.iaa letidors, a princess

and daughter of a ruler of ouo of the States. This gracious lady, who was a vice-president of the Y.W.C.A., had done great service for India and was anxious for the women to participate iii the building of tho Indian Empire, The Y.W.O.A. in India now had .100 branches and had been the means ot bringing women of all communities together. In conclusion, Miss Begg made a stirring appeal to tho women of Palmerston North to get behind the organisation and back up Miss Ilindlc. She had no qualms in saying the Y.W.O.A. was an organisation of which to be proud, building up as it did friendships and making for fellowship between nations. It was dclinitely Christian, and its. horizon world-wide, breaking down barriers and bringing races together. Tho speaker commended the Y.W.O.A. as an organisation needed in any community. . Miss Hindlo briefly expressed he? pleasure in the large attendance and in making Irish contacts. Delightful vocal solos were contributed by Miss Georgia Laurenson and Miss L. McDonald, Mrs H. Woodhouso acting as accompanist. Afternoon tea served by the board members was much appreciated, .and thanks to Miss 'Begg and the perform- ; ers, conveyed by Mrs Phillips, eoncl'udcd the meeting.