Monthly Meeting of Y.W.C.A. Board

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7473, 25 May 1934, Page 2

Monthly Meeting of Y.W.C.A. Board

At the monthly meeting of tho board of directors of tho Y.W.C.A. Mrs Sinclair (vice-president) was in tho chair, and there were present Mesdamcs Mouldey, Bierre, Oliver, Rutherfurd, Pointon, Watchorn, Greig, Phillips, and the general secretary, Miss Ashton. Apologies were received from Miss MeLagan (president), who was out of town, Mesdamcs Barnett and Griggs, and Misses Kelsey and Cameron. The usual routine business of tho board was gone through, much regret being expressed at tho closing of tho hostel, which had bocorno increasingly inevitable as the months had gone by. The cessation of the hostel activities had taken place only as a last resource, and none Tegretted the fact more than the board of directors. The other association activities would continue as usual, and the general secrotary reported that she was organising a travellers’ aid bureau to assist women and girls travelling to find board which would, it was felt, help as an emergency measure while there was no hostel.

A very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mounsev’s, Ltd., for the splendid way in which they had conducted the clearance salo at the hostel and for their courteous co-operation.

The general secretary reported on the activities which had taken place during the visit of the national' girls’ work secretary, Miss McCrea, and on the work done during the month. An “At home’’ for womon had been hold in the elubroom, and Miss McCrea had spoken on the work of the Y.W.C.A. among adolescent, girls. Girl citizen counsellors had spent a lengthy period on planning programme work and leadership training with Miss McCrea, who proved most helpful and inspiring. A "games” night for giris and a tramp and camp-fire tea wore among the activities for Girl Citizens during her visit, and were much enjoyed. A special feature of her visit was the inauguration of a Business GirlsLyceum on the samo lines as those already formed in Auckland and Wellington. An inaugural tea was held when the scheme was launched, and as a resuit three circles aro now in operation —dramatic and play-reading, handcrafts, and a “charm course.” An attempt has been made during the month to organise leisuro time classes in the afternoons for girls out of employment. Generous assistance for the tutoring of classes in cooking, nursery training, dressmaking and handcrafts has been offered, and it is to be hoped that many girls will avail themselves of the opportunities offered.

The Business and Professional Women’s Club has continued to meet fortnightly. Features of this month have been talks from Miss Stevenson, national general secretary, and from Miss McCrea. The first-named spoke on the ‘‘Round Table Movement in New Zealand,” while the latter spoke of her travels and work in America and Europe. A discussion led by Mrs D. J. Davies on Beverley Nichols' book, “Cry Havoc,” had greatly interested members. It is felt that this club is fulfilling a need in giving opportunity for education and discussion of current, topics.

At the close of the meeting Miss Hilgendorf, matron of the hostel, was entertained and farewell'cd by board members.