In Defence of the Ladies

By a Mere Woman

WHENEVER I have heard people de clare that they have no time for the Indians —and judging by what one reads in the “PIM”, this is a very prevalent attitude —I have replied, “Do you know any Indian women or girls?”

The answer is usually in the negative.

Then I have continued, “But why judge a whole race of people by one sex of them?”

Owing to the male Indian’s habit of dominating his womenfolk, they are generally humble and grateful for kind nesses received. Many of these ladies have a hard life, with much work to do, many children to care for, and some times fill-health to combat, and they have developed a ready sympathy for the troubles of" others which is very genuine and very touching. I cannot speak too highly of this side of their natures. The little girls are sweet, eager, and possess a latent sense of fun. The young girls who are fortunate enough to escape marriage at an early age, often make splendid students with a sporting spirit and a fine sense of responsibility.

Much has been said about the Indian lack of war effort. I remember one broiling Saturday afternoon in Suva when I went to a Sale-of-work, in the Lilac Theatre, organized, prepared for, and rum entirely by Indian ladies, to raise funds for a British Red Cross Ambulance. The displays on the stalls spoke eloquently of the long hours of work that had been put into their preparation.

Many suggestions have been put for ward for the solution of Indian problems in Fiji; but may I put forward a new one, which I hope is not entirely fan

tastic? Could not the Indian male raise the status of the Indian woman from her position of abject drudgery, and learn something from her sweetness, patience and understanding?

Some have already done so, to their credit and advantage, and they will heartily agree with me as to the wisdom of this proposition. But let it be done on a large scale, so that the effect may be far-reaching and beneficial.