WORK FOR YOUTH

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 312, 29 September 1926, Page 12

WORK FOR YOUTH

Y.W.C.A. ANNIJAL MEETING

SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood) presided at tlie twentieth annual meeting of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Wellington last night. The report, which dealt fully with tlie activities of tho association, stated that the year 'had been a particularly busy one. Confidence in the work of the association hall been shown by the Government by a grant of money towards the new building. The balance-sheet was stated to be very satisfactory, despite a necessary increase in expenditure. The membership of the association noir stood at 924. and 629 girls representing 32 factories contributed each week to the Thrift Club. Since February 18 thirteen girls had saved over .£2O each, and one of the largest factories followed the -ssociation’s example and established welfare work among its employees, inclnd- - a thrift club. . At the cafeteria, 86.565 meals wore served during the year, and over 800 girls daily made use of it. The girls’ department, consisting of girls - between the ages of 14 and 20. had a total membersliin of 225. of which number 100 were cirl _ citizens, the others being connected with basketball and hockey teams, and the health school. The opening of Hio health school nan brought a great number of girls into touch with the association. The report concluded: "Wc feel that our association. which sets out deOnitelv to ‘nromote growth in the Christian character of its members through physical, mental and spiritual training.’ is at .most endeavouring through ' every activity, every club, and every team, to be an educational force to all girls who camo in touch with the association.’’ _ In congratulating tho association on the excellent results of the year s service, the Mayor said that the small eredit balance was much in its favour. He would not* have it otherwise, as it showed that thev were making the most of the funds at their disposal. Tho solution of all the problems that were ahead, he said, lav in proper attention to the voting people who were going .to be the future citizens. If such attention to the young were made an international work, therein would lie the solution of all the great present-day problems ot the world, and the result, he was confident. could be obtained in two or three generations. Referring to the hostel, he said that there could be no greater reward to the management than to feel that the organisation was operating m that way, and that the beautiful home spirit characterised the work from end Tn moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the president (Mrs. D. O. MoClay) raid a glowing tribute to the readiness of many of Wellingtons leading men to help in work among the youth of the town, and she referred particularly to the gentlemen on the platform —Mr.Norwood, Mr. T. E. CerkilL Mr. A. L. Hunt. Mr. R. JI. Webb, and Mr C, D Morpeth. . “We don’t see them often,” she said. "They are all men with important’;business to look after. But thev are always here when we want them, readv with their advice and substantial help.Tepd; we should be most grateful to them for it. Those whose term on the board of airectors expired this year 7 e ’? ; ., Mes " a , nl^ s J. Bennie. G’.. Gardner, A. Jolly, and C Adamo, and Miss E- Loy. They wepp re-elected, with the addition of Miss M. McLean. M.A. -. , , .. A social gathering was held at the conclusion of the business meeting.