Christ Church Mothers’ Union

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 October 1950, Page 9

Christ Church Mothers’ Union

Miss C. M. Dalton, of Travancore, on furlough from the Church of South India, who is staying In Wanganui and last month spoke to the members oi Christ Church Mothers' Union, continued her talk at this month’s meeting Held in the Parish Hall. Miss Dalton had promised to wear the traditional sari, and this she did. “No doubt you expected to see me in one of the gay saris that are usually worn by Indian women’’ said the speaker, who explained that the type of dress Is peculiar to Travancore, and the white sari is adopted by the group of Christian women. Describing the dress, which was caught on the shoulder with a gold brooch, Miss Dalton said it took five yards of thin ordinary cotton material 52 inches wide. She showed how the garment was made and the sari adjusted, even to wearing it as a head covering. A narrow henna coloured border with a gold thread running through it, edged the sari most effectively. The speaker said all the young Indian girls have a gay border on their saris and as the women become cider, the border used becomes less elaborate, more simple and quiet looking. She displayed fine gold chain; and jewellery usually worn with tlie saris.

Miss Dalton, in tracing the history of Christianity in India, told of the formingof the Church of South India. Altogether there are a million Christians. Speaking of the Mothers’ Union of the Church of South India the speaker said the alms are the same as elsewhere. After 1951 their position will be precarious and they will have to find their own finances. Many of the missionaries who had come to the retiring age and went back to their countries were replaced by Indian missionaries. Miss Dalton told how "Monica House,” the Mothers’ Union House, came into being. At first there was some antagonism shown by the people of the district chosen for the building, also against what they called the strange new people and they had many difficulties over the erection of the building. When the house was finally finished and opened, mothers came from many parts and surged into the building, some binging gifts of brass vessels for use in the house. In that house is now carried on an extensive medical work, leaders are trained, and there are teachers anu nurses. Last January they held their first diocese gathering there. The speaker showed miniature replicas of brass vessels and explained their various uses. Mrs C. A. White moved a vote of thanks to Miss Dalton for her address, and was handed a floral spray by the enrolling member, Mrs C- R White, who presided. A church service conducted by the vicar, the Rev J. R. L. Higgs, was held prior to the social gathering. Invitations were received from other branches to attend birthday and special meetings The tea hostesses were Mesdames Hounsell, E. K. Cameron, J. Groshlnski and Darling.