RAMABAI AND HER WORK.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14976, 25 May 1914, Page 9

RAMABAI AND HER WORK.

ADDRESS BY MRS NAtDER. Mrs who is visiting New Zealand in the interests of the Ramabai Mission, addressed a largely-attended gathering in tho Grand Theatre yesterday afternoon. Tho meeting was held •under the auspices of tho Methodist Central Mission, and was presided over by the Rev; J. Cooker.

Mrs Nalder commenced her address with a brief life-history of Ilamabai, who, she said, was in her opinion tho most wonderful person in tho world. Born of a father of the highest caste and of exceptional moral courage, and a mother of remarkable) education and mental abilities, R.imabai very early showed signs of great strength "of purpose and mental powers, and soon became Tersed ill all the Hindoo philosophy. She had. the advantage of a loving home, and her father, contrary to custom, refused to allow her marriage as a child. She was, however, dc-oriied to adversity and- suffering, for whilo she was still young one of the periodical-famines to which India is subject deprived her of both father and mother, and condemned her to some years of intense poverty and privation. At tho ago of twenty-two she married, but lost her husband within two years' Soon after she camo into contact with some English missionaries, who, perceiving her exceptional powers, took her to England, whero sho entered a training college. Gradually sho was led to accept the Chrr-Jtiau faith, and afterwards set out for India again to convey her message of truth to the child-widows of that country. The number of widowed children in the institution which Ramabai established rapidly increased, until at the present time two thousand young widows are being cared for. Ramabai's aim, said Mrs Nalder. was to gather into her homes- two thousand young people and to impart to them the truths of Christianity. Ramabai's mission, said the speaker, was entirely dependent for its support upon voluntary contributions. Prayer was the basis of tho existence of tho mission. One hundred and fifty pounds were required every week to keen the institution going, and tho whole of this sum w.i 3 obtained without tho issue of any begging appeals. Ramabai's work was pureiv undenominational. Trained native workers went out from her mission to recruit the ranks of missionaries of all denominations. "In my Bible." Ramabai „id. "I find no "denoininatto__." As a result of her labours. 1500 nersons had"definitely renounced their idolatrous practice-* and embraced the Christian faith. Mrs Nalder- concluded her address by an earnest appeal for assLstnnce in 'ho great work. As the congregation* U'ft the building a retiring collection was taken m» ■» a-d ot the Mission.