VALUE OF Y.W.C.A. WORK.

Evening Star, Issue 23525, 14 March 1940, Page 10

VALUE OF Y.W.C.A. WORK.

lx this sorely troubled world there is more than ever a need for a spreading of the influence of Christian institutions. It must be apparent to clearthinking people that until tho spirit of true Christianity takes a firmer root throughout tho nations of the earth the attainment of peace and harmony will still be very distant. By true Christianity we mean not the lip service of those irritating people, the too self-righteous, but the practical humanitarian Endeavours being made by the cheerier, more vigorous type of citizens, who, acting upon the basic message, lose no time in seeking to do good works. No movement is more progressive in. the right way or more thorough in disseminating a good influence among a youthful and important section of the community than the Young Women’s Christian Association. This, indeed, is an organisation whose influence spreads from youth to womanhood and which recojgnises no international barriers. It was , recently reported in a woman’s journal that the Y.W.C.A. venture in » world-wide fellowship was not , unattended by, misunderstandings, pain, and difficulties ; yet it was standing the test of the recurring strains. It is this Y.W.C.A. experience which is . now needed by the world itself as it grapples with the problem of whether the earth shall be a place of armed enemy nations or a world community with a unity in its diversity. The purpose of the movement in New Zealand is to unite women and girls in a world-wide fellowship, to help them to find a definite purpose in life, to be honest and fearless in thinking, to attain the fullest appreciation of the joys of friendship, service, and beauty, and to" interpret the vital meaning of the Christian message. So much for' tho organisation in general. The institution in Dunedin, which deserves warm public support for its street day appeal to-morrow, is keeping pace with the needs of the times, and would no doubt be able to do still more if funds were available for the extension of hostel accommodation. At tho moment the need for this extra accommodation is very evident, and it seems certain that a new building will be required shortly to cope with the expanding operations. Realisation that each shilling given to the cause to-mor--row brings the desired objective closer should be an incentive to generous help for the collectors. Whether young women and girls be strangers to the city or local residents, they always find a friendly and helpful welcome awaiting them at Blue Triangle headquarters. These eager young members, whose influence during the next few years may reach heights at present not properly visualised, form a worthy rallying point for the greatest assistance the public can give.