Great Achievement

Hutt News, Volume 16, Issue 7, 15 July 1942, Page 5

Great Achievement

WATERLOO Y.M.C.A. LADIES' I AUXILIARY The second annual meeting of the Wateroo Y.M.C.A. Ladies' Auxiliary was held in the Association's building, Birch Street, Waterloo, on Wednesday evening, Bth inst. The Hall had been tastefully decorated for the occasion and the proceedings took the form of a social gathering. Mrs. J. W. Andrews, retiring President, fulfilled the office of Chairman in her usual bright and efficient manner, and Mrs. W. Carey presented an annual report which, despite the fact that the war had been going on since the commencement of the work in this area, indicated the very real worth of the Auxiliary in assisting the continuance of the Y.M.C.A. activities in the Valley and also in engendering that Christian spirit of good fellowship so very necessary in times like the present. Several items of major interest took place during the year and included the most successful "Opportunity Fair" in November, a Street Day in October and many other functions of a social nature. SERVICE TO SOLDIERS In addition to helping the Association develop its work among the youth of the community this band of ladies has been able to make a splendid 1 contribution to the care and comfort of the men in the various 'services' and each Sunday for nearly three years have made a trip to Trentliam Camp to help at the Y.M.C.A. in the Mobilisation Camp there, and oil two occasions during the year under review have catered for and staffed the large soldiers' Tea held in the Wellington Y.M.C.A. each Sunday evening. These willing workers also provide helpers' at the dances held each week at Waterloo at which many servicemen are entertained as guests of the Association. The President of the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A., Mr. W. Carey, in speaking to the report said he could not let the occasion pass without publicly expressing very grateful thanks on behalf of the Board of Directors and the whole community for the very generous and wholehearted support given to tile Y.M.C.A. by the ladies of this Auxiliary. * Mr. Carey mentioned that the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A. was fortunate in haying such a wonderful body of ladies behind it, and with the support of the two groups working ill both centres, Petone and Waterloo, he looked forward with confidence to the future progress of the work throughout the Hutt Valley. The Financial Statement was presented by the treasurer, Mrs. Brown and this showed a total income of £240/10/0. Of this sum £100 had been paid to the Board for general purposes, a further £50 had been paid off the building, and after the purchase of various equipment and provision for service work had been covered a credit balance of £50 remained. ' I']LECTION OF OFFICERS Mrs. Seudon Hills was unanimously elected President of . the Auxiliary and mesdames J. W. Andrews, W. Staples and Painter were elected vice-presidents. The lion, secretary and lion, treasurer, Mrs. W Carey and Mrs. P. Brown respectively were re-elected for a further term and Mrs. W. Munro was elected as recording secretary. Mrs. Carey moved a vote of thanks to the retiring president, at the same time presenting Mrs. Andrews with a bouquet of llowers .from the Auxiliary.

In replying, Mrs. Andrews said that while she was sorry to give up Die presidency, she felt that she should hand the reigns of office to i someone who could give more time to the position. She was not, however, severing her connection with the Auxiliary and hoped to still be with them as one of the workers. She thought that she would enjoy being one of the rank and file, and trusted that the members would give the new officers the same loyal support and co-operation that had been accorded her. Mrs. Andrews said she would .particularly like to ttiank Mrs. Munro and Airs. Grant and the ladies of the Sewing Circle, whom she admired for their ability to make saleable articles out of practically nothing. At this stage in the proceedings Mrs. Baker sang two delightful solos and Mrs. Lowe gave two charming elocutionary items, both ladies being heartily applauded. l'adre barney was then asketl to say a few words. The Padre said that he was always amazed at the ability of Ladies' Auxiliaries in raising necessary funds. One did not call upon them in vain. He also said that tire Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A. was very fortunate in having such a very "Live-wire" General Secretary. He called attention to the common ideals of the United Nations and said it is only 110,7 that our freedom is threatened that we realize the value of a free democratic country, where the minds of our children can develop normally .ind not be warped and poisoned by A'azi despotism. After supper Padre Barnes showed some very beautiful films of his own country, taking them 011 an extensive tour from "Coast to Const."