Y.W.C.A. RECEPTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 124, 27 May 1936, Page 14

Y.W.C.A. RECEPTION.

TWO INTERESTING VISITORS. There was a record attendance at the Y.W.C.A. assembly hall last evening, when the Y.W.C.A. Business and Professional Women's Club gave a reception in honour of Miss Uina Addv, of Calcutta, and MTss Rutli Cowdray, general secretary of the Y.W.C.A. in Aladras. Tlio hall had been transformed with tall vases of autumn leaves and Iceland poppies and brass bowls and coloured candles in brass candlesticks were placed on each table. Autumn tones were also noticed in the softly-shaded standard lamps that stood at intervals about the room and fronds of nikau palm and bowls of holly berries adorned the stage. On arrival the guests were received by ■the' vice-president, Miss Joan Carrriicliftel, who wore a frock of white souple satin, and were introduced to .Sites Addy, who wore a sari of peacock blue and gold cloth, and to Miss Cowdray, w"ho wore black panne velvet and cream lace. The general secretary, Miss E. Bennet, was in black taffeta. In giving thanks for the welcome extended to her by Miss Canniehael, Miss Addy spoke of the kindness and hospitality with which she had been received both in Australia and in New Zealand. "The world needs not only the hospitafity of homes, but the hospitality of hearts also," she said, "and I have found your homes and your hearts open to me here in New Zealand." Miss Addy proceeded to speak of her interest in international movements and the great need for world fellowship, giving a short account Of the various conferences and peace movements in which she had taken part. At the conclusion of her address, Miss Addy read two short poems in Bengali and'gave brief translations. Miss Cowdray, In replying to her welcome, emphasised how grateful the Y.W.C.A. in India felt to New Zealand for having contributed Miss Jean Begg to India and expressed the hope that Miss. Begg would continue lier invaluable service there for many years to come. Miss Cowdray . gave a brief outline of the work carried out by her organisation in Madras, where, sliej said, a great many of the meetings are held out of doors. A hostel has been established for business girls and another for Indian teachers and professional women. Miss Cowdray then presented Miss Bennet with a dainty hand-worked Indian scarf. Miss Bennet, in expressing her gratitude. thanked the two speakers on behalf of the meeting, and remarked on how fortunate the association was in having had two such colourful visitors. She also briefly outlined the aims of the- International Club. The' president of the association, Mrs; A. D. Campbell, was also present on the platform, as was Mrs. Pauline Price, associate general secretary.During the evening instrumental numbers were rendered by Mrs. M. Lvsaght's trio, comprising Mrs. Lyeaght (piano), Miss Daphne Higham (violin) and Miss Betty Fenton ('cello).