Y.W.C.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 184, 5 August 1936, Page 16

Y.W.C.A.

GOLDEN JUBILEE. ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED. A feature of the ninitial report of the .W.C.A. which will he presented at the annual meeting of the association this evening is the interesting comparison it draws .with the first annual report presented in lSSti. The latter report, which is republished on the occasion of the golden jubilee, drew attention to the large number of girls who would attend if tliey could be accommodated, and stated that the attendance at the rooms varied from 40 to 90, with an average of 75. To-day, however, the average number of people using the building daily is 500. During the year accommodation has been given to a. large number of girls and women, including the Wanganui girls' cricket team and the Farmers' Union girls, and there have been 1000 transient guests and SO permanent girls in the hostel. The spirit of the hostel is fostered by a house council of 12 girls, who materially assist ill the management of the house.

The girls' department has, according to the report, 00 members and is provided with a varied programme ,of gymnasium, team games, handcrafts, dramatics and discussions. Groups also meet regularly to discuss subjects of the day, such as news of the world, public questions and current events. They also take an interest in public speaking, decorative needlecraft. dramatics and the study of drama, language, dressmaking, concert talents and rural matters.

The report goes on to say that 50 cases of sickness have 'been visited and many revisited, according to the length of their eojourn. Convalescence had been arranged for many of these and light work found for them when they were ready for it.

Fellowship for the mothers and mature women of the community has been provided by the various groups such as the Progressive Club, New Zealand Club, Scottish Women's Club, Junior Women's Club. New Era Club and the Mothers' Club, each of which gives valuable service to the association.

The report also shows a total financial membership of 12(59, including 750 on the women's roll, 229 in the senior department, 120 in the sports, 44 girl citizens and 120 oil the gymnasium roll.

Interesting and useful pieces of survey work have been attempted during February, March and April to discover numbers, working conditions, hours of labour, wages and leisure time activities of the girls and women of Auckland Province and the result, though necessarily sketchy, is significant with its indication of trends.

The sum of £3000, says the report, has 'been given by the women and men and girls of the city in this financial year, which has enabled the association to pay back interest and rates, meet current expenses, reconstruct top floor and hall, and go forward into the future with renewed strength and vigour.

The treasurer reports that there is a marked improvement in the financial position and an increased credit in most of the revenue-producing departments.

Improved Finances. The hostel account shows an increase on last year's credit of' £329, after an expenditure of £101 in improvements, mainly renewal of tanks and part of roof, and making of a new roadway from Scotia Place; £50 of this amount, however, was held over in a suspense account from last year. The cafeteria shows a debit of £43, but £104 for rent and administrative assessment, and £20 for extra equipment, has been charged to this department. For the campaign fund, a further net amount of £2304 19/8 has been credited to income account. This amount embraces the annual subscriptions, necessary for administration, the balance being used to pay off overdraft and sundry creditors, leaving a credit sum of £1042 in the bank. Offset against this is a liability of £1200, of accumulated arrears of interest. An improved credit of £93 is shown on the membership account.