MISSION WORK IN INDIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19959, 30 May 1928, Page 7

MISSION WORK IN INDIA.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the Zenana Bible and Medical Mission was held last evening at .the homo of Mrs. J. T. F. Mitchell, Gillies Avenue, Epsom. The Rev. R. G. Coats presided. In traverjing the work of the year Mr. Coats said the f outstanding feature had been the visit of Miss Leitch, who had done a great work for the mission in the course of her tour through New Zealand. It had been a difficult year owing to financial stringency. There had been a falling off in the receipts of the New Zealand Board of Missions and in this diocese, where there had net been a shortage before, they were face to face with one now. He hoped that peoplo would do as much as possible for the work and that they would give till it hurtThere was no particular merit in giving out of an abundance, but there was where it r<felly hurt to give. The Auckland quota was £ISOO for the mission, but they had only £920 to give this time, The balance-sheet showed receipts totalling £ll2B Bs, and expenditure £lllß 16s lOd. This included a remittance of £920 cabled to London and £162 in connection with Miss Leitch's visit and tour of New Zealand in the interests of the work.

No change was made in the personnel of the officers of the society, all being reelected. with the exception of Mr. Ambrose White, hon. treasurer, who was unable to accept office this year* and with the election to the committee of the Rev. A. W. McMillan. Much appreciation was expressed of the Assistance of Miss E. B. M. Brain, and a tribute was passed to the work of Miss D. J. Dannefaerd, hon. secretary. At the close of the business of the meeting a most interesting talk was given by the Rev. A. W. McMillan upon the book, " Mo'.her India." , «

"Nothing," said the speaker,' "had so stirred India throughout all its length and breadth as this book, save the exposure in 1916 of the conditions of living of the indentured Indians in Fiji." Various statements of the writer were traversed, and Mr. McMillan, who has had several years' experience of missionary life i' l India, said that while there was much that was true there was an over-emphasis of the darker side and not enough recognition given of the finer side of Indian life. Nor did Miss Mayo give recognition to the courageous efforts that are being made by Indans themselves to bring about reforms in certain direction. He quoted the statement made by the representatives of the National Church Council in India, who stated that the book was untrue to facts, and failed to do justice to the religion and piety, the culture, the beauty, the charm and kindness which were to be met with among the highest and the humblest of the people of Indisi. V