Y.W.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 10, 6 October 1927, Page 3

Y.W.C.A.

ANNUAL MEETING The Young Women’s Christian Association's twenty-first annual meeting was held last night, and the occasion was especially marked as being a very important milestone m tho histoiy ot the

' a Th°e“or (Mr. G. A. Troup) presided, and on the platform also were Mrs. Irow, the president. Mrs. McOlav. and Lady Luke, who received coeies of flowers; Mr. Corkill. Mr. and Mrs. Morpeth, aud Miss Dunlop (general secretary), also representatives of the various girls activities. An apology was received Irom Mr. Webb, and several others. Telegrams of congratulatioii were received froni the National Board, and the Auckland and Christchurch associations. The meeting opened with tho singing of the GUI Hundredth." and Mr. Grecnbews, general secretary of the Y.M.0.A.. led the prayer. Mr. Troup said that this was an interesting time for girls. In early times woman was regarded as a chattel, but the coming of Christ altered that. To-day women had opportunities never before open to them. As Mayor of the city he considered that they had cause for thankfulness in that there were so many able women in various organisations, all of whom he was sure would be ready and capable to help their town in any emergency. The twenty-first year of life was very important to the individual in that he or she was then under tbo law given full liberty, and it was no less important in tho life of an institution, for its members must have learnt much in that time from their successes as well as their failures. . The association was for girls, to help them to become women able to take the place of their leaders and carry on the work. Wo "»ere gregarious annuals and the association recognised that fact and brought girls into fellowship with one another. It aimed to give them social companionship. It developed, too, the physical side, and hero also the present-day girl was lucky, since it was recognised that her physical well-being must bo developed. The mental side was not neglected, and tho girl should be trained to think and to think originally. Higher than all these was the spiritual side, and that too the association developed by giving ideals. Mr. T rou P asked all tho girls to study tho life of Jesus as a man, and they would find His spiritual difference to all other men. He urged that all the girls make the fullest use of all these qualities, and hoped the association would thus produce its own future leaders. He wished the association a successful year. The following reports from the different departments were read by those mentioned:—Educational, senior clubs (Miss MoSs); girl citizens (Miss May McTiguc); residence (Miss Betty Cochrane); cafeteria, hostel, thrift, industrial (Mis» Barrett); sports (Miss Connie Miller); Pctono (Miss Emma Thompson). Mr. Morpeth read the balance-sheet, and said that like others they had been suffering from tho hard times. There was a sum of about £9OO on the deficit side. Thia was partly accounted for by the opening of the Petone branch which had coat £lOOO. and something like £350 for running expenses. However, he was sure (he country's depression was passing, and • hings looked brighter for the future. Mrs. McClay, in moving the adoption of Iho report, thanked the Mayor for his good wishes. She recalled the early days when they were very poor, and many of 'heir members helped in many necessary ways "liehind the scenes.” She recalled especially the late Mrs. Hoby Mrs. Reich. Mrs. Webster. Mrs Chapman, and Miss Kate Lawson, whose recent death was still m the minds of many of her co-workers. Lady Luke seconded the adoption of the report, and nlso referred to many able workers in tho past, and the progress made by tho association, beginning with £lOO. and now owning assets worth £24.000. The following were re-elected to tho board: Mcsd-ames J. Bennie. R. Gardner. A. Jolly, and E. Loy; and the following new nominations: Mrs. Paviour-Bmith, Mrs. Clark, and Mies Batham. After the business of the meeting a short entertainment was given. A parade of costumes from 1906 to 1927 caused much amusement. A gymnastic display was given by girl citizens, and a solo by Miss Wells. Supper concluded the evening. During the evening the girls presented Mrs. McClay with a blue triangle brooch. Inscribed “Y.W.C.A.. 1906-1927.”