Y.W.C.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 187, 9 August 1932, Page 11

Y.W.C.A.

There was a large attendance at the Young Women's Christian Association last evening, when the annual meeting was held. The president, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, presided. Miss Jean Stevenson, national secretary of the Y.W.C.A. in New Zealand, was present, and was extended a cordial welcome by Mrs. Campbell. In moving the adoption of the annual report, which has already been published in a recent issue of the "Star," Mr. J. W. Court stressed the need for work in the organisation. He suggested that, although times were difficult, the utmost should be done to keep up the efficiency of the association. The best possible staff was wanted, and it should not be cut down to such an extent that they would get inefficiency.

The financial statement was presented by the treasurer, Mrs. M. Rudd, who said that a reduction of rates from £2000 to £1500 had been obtained during the year. In speaking of the cafeteria, Mrs. Rudd said that a greater number of people liad been served, but tlio takings in this department had been less. This proved that people were economising by taking smaller meals. The reports of the federated clubs, the hostel and the girl citizens were read by Miss Tilsley, Miss H. Lang and Miss M. Marett. The election of oflicers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, re-elected; members of board of directors, Mesdames A. H. White, J. Johnston, A. Henderson, E. L. Gavey, T. Derrick, F. Blott, J. Mcintosh, W. J. Edwards. Mesdames Burnett, K. O'Hallaran, and G. H. Wilson were re-elected.

' Miss Jean Stevenson then addressed the gathering. "Here we are," she began, "in the great Christian international women's movement of the world. It is unique and lias a set significance in a time like this." Miss Stevenson pointed out that it was only Christian internationalism that could solve the problems that were faoij»g the world. In both personal aiid social ethics there was already progress, but when it came to international ethics she though that the world liad not developed very far. Each country was still thinking of how it could pursue its own advancement, with little thought to each other. Was there not a chance, she asked, of training youth in a Christian international movement? This was a most wonderful thing to do. The Y.W.C.A. was building up a feeling of real fellowship and understanding, and at the same time endeavouring to build up a true international fellowship.

Miss Stevenson, in conclusion, pointed out the need for an increased interest among the women members and friends, a stronger conviction on the part of the older and younger members, and finally progress in one's own point of view. At the conclusion of Miss Stevenson's address a vote of thanks to the speaker, tlio president and the board of directors was passed by Mr. F. Ambler, a member of the advisory board. During the evening three Russian folk songs were sung by the Girl Citizen Choir. A Kt'ssian dance from the "Nutcracker Suite' (Tschaikowsky) was given by the Leandcr Federated Club, and a closing tableau was also given.