History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. VI.] THE FIRST LEADERS. 323

gentlemen, has been from the first the honorary treasurer of the Association, and one of the most active members of the Managing Committee. It is only right to add that in the days of Mr. Kharshedji Kama’s prosperity there was hardly a single educational or other institution whose objects were not furthered by his handsome and liberal contributions. He was the patron of educated men. In all their difficulties they went to him for advice, and if they had any project to carry out for the good of the people, they had only to give him a hint im order to receive pecuniary assistance. ‘The first Parsi reformers would hardly have been able to accomplish half the good which they effected without Mr. Kharshedji Nasarvanji Kama’s encouragement and support. Mr. Naorozji Fardunji, C.1.E., who was the first honorary secretary, has also been one of the most indefatigable members of the Committee of Management. In fact, all the members of the Committee may be truthfully said to take a warm interest in the schools under their charge.

Besides the before-mentioned schools, as we have said already, there are also schools in Bombay and Surat for the instruction of Parsi girls in connection with the Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai Parsi Benevolent Institution, which are attended by about nine hundred girls.

In all the girls’ schools we have mentioned the