Y.W.C.A. EN FETE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 31, 5 August 1930, Page 13

Y.W.C.A. EN FETE

THEIR EXCELLENCIES' VISIT

The large hall at the Y.W.C.A. administration building in Boulcott street was well filled with Y.W.C.A. members, officials, and friends last evening, when a special welcome \vas given to Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe. The hall had • been most artistically decorated for the occasion, tree ferns and bush foliage being deftly mingled with lycopodium and flowers, tho general effect being charming. The stage and front of the hall were arranged and decorated drawingroom fashion, tho whole effect being excellent, specially when the guests with brightly coloured frocks (with a small admixture of black coats) were all assembled. Their Excellencies, attended by Sir John Hanhain, wero received by Mrs. Pearson (president of the association), Miss Macdonald (general secretary), and members of tho board, and w-ere escorted to the platform, where little Joyce Eenard presented Lady Bledi'sloo with a beautiful bouquet of pink and white sweetpeas and fern. Her Excellency was in scarlet georgette, and wore a fur coat. Mrs. Pearson was in black with a black and gold embossed coat.

lif welcoming Their Excellencies very cordially and thanking them for coming, Mrs. Pearson said that every activity of the association was represented at the assembage, including the members of tho Advisory Board. These gentlemen were extremely good in helping the board of management, and gave advice. She added quaiutily "that ■good as it was it was not always followed." There were 75 girls in tho Brougham Street Hostel. Another useful part of the work was the formation of an "Overseas Girls' Club," these being girls who had come out recommended to the association. They were met on arrival, brought to the Y.W.C.A., and taken care of, and, if they wished, made members of tho club. Lady Bledisloe'a stress on tho spiritual side of life in her recent speeches, was mentioned as being most encouraging and helpful to all who worked for tho younger people. Mrs. Pearson closed with the good wishc of all that Their Excellencies' sojourn in New Zealand might be full of happiness and interest.

His Excellency, in reply, said hu was particularly gratified to hear that the overseas girls received special consideration.

Mrs. Pearson thanked Lord Bledisloe for his address, and aiso Her Excellency for becoming patroness of: tho association.in New Zealand, which had given general gratification. ,

There were only two items on tho programme, but they were particularly enjoyable, Miss Chudley singing two songs, and Miss Mary Cooley giving two recitations. Both items were heartily applauded.

Their Excellencies then went down into the hall, and a number of members of committees and others wore presented to them. Supper was served later, and a pleasant hour spent by all present.

Among those who attended were:— Mrs. T. P. Strong, Mrs. Morpetli, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. and Miss Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Or. H. P. Davidson, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Patterson, Miss Law, Dr. Sylvia Chapman, Mis.s »S. Fair, Dr. and Mrs. Moriec, Mr. and Mrs. Webb, Mr. \Y. _B, Matliicson, Mr. ami

Mrs. W. K. Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Hoby, Mrs. Taverner, Mrs. M'Crac, Miss M. M'Lean, Mrs. Corkill, Dr. Platts-Mills, Mrs. M'Eldowney, Mr. and Mrs. Ffitch, Mrs. G. Mason, Mrs. A. Warburton, Mrs. O'Donnell, and many others.