WELFARE WORK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 4

WELFARE WORK

Women’s Service Guild ■ The monthly meeting of the Women’s Service Guild took place on Tuesday afternoon, and was well attended. A sub-committee was empowered to arrange for a lecture by a member of the legal fraternity on the subject of mental laws.

Mrs. Maslen, as representative of the guild on the Women’s Unemployment Committee, read the very satisfactory annual report of that committee. Mr. Beck’s lecture on the Child Welfare Act was much appreciated. Johnsonville W.D.F.U. The newly-formed branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its first meeting at Johnsonville at Mrs. Gardiner’s tearooms recently. Mrs. Len Bryant presided and introduced all members. Mrs. Jackson, Dominion treasurer, gave a very interesting talk and was presented with a bunch of violets. A competition for the prettiest flower grown in a. member’s own garden was won by Mrs. Walter Horrobin, with Miss Joan Bryant second. A cosy log fire and dainty afternoon tea helped to make the meeting a very pleasant one. Y.W.C.A. Activities For nearly 30 years the Young Women’s Christian Association in Wellington has been closely in touch with girls and women in business, in industry, and one of its most constant services has been the running of a cafeteria which serves three meals daily (Sunday included). This is available to any girl or woman who may wish to use it without any question of membership fee. The cafeteria is used by about 150 girls daily. Some buy a cooked meal, while about 25 per cent, bring their own lunches and perhaps buy a cup of tea or a bowl of soup, though in some cases not even this small purchase is made. 'Zero is no obligation to make* any purchase and the use of the room is free. During all the strain of the depression this lunch room has been open, prices being considerably reduced in order to encourage girls to buy wholesome food. An attractive lounge adjoining the cafeteria Is open daily from early morning until 11 p.m. This is used by large numbers of girls not only in the lunch hour and early evening, but also during the day. For girls working in homes the lounge offers a much-needed social centre. Especially on Sundays is it a boon to girls without homes. A radio, money for the purchase of which was raised by the girls themselves, adds to the general brightness. Another friendly touch appreciated by many is an after-church sing-song, when friends of the association act as hostesses, arranging a programme which includes singing and a short talk and a simple supper at the close.

During the past week correspondence from Wellington women in respect to this service has been received by “The Dominion.”