PROMINENT AUCKLAND WOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 224, 21 September 1929, Page 14

PROMINENT AUCKLAND WOMEN.

MRS.. J. A. BRADSTREET.

"We do not work for girls, we work with girls," said Mrn. J. A. Bradstreet, president of the Young Women's Christian Association, and "Let's do this together" expresses the, spirit of the association. Although she has been a member of this wonderful organisation for over SO years, Mrs. Bradstreet's first active interest began when ghe was elected president •two years ago. Since then•she has been thoroughly absorbed in the work, and' has given unstintingly of her time and energies on its behalf. Her mother, Mrs. Enoch Wood, who is over 83 years of age, was one of the j foundation members, and is one of the two charter members left; so At follows naturally that Mrs. Bradstreet should take up the good work and perpetuate the family spirit. Up till recently family claims had kept Mrs. Bradstreet from accepting responsible public positions. "You cannot do justice to both," she said, "and the building up of a home is a woman's first duty." Speaking of the Y.W.CA., Mrs. Bradstreet said that people did not realise, what a broadminded ' institution it was. It was a mistake to think that its principles existed only in the building headquarters; but the training of the girls, mentally, v . physically and spiritually, continued through life throughout the world. The first thing that attracted Mrs. Bradstreet as regards the association was the- keen spirit that existed. It was, too, most absorbing to be among the young, pulsating life, and those who perhaps were old in years could remain young in outlook 'by the contact. - The main thing in the improvement of conditions for women, whether in social or political life, was to ""get them young." This well-tried idea- was working exceedingly well from the Y.W.CA. point of view, and the younger branches were increasing steadily. Strength was being built up for the > future. There is no doubt that through the efforts of presidents such as Mrs. Bradstreet, the Y.W.C.A. is now a community force. It does not exist as a close corporation, but is out to do service to all women and girls. Mrs. Bradstreet is also president of the Papatoetoe Benevolent Society, a vice-president of the Auckland Presbyterian Association and a keen supporter of all workings in connection with the Presbyterian Church and missionary jrork. In, her spare time she is an enthusiastic gardener, and finds that the best cure for all worries is "to dig them into the soil."