Y.W.C.A. HOSTEL PLANS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31159, 8 September 1966, Page 2

Y.W.C.A. HOSTEL PLANS

Plans for the first stage of the new 200-bed hostel were well advanced, said the president (Miss A. I. Webbl in her report to the annual meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Young Women’s

Christian Association on Tuesday evening. The demolition of Latimer Hall had paved the way for great changes in the work of the association. The loss of the hall had been compensated by the prospect of a

fine new hall and a car park, said Miss Webb.

Eventually a 10-storey building, providing communal living for 10 girls on each floor, would be erected behind the present hostel. Centrally-heated flats would house the supervisors, and activity rooms would be established on the ground floor, said Miss Webb. Although the usual activities had been difficult to administer without the use of the hall, they had been

carried on successfully and had catered for an even wider range than usual, said the programme director (Mrs J Jamieson). Badminton clubs and the outdoor basketball clubs were told at the end of last season that the association would be unable to accommodate them this year, and this had meant a considerable drop in membership, said Mrs Jamieson. Mrs E. Gracie, who presented the financial report, said outgoings had increased, but the income from Latimer Hall had shown a considerable decrease because of the reduction of bookings pending the demolition. Large classes which were formerly held in the hall had to be held in the clubrooms. This meant that paid tutors had to be called on several 'times to conduct the smaller groups which the clubrooms made necessary. Mrs Gracie extended her appreciation to the retiring president and to the retiring board members. Mrs H. J. Crawford was I elected president and the appointment of five new board members was confirmed. They were Mesdames M. Finch, D. Thorpe, E. C. Atkinson, M. Shimmin and Miss C. Tyndall.