LECTURE ON INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9145, 29 August 1888, Page 5

LECTURE ON INDIA.

On Friday evening, August 24th, Mr. Rees, headmaster of the Point Chevalier District School, delivered a most interesting lecture on India before the Mount Albert Mutual Improvement Society. The lecturer introduced his subject by giving a general outline of the size and extent of the country, its lofty range of mountains, its rivers, population, races, and languages. The sub-divisions of the country were described, and the peculiar manners and customs of the various nationalities. Reference was made to the power and influence of the numerous native princes, with the size and importance of the various principalities, all under the authority and control of one man—Her Majesty's representative, the Viceroy of India. In describing the peculiarities of the various races, he said that the Parsees adopt European customs to a greater extent than any of the other inhabitants of India, while the Mahomedans, numbering over forty millions of people, are the most loyal to the British Throne. One peculiar race of people, residing in a district by themselves, were evidently members of the House of Israel, performing all the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish religion. They have been settled in India from time immemorial, and call themselves descendants of Saul, the first King of Israel. Whatever may be their origin, they have resided in the country so long that they are coloured like the natives of India, and are called Black Jews; the other members of the Hebrew race are called white Jews. The lecturer then described the brilliant achievements of Lord Clive with a mere handful of men against a victorious army. The events which preceded and led to the Indian Mutiny, the fall of Delhi, the massacre of Cawnpore, and India saved by the wise administration and loyalty of the Punjaub. Having resided in India for a period of twenty-eight years, and taken an active part in avenging the atrocities committed by the Sepoys, the lecturer spoke with authority, and was listened to with rapt attention. Musical selections were rendered by members of the class, and at the close a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.