AN INDIAN MISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2626, 7 October 1909, Page 5

AN INDIAN MISSION.

PANDITA RAMABAI’S WORK

Mrs. G. Maclvenzie, the secretary of the New Zealand Auxiliary in connection with Pandita Ramabai’s mission to the widows of India, recently paid a visit, accompaned by Mr. Maclvenzie, to the mission station at Mukti, and acquired much interesting information respecting that admirable institution. Mukti is a big township, the building covering 14 acres, and the farm 230 acres. There are 11 big wells on the property which supply water for the use of the inmates, and for irrigating the fields. These wells are 60 feet deep, and 25 feet across, and are all built of solid masonry. A man and 8 bullocks draw the water all the day at each well. The water goes into the tanks and is then distributed all over the place. To do this work there are SO big fat bullocks kept for the purpose. Sixteen hundred widows, many of them little children, are succoured there. They are trained not only according to the Gospel of Christianity, but according to the gospel of work. Mukti is a hive of industry,, and some of its products have been brought by Mrs. Maclvenzie to New Zealand. These will form part of the stock in trade of the sale of work which is to be opened this afternoon in Whin ray’s Hall in aid of the funds of the mission. One great result of Ramabax s work is thus referred to in a report published by Mr. Maclvenzie: “I thiii'k in many respects much has already been done. I believe Ramabai has done more to break down ’caste than any other power in India, yes, more than the British Government would dare to do, or would attempt to do. All who come into the home leave caste behind.” The sale of work is to be opened by the Mayoress (Mrs. W. D. Lysnar) at 2 p.m. to-day, and will remain open till 10 p.m.. ‘ It will be open during similar hours to-morrow.