"MISS FOURTEEN"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 74, 24 September 1941, Page 4

"MISS FOURTEEN"

WOMEN'S SOCIAL PROGRESS

ADDRESS BY MISS H. BLACK

"Our responsibility to Miss Fourteen" was the subject of an interesting discourse by Miss Helen Black at a social afternoon given by the Women's Social Progress Movement hi the Englishspeaking Union rooms

Miss Black, who is a member of a Government Department for the welfare of young people, spoke of the problem of the young girl who entered the industrial world during adolescence. Those who left the protection of school and home standards at about fourteen years of age, to enter an adult world of industry and commerce, required suitable recreation (in the fullest sense of the word) to • create a normal adjustment during this period

Voluntary organisations such as the Youth Movement, Girl Guides, Y.W.C.A.. and others, did splendid work for adolescent youth, said the speaker.

Miss Black strongly recommended community centres in both industrial

and congested residential, areas to solve the problem. When questioned as to how this reform might be inaugurated, the speaker suggested that where there were housing schemes plans should be included for community life and recreational facilities. If women would realise the importance of this need for the adolescent, and work towards a progressive end, great progress could be made.

Miss Black, who enlarged upon these subjects to the great interest of her audience, was thanked for her address. Afternoon tea was served and songs were sung by Miss Betty Turner. The president, Miss E. Watson, presided.