MISS JEAN BEGG

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 269, 9 August 1943, Page 4

MISS JEAN BEGG

Strenuous London Visit (By Telegraph.—Press assn.—Copyright.! (Special Correspondent.) (Received August. 8, 9 p.m.) LONDON, August 7. Miss Jean Begg, of Dunedin, who is director of Y.W.C.A. war services in the Middle East, interviewed before embarking by plane to return to the Middle East, said her 10 days’ (busman’s holiday in London had (been strenuous but successful. The Queen received , her and displayed great interest in the Y.W.C.A. s work. She also conferred with Mrs. Churchill. Miss Begg has 'been awarded the MJB.E. for her services. A tall, distinguished woman with. greying hair, she attracted much attention in London on account -of her unusual uniform of white linen, a coat and skirt with bright blue Y.W.CA,. insignia. She said the Y.W.C.A. now ran 18 clubs in the Middle East, from Tripoli to Teheran and from Alexandra to Asmara. There were five clubs in North Africa, two of which were in Algiers and others in Tunis, Constantine, and Sousse. Even if the troops moved out from those areas, the Y.W.C.A. would continue to maintain' these clubs for the benefit of local inhabitants. Miss Begg, before going to London, completed a strenuous tour of inspection by motor-ear from Cairo to Algiers. She is convinced the clubs are performing most useful work. They are used by women war workers of many races, including New Zealand nurses and auxiliary servicewomen. The elu'bs are staffed by women from New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya. India. Boland, Syria, Palestine, and the 'United States, i