GOOD WORK.

Evening Star, Issue 24136, 5 March 1942, Page 6

GOOD WORK.

For sixty years tbe Young Women’s Christian Association performed fine service for girls in Dunedin, particularly for girls who came here from distant homes. Now, under war conditions, its work has expanded. As its annual report states, “ not only are the local needs greater, hut the association has also gladly accepted the new work which tho war has made necessary, and is now standing alongside the uniformed women and girls as ‘ guide, philosopher, and friend,’ both in our own land and in the Middle East, where our own Miss Jean Begg is in command.” The extension of the normal work has been shown by the opening of a new hostel at Milton in July and that of the new auxiliary hostel at Braemar House, Eoyal Terrace, last week. The work which is directly associated with the war effort is multifarious. For the Women’s War Service Auxiliary groups are trained in signalling, Morse, map reading, drilling, and marching. The rooms are used for classes for canteen workers, first aid and home nursing, and other duties. The Association assists in entertaining men of the forces, and club girls and residents of tbe hostels knit for the Red Cross and soldiers, make up parcels for overseas, make camouflage nets, and otherwise show their usefulness. .The Association includes an active branch of the Lady Galway Guild, and the facilities of its building are at the service of members of the W.A.A.F. Apart from its military services, tho Y.W.C.A. caters for girls spiritually, mentally, and physically. Over 30,000 meals were served last year in the cafetaria, which is also available for tho large numbers who bring their own lunch. The sterling work of the Association has been acknowledged by the generosity with which this city has always supported it, and wo have no doubt that, with increasing needs, that spirit will be shown again to-morrow, when its annual street collection day for funds for general maintenance purposes will bo hold.