p. 19 | A School for Burma by G. F. Enoch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1909

A School for Burma

By G. F. Enoch

At the Lucknow meeting, Brother A. W. Steevens, of Meiktila, Burma, brought to the conference the good news that influential Burmese and others were desirous that our mission open an industrial school in Upper Burma. A committee, consisting of the Burmese workers, Elder J. L. Shaw, and Dr. H. C. Menkel, was appointed to investigate the proposition. This committee visited Meiktila in February, and looked carefully into the matter. The project was considered favorably by them, and it was decided to recommend that it be developed. For this purpose a man was asked for from America to take charge of the school, and Brother Steevens was to go forward working up the proposition.

The matter finally came to the attention of Sir Thirkell White, the lieutenant-governor of Burma, who became interested in it, and requested an interview with the promoters of the plan, and the representatives of the mission. He appointed July 19 as the date for the interview. Owing to Elder H. H. Votaw’s absence in America, this request for an interview from the highest representative of the British government in Burma placed Brother Steevens in an anxious position. But as a result of the good telegraph system, the writer was soon on his way to represent the mission at the interview.

The lieutenant-governor received us very pleasantly. He asked Brother Steevens concerning the progress of the project up to the present and its prospects for the future. The writer gave information concerning our system of industrial education, and the policy and financial standing of the denomination. Oo Saw Maung, subdivisional magistrate for the Meiktila district, spoke concerning the real want existing in the community for such a school.

Sir Thirkell White followed all that was said with the keenest interest. The questions asked by him showed that he fully understood all that was involved in a project of this kind. Brother Steevens and the Burmese representatives promised to raise the sum of thirty-five thousand rs. in cash. On behalf of the mission, I promised that if this sum was raised, and at least fifty boys given us, and a grant of land from the government, we would provide a qualified superintendent and teachers, and be responsible for its maintenance. In response to our request for land, we were told to apply for it through the regular channel, and it was likely that we would get the amount of land that the local government is allowed to grant for such a purpose. In this locality, this will be about fifty acres. After nearly an hour’s interview concerning the matter, the governor dismissed us pleasantly, assuring us of his interest in the project and wishing it success.

The burden for the immediate future rests on Brother Steevens and those living in the vicinity, who are making an effort to raise the cash required before the enterprise can be launched. This surely seems a providential opening for us among the Buddhist people, and I bespeak the prayers and co-operation of all our people in the behalf of those who have this burden to bear.

G. F. ENOCH.