Y.W.C.A. FAREWELL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 86, 13 April 1931, Page 11

Y.W.C.A. FAREWELL.

In honour of their general secretary, Miss Jean Begg, who is leaving for India, the members of the Y.W.C.A. held a large gathering in the assembly hall on Saturday evening. The room was filled .to overflowing, and a stirring reception was given to Miss Begg as she entered with the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, a guard of honour being formed by girl citizens. The hall had been beautifully decorated with masses of flowers. Large bowls containing blue hydrangeas, palms and bamboo were in each corner of the room, and the stage also was transformed into a green bower. On behalf of the board of directors, Mrs. Campbell paid high tribute to the work Miss Begg had done for the Y.W.C.A. during her term of office. At the time of her appointment the board was holding a campaign to obtain funds for a new hostel, and Miss Begg's enthusiasm and

ability for organisation had helped them to achieve their purpose. That the holiday house at Blockhouse Bay had been enlarged and modernised had also been due to Miss Begg's untiring efforts, and she had been the means of acquiring sports grounds at Remuera for the Girls' Athletic Association. Miss Begg was presented by Mrs. Campbell, on behalf of the board of directors, the advisory board and the women members of the association's board with a large travelling trunk and a cheque. In making the presentation, Mrs. Campbell said that Miss Begg's work had always been inspiring and a wonderful source of assistance, and wished her every success in her new work. Mr. J. W. Court spoke on behalf of the advisory board and "expressed warm appreciation of Miss Begg's work in the city of Auckland and their deep regret at losing her. Mrs. Todd-Smith, speaking for the many committees, said that Miss Begg's sincerity and steadfastness of purpose had always been felt among them. Mrs. Ferguson spoke for the Progressive Club and expressed regret at Miss Begg's departure, while on behalf of the Mothers' Club Mrs. Mann paid high tribute to Miss Begg's womanly sympathy and understanding, which had* always been appreciated by them. Miss Doughty, on behalf of the staff, spoke of the"love and appreciation they all had for Miss Begg, whose deep understanding and cooperation had been a source of inspiration to them all. On behalf of the girl citizens of the Auckland community, Miss Joan Fearon said that Miss Begg had been their mainstay in all , their enterprises, and presented her with the emblem of the girl citizens, a silver triangle inscribed with the letters G.C. Representing the girls of the hostel. Miss Greta Faulbaun spoke, and a travelling clock was presented Miss Begg by Miss D. Williams from the federated clubs. An enamel brooch, representing tha badge of the Auckland Society of Artistic Physical Development, was presented to Miss Begg by Madame Baird. In a short speech of thanks, Miss Begg said she felt very proud that such a largo gathering of the Y.W.C.A. family should have assembled to bid her goodbye, and she extended a welcome to Mtes Bentham, her successor as general secretary.