Y.W.C.A. IN PEKING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19946, 2 November 1934, Page 14

Y.W.C.A. IN PEKING

GOOD WORK BEING ACCOMPLISHED

INTERESTING LECTURE By pictures and story. Miss N. Moncrieff. M.A.. New Zealand Y.W.C.A.. secretary stationed at Peking, last night gave a Timaru audience an insight into conditions in China to-day and into the work being carried out by the Y.W.C.A. The* address, which was given in the Y.W.C.A. club rooms, was well attended. The Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite) Introduced the speaker, and extended a welcome to those present. The presence of so many people showed the interest they were taking in the movement. which he hoped would continue to flourish, as it was doing a lasting good m the community.

Miss Moncrieff expressed pleasure at again being able to visit Timaru. and said that she had noted the growth of the branch in the five years that had elapsed since her previous visit. Before commencing her lecture. Miss Moncrieff. with the assistance of members of the Y.W.C.A.. displayed a number of Chinese dresses, most of which were beautifully embroidered, and manufactured in striking colours. She then proceeded to give a brief outline of the history of China, and particularly of Peking, which reflected in miniature practically the whole of the country. It had had many ups and downs, she said, having been destroyed end rebuilt time and again. To-day

there was marked activity in the city, there being hardly an empty house or shop, while building was going on with tremendous rapidity.

During the remainder of the ever ing. Miss Moncrieff displayed a lars number of lantern slides of Peking, i'

buildings and its people, and also views depicting the activities of the Y.W.C.A. By means of the pictures, the speaker was able to give the audience an idea of the type of homes to be seen in Peking, the streets, market places and temples. The last-named were of particular interest, the views of the Temple of Heaven being very striking. The great triple-roofed building was described by Miss Moncrieff as one of the architectural wonders of the world, because it was hard to see how each roof was supported. At this spot there had been worship of a sort for 4000 years. In this temple the Emperor prayed twice a year for the progress of his people, and at the open altar of Heaven, a massive marble structure, he prayed once a year for the sins of the people. Passing on to the work of the Y.W.C.A.. Miss Moncrieff displayed views of the Peking staff, of the school and of the children, each slide being interestingly explained. It was a story of progress and of enlightenment, and it was not hard to realise just how

much good the movement has done, and should continue to do. At the conclusion of her address. Miss Moncrieff answered questions, and was. on the motion of Mr F. I. Washbourn. accorded a vote of thanks.