GIRL CITIZENS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 106, 5 April 1926, Page 2

GIRL CITIZENS.

CONFERENCE AT AWAPUNI.

PROFITABLE AND ENJOYABLE

Tho Awapuni racecourse grounds, which are at present in the possession of the Girl Citizens’ Conference, present a busy scene at tho present time, for, from an early hour till dusk, girls in navy skirts and white middies aro to be seen flitting from bunuing to building pursuing their duties. Entry upon the day’s activties is signalled by a choir proceeding through the camp grounds singing a morning song which serves as the reveille call instead of the customary rising bell. Physical exercises aro carried out prior to morning prayers while still in tho ranks. Despite the heavy programme the lighter side of life is by no means forgotten, for mealtimes are the occasion for much mirth and merriment and no camper can feel safe until the meal is over for fear of being called upon to render an item for which she is not prepared. After breakfast tho camp divides into study groups, which is followed by tho counsellors’ hour, ,wlien the leaders meet for discussion on some problem of leadership, or aspect ot the girl citizen movement. During this period tho girls have a free time. On Saturday morning last a welcome visitor to the conference was the Rev. G. T. Brown, who gave an entertaining few minutes’ talk on prohibition, which was much appreciated. At the citizens’ council hour on Saturday a discussion on the code as it now stands ensued. Miss Bridgman, in leading the discussion, spoke’ of the recent Girl Citizens’ Conference held at Nit. Rofty, South Amort a, at which the Australian citizens decided to alter the code quite considerably. Certain suggestions re the alteration of the code were made, and it’was decided to take them back to their respective communities and report at the next conference. One remarkable thing about the citizen movement is the powers of legislation actually given to the girls themselves, the idea of the movement really having come from a group of girls. Saturday afternoon tho delegates enjoyed a ramble to Flock House, where they wero met by Miss Wallace, the matron, and shown over tlio estate. Saturday evening was an occasion for much exictement, when respective delegations gave an impromptu dramatic presentation of the story told by Miss Bridgman at the friendship fire of the previous evening. This was tho first contest for the cup to date. Long will the memory of the beautiful friendship fire ceremonial remain with the girls. In a sheltered bend of the river a camp fire had been set, and here, with the campers seated round, tho fire-lighter lighted the fire and four girls from different communities lighted their torches, symbolic of friendship, service, play an dspirit. With a brief talk on what conference could be in tlie lives of those present, the ceremany closed with the singing oi “Folohv the Gleant” and the Benediction. The results of the dramatics contest are as follow :—Auckland 891 marks, New Plymouth 791, Christchurch 74, Palmerston North 64, Gisborne 45) and Wellington 43. Dunedin was unable to oempete owing to the smallness of its delegation. The results of the uniform parade and story-telling contests will bo given later.

Tho programme for Sunday was not quite so full as other days. Part of the story-telling contest was taken on Sunday afternoon. Visitors at the camp over the weekend were Mrs R. H. Billens (president of the local Citizens’ Governing Body), Mrs J. C. Young, also of the local Governing Body, Misses Wallace and Cousins, of Elock House: Miss Christensen, matron of tho Y.W.C.A. Hostel; and Mr and Mrs Pacey and party. Mr C. T. Salmon, secretary of the Palmerston North Rotary Club, paid an official visit, apologising for the absence of Mr H. L. Young, the president. The entire camp motored to service at St. Andrew’s Church last 'evening and afterwards inspected the attractive Y.W.C.A. club rooms, where the visitors were the guests of the Palmerston North Girl Citizens for supper.