WOMEN CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 18627, 7 May 1924, Page 9

WOMEN CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION

ADDRESS BY MISS PERRY. An open meeting convened by the Women Citizens* Association was hold last night in the Y.M.C.A. Assembly Hall. Miss A. S. Perry, secretary of the Y.W.O.A. extension department, spoke of ‘Tbo Recreation of Oar Young People. Mrs'Leech, president of the Yemen Citizens’ Association, occupied tho chair. About twenty indies were present. Mrs Leech said that she had known Miss Perry for a number of years, having first been introduced to hor in the North of England in 1909. Miss Perry, in her address, said that Australia and New Zealand had started well up the ladder, and had not suffered such terrible times as had tiro older countries, and, to some extent, America. The latter country, though, compared in some respects very favorably with New Zealand. The population here was comparatively small, and hours of working and conditions were fairly good; but work In the Old Country was not the grind it was commonly supposed to bo, Tho girls of ■the dominion had energy, health, a bright outlook, and a fair amount of leisure. What use was being made of that leisure? Why did young people patronise the theatres so much ? What opportunities jvero thero for social intercourse amolng young people? They hacl nothing in the way of a Municipal Orchestra, yet in Wellington thero was one. Sho would like the Women Citizens’ to make a survey of tho city, and to publish the Information gathered of facilities and halls available. Were it not for the Y.M.C.A. _in Dunedin lending the gymnasium tho girls could not play basket ball. Tho Trinity Methodists had kindly consented to lend them their school room. Tins was really too small, however. Miss Perry asked if there were any facilities for a group of young people to take up literature. Apparently there were few, if any, of a satisfactory nature. If their demands were sufficiently strong the City Council oould be approached. Referring to pictures, the speaker said that those who saw them had only passive recreation, and, because it was not active, this type of amusement was not, the best. Some Bible classes had regular programmes at intervals, and all enjoyed them. What amateur theatricals fvero there, and what halls were there? What opportunities were there for boys and girls to meet under wholesome conditions? Knox Church, All Saints’, and St. John’s were instanced as carrying on social work among the young people. It was every hit ns necessary to, have entertainment for tho young as to have a supply of water or lighting; the recreation would soon follow. Tho subject of dancing was then mentioned by tho speaker, who said that it should bo carried out under proper organisation, and not left in tire charge of those seeking profit only. Tho reserves and playing areas here struck a newcomer as being very good, hut more provision should be made for indoor recreation. There ought to bo a swimming pool open to girls all day and evening. Ten keen basket ball teams had been formed of firms’ employees in the city, some of the bigger firms having three teams each. Good work was being done with the younger people, but it was felt that organisation was needed. Trained leaders in sport were required. A play association should lie formed of representatives of the different societies in tho city, and an organiser secured. Her business, Miss Perry said, was chiefly with the industrial girls; but there were no definite distinctions in this country. The movement called " Wider Use of School Plant ” was operating in Canada and America, and something along tho lines of this should bo started. The schools and grounds were utilised, and there were clubs for mothers, fathers, and children. That the schools should be the centres of communal activities was an excellent idea. If facilities were properly organised wholesome entertainment would follow. At the end of the address the matter was discussed generally. It was stated that there were few organ recitals, and that these were poorly attended. In some cities there were organised recitals held on Sunday afternoons. Miss Thornton said that while in Wellington she had observed that the children’s playground established at tho front of the hospital was very well patronised. The Training College was mentioned as a splendid centra for the north end, and it was suggested that the principal might be approached and an appeal made to tho Education Board.

Tho meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker.