GIRL IMMIGRANTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 75, 29 March 1913, Page 4

GIRL IMMIGRANTS.

WHO SHALL RECEIVE THEM I THE G.K.cJ. 0R THE Y.W.C.A. , A .Ministerial statement to the effect that the Government intended to use and subsidise the homes of the Girls' Friendly Society iv the four leading centres as the oilicinl places for the reception of girl immigrants, was criticised ill the news columns of yesterday's "Star by prominent officials of the Young Women's Christian Society. They churned that it was decidedly unfair for the Government to single out an Anglican institution such a s the G.F.S. for assistance from the public funds in respect of a work which was being carried on to a considerable extent unaided by tin organisation like the Y.W.C.A., which was • representative of all the Free Churches and the Anglican Church as well.

The case for the G.F.S. \vas explained to the "Star" to-day by the l)!o----cesan secretary of that institution (Mrs. Butler). The" latter contended that the G.F.S. had made no covert arrangements with the Government, as was infered by the Rev. Howard Elliott when speaking yesterday on behalf of the Y.W.C.A.)-. Mrs. Butler explained that at the cot: elusion of their Dominion conference hi November last they published in the daily Press, nnd also forwarded to tile (,'nvrriinienl. a resolution which was iiirricd. as follows: 'We arc willing to .".crept immigrant girls into our Indgw upon recommendation, and lo extend the provision for them if the (iovernment will aid us." Mrs. Buth-r emphasised the fact that thf> C.F.S.. while being offkerod In- churen-wotucn, offered the widest p°ssihlc welcome to girls of any denonnuiition without restriction, save that °' character. "The first wp knew of the proposal of the Government to use our lodges." she stated, "was the publication of the Hon. A. D. Bell's memoranda vrsterdav. It is not part of our pokey "or desire to hinder, obstruct, or belittle the work of any kindred society. Should the Govervmioist v.ish to use our lodges for the purpose, mentioned, however, *te will do our very best, as we are sure other societies will do, to meet the demand." The president of the Girls Friendly Soticty (Mrs. Crossley) w;l3 also approached for an opinion on the matter. .She remarked that as fur ss her society was concerned, the Minister had arrived at his d-.-cision on his own initiative, and she did not feel disposed to criticise it. Mrs. Crossley entirely endorsed the explanation made by Mrs. Butler.