Y.W.C.A. CELEBRATES

Evening Star, Issue 20853, 24 July 1931, Page 9

Y.W.C.A. CELEBRATES

, NO SENILE DECAY (Contributed.) Yesterday the Dunedin branch of the Y.W.C.A. celebrated its fifty-fourth birthday. The afternoon was devoted to a meeting of ladies, past and present members of the association, while in the'evening the girls gave a series of clever original sketches and playettes in their hall. The birthday was considered ns a “World Fellowship Day,” when a novel form of collection was given for the Y.W.C.A. work in India and China. Mrs Nicholson, the president, opened a/ crowded afternoon meeting by briefly referring to the reasons for the celebrations, and at the same time giving a little of the past history of the association. Other ladies then spoke on the work in India (Mrs Mackio Begg), China (Mrs H. D. Skinner), the world work at Geneva (Mrs Sutherland Ross, and the present work of the Dunedin branch (Miss Hardy, general secretary). Every birthday of repute has its birthday cake and its candles, and this birthday was no exception. There were fifty-four candles, which were lit by past presidents and life members. The following ladies took part in the solemn function:—Mrs G. R. Kerens, Mrs Herbert Wilson,, Mrs H. Shacklock, Mrs Kelsfir, Mrs A. C. Begg, Mrs Peter Dick, Mrs Sutherland Ross, Mrs W. Bndgcman, and Mrs Nicholson. Afternoon tea then’ concluded a remarkably successful reunion of old members of the association.

In tho evening youth predominated, and tho ,hall was packed to overflowing. There was, first of all, a grand march of girls dressed in costumes of other countries, the costumes being made by the girls themselves, A Mapri, an African, and a Red Indian costume were judged as the best in that order. Followed, what the secretary called ■“ group stunts,” tho girls having worked up sketches for the occasion. Tho first depicted Dutch scene with St. Nicholas. A very clever tableau representing tho five continents, with their special contributions to the world, and all united by tho spirit of the League of Nations, was then acted. Next there was a short play, ‘ Gne Father of All,’ depicting the religions of the world bound together in the church. > The candles of tho celebrated cake (from its forlorn neglect this morning it appeared to be made of cardboard, alas!) werotthen relit by representatives of tho different groups and clubs of tho association. The evening was then concluded by a dramatised version of an outline of the history of the Dunedin branch. In 1871 tho association was born. The

early Flower mission of tho hospitals and tho opening of a Sunday school in Maclaggan street were portrayed. Tho next scene represented tho visit of the world secretary in 1888. Tho inauguration of the Hoarthfirc Movement in 1917 was followed by a representation of the opening of the new hostel by Lady Jellicoe in 1925. A humorous sketch of the catering for Exhibition visitors was greatly enjoyed. The opening of tho new hall and the conversion of the Hoarthfiro Movement to the Girl Citizens’ Movement concluded a brilliant series of five-minute sketches, for which the girls are to be congratulated. Considering that tho whole was acted in period dress, with period dialogue, the production was remarkably good. As the time was naturally limited only tho main features of each decade could bo utilised, and many historical milestones had to bo regretfully ignored, Tho association has undoubtedly done good work in this city in tho past, and from the keen interest shown in its celebrations yesterday it appears to bo in a flourishing condition. It is admirably fulfilling its functions as a homo for girls, a spiritually interdenominational influence, A source of healthy recreation and ah educational instructor.