Y.W.C.A. AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Y.W.C.A. AFFAIRS

International Party

Another of the Young Women’s Christion Association’s delightful international parties was held on Wednesday afternoon when a large number of guests of different nationalities were entertained by the Y.W.C.A. World Fellowship Committee. The guests were received by Lady Pomare, Mrs. Gordon Short, Madame Finlayson, Mrs. C. M. Bowden, and Mrs. W. Heymann. Two piano solos by Mrs. Hilda Cohn Gorodiski were greatly enjoyed. Lady Pomare, in welcoming those present, spoke of the possibility of forming an international club in connexion with the Y.W.C.A., and later in the afternoon Miss Bridgman, general secretary of the Y.W.C.A., outlined a proposal for such a group. It would aim to bring together people of different nationalities, making a centre of friendliness based upon mutual interest and goodwill. The club programme would be planned to give memhers knowledge and appreciation of the gifts which each nationality has to give to our common life in New Zealand. Those coming to this country from the older civilizations brought many gifts which New Zealanders were eager to receive. X)n the other hand, through the club, helpful information could be given to those recently come to this country. Knowledge of the educational system, vocations, the social organization of the city, and a variety of other matters could be gained in this way. It was suggested that the club should meet in the afternoons five or six times in the year with occasional evening functions to include husbands and men friends.

In these days of international stress, the speaker concluded, it was important that there should exist groups that fostered friendliness between people of different nationalities. The Y.W.C.A., as an international women’s movement, welcomed any opportunity for promoting the spirit of world friendliness, which was a basic conviction of the movement.

The scheme met with enthusiastic support from those present, and a large number signified their intention of joining. A meeting to organize the club will be held in the near future. Among those present were Lady Pomare, Mrs. R. Gardner, Mesdames P. Winiera, H. Harfoot, T. G. Ottan, F. Schafer, V. Fischel, G. Cohn, J. H. Reay, J. C. Kum, W. Heymann. O. Weigner, H. Ruben, G. London, B. Wertheim, B. Rothschild, 11. Leyser, W. M. Singleton, F. Baldick, 0. H. Benge, A. C. Everson, G. Te Waari, T. Reriti, H. S. Pank, E. C. Sprott, E. M. Teasdale, M. Kirby, N. McLeod, P. Carter, R. C. Durrad, F. Ffitch,' Hapi Love, L. Benclall, W. Schmid, J. P. Page, 11. Byres, Walker, Bateson, Hammond, Carmichael, Leo du Chateau, Schaver, Logre, Gary Cooper, A. Plish, A. Eisner, C. M. Bowden, Gordon Short, Madame Gordon Cox, Mme. de Filippi, Mme. I. Ormaud, Mine. G. Jorlon, Mme. Lash, Mme. P. H. Miles, Mme. Bensemann, Mme. Finlayson, Misses B. Sicely, H. G. Heine, J. Meyer,. L. O. Mowbray, Gleeson, Lee, H. Lynneberg, M. McLay, M. England, E. Law, L. W. Bridgman, and M. Hursthouse. Old Collegians’ League.

After a period of gymnasium taken by Miss Helen MacDonald, Y.W.C.A. physical director, in the Blue Triangle Hall, and tea around the fire in the cosy clubroom, about 30 Old Collegians held their first business meeting, opened and conducted by Miss J. Gibson, Y.W.C.A. assistant activities secretary, this week. The election -of officers was as follows: president, Miss Audrey Knox; vice-president, Miss Judj' Kain; secretary, Miss Joan Young; treasurer, Miss Nancy Holmes; magazine representative, Miss Francis Taylor; dance committee, Misses Joan Trewern, Moira Jack; committee, Misses Noeline Armstrong, Helen McKenzie, Cynthia Pearce, Miss Isabella Brash, newly-appointed senior activities secretary for the Y.W.C.A., Christchurchi gave a very interesting talk about her recent visit to Scotland. A pleasant hour was spent learning handcrafts, basket and pewter work, under the able instruction of Miss M. Harbam. French Group. At the Y.W.C.A. French: Group’s last meeting the annual report and balancesheet were presented, and the election of officers resulted as follows President (re-elected), Miss Valerie Vercoe; vice-presidents, Misses Bunty Butler and Joan Drury; secretary, Miss Jeannette Twinpenny; treasurer. Miss Valerie Dawson; magazine representative, Miss Gay Steeds; committee, Misses Ruth Dowden, Susan Newlands and M. Parsons. A social hour followed the business, members singing French songs and playing games. Scenes from the French play. “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme” were presented in original costumes, by Misses Ruth Dowden, M. Parsons, Gay Steeds and Joan Drury. Among those present were: Misses Valerie Vercoe, Jeannette Twinpenny, Valerie Dawson, Shirley Wray, Susan Newlands, Evelyn Milne, Gay Steeds. Joan Drury. M. Parsons. Ruth Dowden, Blanche Mclnnes, Betty Boyes, Alison McKay, Trixie Hamilton, Mary Hamilton, Avis Reed, Shirley Saker, Margaret Nicholson, Margaret Ohlsson. Alison Hangar, Claudia Simon and Bunty Butler.