Y.W.C.A.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11404, 3 January 1931, Page 3

Y.W.C.A.

CONFERENCE AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The Girl Citizens from the various centres of the Y.W.C. A. throughout the Dominion are at present holding their annual. conference in New Plymouth, where, by the courtesy of the Board of Governors of the Girls’ High School, they are in Tesidence at- “Sootlands,” the Girls’ Hostel. The hostel, with its spacious accommodation and ' delightful . grounds, forms -an ideal conference* site; the magnificent' grouping, of, old,, wellgrown. trees in the school grounds and the lovely valley, of native bush preserved in it's natural beauty give unusually perfect conditions for all the outdoor activities of ', the confer, ence. ■ . • • • •

Bush lore is to he one of the special phases of this year’s conference, this section of the programme being under the expert direction of Miss Douglas, whose knowledge of native plants, flowers • and birds will illuminate all the nature study expeditions . ■ Another special feature of the conference is the section on Maori history and the early settlement of Taranaki. Mr W. H. Skinner is giving the girl citizens the benefit of his research in pioneer records and Maori war history. Book lore under the direction of Miss Audrey McCrea, of Auckland, and Crafts undCr Miss C. Ashton, of Timaru, and Music under Miss Marjorie Fearn, are -important sections of the conference programme. The daily Bible Study which centres round the theme of ‘/The .Splendid Heritage,” deals with the gifts of God in the world of Nature, in life and its experience, in history and in religion. The conference hostess ‘is Miss Doris Allan, Lady’Principal of the New Plymouth Girls’ High School, while - the direction of the programme, is in the hands of Miss 'Leila Bridgman, National Chief Counsellor of Girl Citizens.

Representaitve delegations are present from Whangarei, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin.

The Gisborne delegation includes Mrs Cole and Miss Norah Brodie.