HINDOO GIRLS OF TO-DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15562, 20 March 1914, Page 9

HINDOO GIRLS OF TO-DAY.

THE GREAT AWAKENING. At the Alexandra Street Hall last night a most interesting and instructive lecture, illustrated with lantern slides, was given by Miss Brentnall, travelling representative of the Young Women's Christian Association in Calcutta, India. Miss Brentnall spoke of the powerful influence the association has on the women and girls in India. " The present is a time of great crisis in the lives of the women of India,'' said Miss Brentnall, " now that they are coming out into the world from the protection and privacy of the Purdah, and the great fear expressed by the men is that they may become what is called " suffragettes." Certainly they go to great lengths, and the first Hindoo to ascend in an aeroplane was a Brahmin woman which was a tremendous thing for an Indian woman to do." Miss Brentnall also said it was rather pathetic the trust the Indians have in the association. " A father will come to us," said Miss Brentnall, "and give us his son or' daughter, telling us we are its father and mother." In conclusion. Miss Brentnall spoke of the urgent need for workers and" funds. The association has 140 branches in all parts of India, and the need for workers is imperative, for the work which is being done is of great importance. The women of India must be educated and guided for the new part they are called upon to play in the-progress and advancement of their country. The pictures shown on the screen gave vivid and interesting glimpses of life in India, and were greatly appreciated by all present. J Miss Stillwell (secretary) thanked Miss Brentnall on behalf of the meeting, and a collection was then taken up for the funds of the association.