Y.W.C.A. CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 286, 29 August 1931, Page 17

Y.W.C.A. CONFERENCE

The annual meeting of the Y.W.C.A. of New Zealand was held during the week in the headquarters office, Hamilton Chambers. The gathering was moet representative, resident as well as the nonresident members throughout the Dominion being present. The following attended the meeting:— Mesdames Nieolson and Fowler, Miss Hardie (Dunedin), Mesdames Machin, Abernethy, Mieses Bissett and Batt (Christchurch), Mrs. R. Pearson, Mrs. Mcßae and Miss Scott (Wellington), Mrs. H. Sinclair and Mies Ashton (Palmerston North), Miss F. Pyjn (New Plymouth), Mrs. O’Halloran and Miss A. M. Bentham (Auckland), Miss E. Griflin (Australia), Dr. S. Chapman, Dr. Houghton, Mesdames H. D. Bennett, J. Clarke, E, Dawson, Ffitch, Temple White, W’ Taverner, Jenson, Mies E. Fair, Miss C. Birks, Mrs. W. Nash, Miss L. Bridgman (national general secretary), Miss P. Rpnayne (national staff). . Dr. Sylvia Chapman, national president, welcomed, the delegates, and read greetings from Miss A. Moncrieff, China, Miss E. E. Law, Canada, and local associationa. . . . Miss Bridgman read the annual report of the national executive, which gave some idea of the extensiveness of the work. Among the matters discussed was the question of unemployment among women. The work being done in the four larger centres by the Y.W.C.A. was reviewed, and plans made for' future help in the best possible ways. ' .An address on disarmament was given; and after discussion the following motion was passed: “That' this meeting ’of the national board realises the responsibility of the association in contributing to the success of the Disarmament .Conference in 1932, and urges all local associations to do all in their power to fulfil this responsibility.” Detailed plans' for putting this into.effect were suggested. . . It was announced that Miss Jean Stevenson had accepted the position of national general secretary for New Zealand, and would take up her duties in the new 'year.-- ’Xi' ■■ ■ - >a;>;; a. ■ Regret-was expressed that the Gisborne association had to be closed. An address on “Parents and Adolescent Girls” was given by Miss Irene Wilson, principal of Queen Margaret College. Another address on “Changing Relationships” was given by Dr.’Houghton. Miss E. S. Batt, who represented New Zealand at the conference .of the world’s Y.W.CA., which was held at St. Cefgue, Switzerland, last' year, gave an account of the days spent in conference. ; Miss E. Griffin, national general secretary of Australia, told of conditions in Australia, and her wonderful optimistic outlook in view of the very difficult time the country and people was ‘ passing through was a source of inspiration to all who heard her. f .a’s The president brought the meetings to a close by summarising the work done during the meetings. She mentioned that members of the Y.W.C.A. were fortunate to ba living in a time when so many opportunities and avenues of service were arising.