Y.M.C.A. IN FIJI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3773, 6 July 1926, Page 32

Y.M.C.A. IN FIJI.

FOREIGN SPHERE OF LABOUR. W T ORK AMONG HINDUS. For many years the New Zealand Young Men’s Christian Associations, in conjunction with the Australian associations, had been contributing towards the support of Y.M.C.A work in the native state of Hyderabad India. Following on the visit to New Zealand and recommendations of Dr S. K. Datta, the Biennial Convention in Palmerston North in September, 1923. decided on a new foreign work policy, and a field of work, the Indians in Fiji, was entered upon. Tne National Council severed its foreign work connection with the Aus tralian Council, and accepted full responsibility for the new field in Fiji. The position of field secretary to the Indians in Fiji was accepted by the Rev. A. W M‘Millan who proceeded thither in August, 1924. He brought with him from India a large supply of Hindu literature, much of which he has since disposed of, with benefit to his work and to the Indians. When the field was first proposed by Dr Datta comparatively little was known of the situation or the opportunities of service, and he based Ids fervent appeal upon his fortnight’s tour in the main island of Viti Levu. Time has nroved the wisdom of his recognition of Fiji as a needy field of labour. The Indian community, numb z 69,000, has entered the light of a new era, a youthful generation is reaching adoles cence before our very eyes, and the ideals for which the Y M.C.A. stands are such that this generation is in need of. There is ample room for Y M.C.A. activities in at least three populous centres—namely, the Ra-Lautoka-Sigatoka side of Viti Levu, the Rewa Delta including Suva, and at Labasa, on - Vanua Levu, with its 10.000 Indians.

Early in Mr M'Millan’s work in Fiji he felt the hopelessness of maintaining personal touch with the Indian settlers in isolated parts of Viti Levu, and other islands, and the need of publishing a periodical through whose columns he could communicate with them. In a commend ably short time, and at the cost of much labour he produced the Bharat Putra (Son of India), a monthly magazine in HinduEnglish. Mr M'Millan has visited practically all parts of the group, and has formed dose friendship with a large majority of the Indians His wide knowledge and wise judg nient have opened up large opportunities for the interpielation of Christian prin ciples, which has already had its impress on the Oriental mind. In the framing of the constitution of tl)e Indian Reform League the field secretary gmye help aloug sound lines. He was also one of the founders, and is secretary of the Indian league against alcoholism, the

influence of which is having a great effect on the community. The league was started in the mi Idle of 1925 with a membership of 32. and to day numbers about 1000. The cause is spreading rapidly through the colony. The aim is prohibition by means of intensive work and educative influence. A proposal made by Mr M‘Millan to form a Blanket Society in Fiji is receiving hearty support from the Governor, Lady Hutson, and the medical officer of healtn and the general community. The preliminary step to the formation of the society is being taken. He also advocated, with prospect of success, the appointment of women doctors and nurses to attend Indian women in accordance with national maternity custom. The imperative need for a general system of education for the 25,000 Indian children of school age engaged Mr M'Millan’s attention, and he strongly urged consideration of this important subject. It is gratifying to learn that the Government has announced its intention of a Commission to inquire into and report on the matter of a revision of the educational system in the colony as referring to all classes of the community. In social and domestic life, the Indians have been given wise direction and advice in public addresses and private meetings. In the process of reconstniction wise influence exerted at the present time must have a profound effect m tbe elevation of the people in their mutual relationship. Mr M'Millan has at all times urged tne Indians to so improve their conditions as to uphold their national pride and win tho respect of their fellow-colonists. Whilst taking no part in political questions, Mr M'Millan endeavoured to show the Indians that their prosperity in Fiji is generally greater than it would be in India itself, and has urged them to aspire to a national life based on the highest ideals and principles. During tne typhoid epidemic last year, when many deaths occurred of Europeans, Fijians, and Indians, Mr M'Millan devoted his whole time to medical and nursing duties in the temporary hospital at Toorak. For many days his work was so arduous that he had not more than three or four hours’ rest daily. His medical skill and knowledge of Indian life proved of the highest value. To recount fully the many directions in which service has been rendered in Fiji would be beyond ther limits of this report. By his qualifications and missionary devotion, Mr M'Millan has richly earned the respect and esteem of the Fiji community, and the New Zealand Y.M.C.A has thereby come to be regarded a 9 having a very definite interest in rendering Christian service to an allied race. Fiji in its Indian population is passing through a critical period of history. We have put our hand to the plough, in the spirit of sacrifice and. service in Christian brotherhood for which the Y.M.C.A. stands, and of missionary enterprise in general.