"JACK SPRATT" FAMILY

Shannon News, 2 October 1928, Page 3

"JACK SPRATT" FAMILY

HOUSEKEEPING IN INDIA,

- There is a woman in town who should be a model to every boardinghouse landlady. -Nobody knows the troubles she has had, but she does not complain, says a writer to.the Sydney ■"Bm." ■

Her duty was to keep house, for forty women and children. They were a kind>of "Jack -Spratt'/ family—half wouldy for religious reasons, eat no mutton; the other half would eat no beef. Some would eat nothing, whatever cooked by a Christian. The danger of having boarders kidnapped was always present, a danger guarded against by high walls and big doors.

There was also the danger, felt by some of the boarders, that they would not be kidnapped. Commapdant M. A. Hood, of the Salvation Army, was in charge of this establishment in India for six and ahalf years. It was the Salvation Army's Industrial Home at Calcutta, where widows «and deserted wives were sheltered, often with their children. Some'were unclaimed patients from hospitals; some were homeless; some were children left alone by their parents and picked up and cared for by the Army.

"When a woman would come to us first she generally refused to eat the food of the home because of the Christian cook. We used to send to the bazaars for their food till they got used to the idea and ceased to mind, as the others did. But they would try and hide the disgrace from their friends Fish or vegetable curries were a great item on the menu."

The arranging of marriages was another side-line in this housekeeper's business. A Christian Hindu seeking a wife would often come to the home. First his womenfolk would-be sent. If they approved of the suggested bride they came again with the bridegrooni-to-be. If he approved he bought her wedding dress and most of the trousseau, and they would be married in one of the Christian churches.

The danger of kidnapping was caused by Mahometans who would try to , snatch the girls away from their Christian protectors. The high walls are a necessity in India around such an institution.

The Hindu is an early riser, and the day began at 5. Tea and dry bread, the staple breakfast of India, was served at 7.30. At 8 everyone went to pray to whatever god they preferred, and then the day's work of sewing and embroidery was commenced. , "The women are lovable,," said Mrs. Hood, '' and it was a pleasure to work among them.- Their great delight is to give little gifts to show their appreciation. Funny little calico handkerchiefs, with a tiny sprig embroidered ifc the corner, worked by themselves, cost all they can afford', about one penny.

'' Since my marriage last year I have been stationed with my husband in Rangoon. The/e the work has been more clerical and not so humanly interesting. Now we are enjoying our first holiday for seven years. We visited Scotland to see my husband's people. He is still there, but I wished to see mine here in N.S.W. and Victoria When we return to Burma we hope to have more interesting work to do."