Y.W.C.A.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1911, Page 9

Y.W.C.A.

OPENING OF THE NEW, QUARTERS. Tho new premises of the Y.W.C.A. in Manners-street were formally opened by the Hon. G. Fowlds last night in the presence of a large gathering of members and friends of the association. The proceedings having been opened with the singing of a hymn, and prayer by Mr. J. G. W. Aitkon, Mrs. M'Clay, president of the association, made a few introductory remarics, expressing pleasure at the fact that within six weeks after the fire the association had again been able to carry on its work, and thanking God and the many friends who had come forward to assist. The association was able to afford boarding accommodation at its hostel to young women, many of whom had already gone into residence there. Mr. Aitken followed, and introduced the Hon. G. Fowlds, in whom, he said, they had a Christian and a philanthropic man. (Applause). The Hon. G. Fowlds, in formally declaring the rooms open, said that the interest taken by Mr. Aitken in the young women of Wellington was ono of our civic assets, and he (Mr. Fowlds) was glad to be associated with him in that work. The work of the Y.W.C.A. was growing steadily throughout Australasia, and when he heard of the loss that the association had suffered he was glad to be able to provide a place in which they could meet. (Applause). He was glad to hear of the establishment of the hostel, and hoped it would prove to be a permanent financial success, together with the other phases of the work of the association. (Applause). Miss Stillwell, of Australia, v/ho has had a large experience of Y.W.C.A. work, gave an interesting address on the subject. There was, she urged, a niche in the association for every woman who had a desire to help her sisters. Each one had something "to give as well as to receive, and in such an association there were in every department opportunities for mutual service. One great aim of the association should be the endeavour to teach those subjects which would prepare young women for the many duties awaiting them as they arrived at greater maturity. They must learn to make their association really home-like — with the freedom of a home and yet with the security of a home, and the friendliness and true Christian spirit of a home. Miss Barnes, of the United States, she added, who was very capable in the work of organising, was coming to Australasia towards the end of the year as national organiser. The President then announced that, owing to the Hon. Mr. Fowld's generosity, the spacious room in which the association met was well within its means. (Applause). During the evening a brief concert programme was gone through, contributed to by Misses Belle Luke, Anderson, and M. Dix.