Notable American Club

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 6, 8 January 1936, Page 11

Notable American Club

MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 4000 After a short but-very full holiday in New Zealand and Australia, Airs. Norman Sloane, wife, of the general manager of the California State Chamber of Commerce, left by the Alonterey on her return journey to ■ tho United States.

Airs. Sloane, whose holiday has'been actually in the form of a convalescing trip from'a reCent illness, is., very interested in women and women’s'work. Until recently sho was president of the Borkeley Women’s City Club, which has a membership of over 4000. Although she has now resigned her office as president Airs. Sloane retains her interest in tho club and as one of the 15 directors elected from the 4000 members, and on her return to Berkeley hopes to have a little more time to devote to her home and family, "-v Club Organisation.

The city club for women was a comparatively recent innovation, said Mrs, Sloane, but it was rapidly growing in popularity'. Ea.ch centre now possessed its own club and whilo these smaller clubs were not actually affiliated to, or controlled by, the main institution, the Berkeley Women’s City, Club, many oi them used the clubroo.ms.. for meetings and social gatherings. ’ The Berkeley Club was housed in a largo block of buildings containing oyer 50. hotel room* for the use of travelling ipembers, lecture halls, , social rooms, libraries, tearooms and a ; swimming .pool. The club was run -as a business concern by honorary officers, and while, extra and more expensive lectures and . studies were available for those who wished to take them, there was also a great number of free classes included in the membership. subscription. The study syllabus covered almost cvery r - topic of 'intorest to hvomen, including , housekeeping, • literature, the artistic arrangement of floiycrs, world affairs of every aspect, gardening, child welfare and many branches 1 of handwork. Largo book'review studies'were held every month and' tho lectures in all branches were given by well-known and competent authorities. Tho object of tho club was really that of adult education among women, and whilo it catered largely for tho sports and entertainment of its members it did a groat deal towards satisfying their business, cultural and intellectual requirements. A monthly magazine was published by the club and covered every aspect of its activities.- It was generously illustrated and contained personal and news items, a monthly programme of dances, lectures, entertainments, study' classes and bridge parties, as well as rules and regulations for club members and guests.