OLD THAMES GIRLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21874, 9 August 1934, Page 3

OLD THAMES GIRLS

MONTHLY AT HOME A TALK ON CHINA The bond of fellowship that exists between members of the Old Thames Girls' Association was amply shown yesterday afternoon at the monthly At Home held in the Pitt Street Methodist Hall, when the president, Mrs. A. Oldham, welcomed a Jar go gathering of members and visitors. Reference was made by Mrs. Oldham to the recent deaths of Mrs. T. A. Gentles, Mrs. W. Webber, Mrs. E. Harrison, Canon C. H. Grant Cowen, Mr. T. Smytlieman, Mr. M. O'Loughlin and Mr. C. Read, members standing in silence. Expressions of sympathy were also passed with the following members of the association, who are ill: —Mrs. R. Smith, Mrs. J. Crawford, Mrs. E. Crawford, Mrs. E. Climo, Mrs. M. Redfern, Mrs. Cliif, Mrs. S. L. Hirst, Mrs. McDonald, Mr. M. Paul and Mr. 11.. It. Menzics. A short address on the work of the missionaries attached to the China Inland Mission was given by Mr. Harry L. Taylor, who is at present on furlough in New Zealand. The mission, which has its headquarters in Shanghai, has 1350 missionaries, who represent every European country. "Living in the south-west of China, over 1000 miles from European influences, it is customary for the missionaries to adopt the ways of the people—living in Chinese houses, wearing Chinese clothes and learning to speak one or more of the languages, so that they might get into touch with them," the speaker said. The work of the mission was done nnstly among poor and illiterate people, the majority of whom wero unable to read. Those who embraced Christianity were mostly from those classes. Recently, however, education had been making gradual progress and many youifg people were learning to read and write. The speaker illustrated his address with the coloured Gospel posters and pictures which arc used to reach the majority who cannot read or write Examples of fine needlework and sandals made from rice straw by Chinese women were exhibited at the close of the address. A short musical programme was given by Mrs. Simpson, who sang, arid Mrs. Mathews, who recited. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs. Dawson and her committee.