AUCKLAND YOUNG WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6996, 19 April 1884, Page 6

AUCKLAND YOUNG WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

A public meeting was held yesterday evening in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association; for the purpose of establishing a similar association for young women. On the motion of the Rev. J. S. Httt, CoL Haul tain was called to the chair. The Chaiemak said the object of the meeting was to inaugurate a movement for the establishment of a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, to be , called, the " Vnfmg Women's Christian Association." The proposal was on 6 in which he took great interest. It related to a want that was experienced every week. He regretted that he was not able to explain in detail the objects which were to be attained. He had before him a series of propositions, the nature of which he would ask the Key. Mr. Hill to explain. . n T M rr li'J

The Rev., Mr. J. S. Htt.l resetted that Jr. W. Rattray was absent through indiswsition. Mrs. Jndd was also absent through llnesa. As some of the preliminary work tad fallen upon himself he would state some if the objects. One of tHe principal objects ras to afford the opportunity to young vomen of reunion in friendly sympathy ; to >romote their social, moral, _ and spirituml relfare. He would read the series of proposals vhich would establish aacH an association. 1). Boarding, refreshment, and reading ooms; (2) holding occasional social gatherings; 3) assisting those out of employment, and hose also in employment; (4) forming singing, lewing, reading, and other classes; _ (5) ormation of classes for Biblical instruction, md devotional meetings; (6) providing a lome for young women when funds shall be sufficient. That there was need of such an institution could not be doubted. Within the last week sixty-five young women had arrived in Auckland* One of the objects of the institution would be to have an employment registrar. There would also be a list kept of respectable lodging-houses, kept by respectable persons. Another object would be the establishment of a savings'. bank. There were young women frequently coming into a colonial town who were friendless, and it would be the duty of the Young Women's Association to Kelp such strangers. Mr. Coufland proposed that "A Young Woman's Christian Association be now formed." The draft rules, which had been framed,. would be subject to revision when the association should be established. He was glad to see several young women present, for to them the endeavour should be specially interesting. Mr. Ewikgton seconded the motion pro forma, as he did not wish to commit himself to anything from which he might afterwards see reason to dissent. There were many questions which suggested themselves as deserving of consideration! Was such an association necessary? Was there any reason to'apprehend that ;& refleotion was cast upon the various Church organisations, implying that they were negligent in this respeot? He thonght a feeling was growing up that the frequent attendance at meetings by young women had the effect of withdrawing them from the home circle and their household duties. He observed thatthere was no clergyman present except the Rev. J. S. Hill. The meeting was small. . Was there any good reason for thinking that this proposal would be more successful than the institution which had just come to grief ? The Rev. J. S. Hill reminded Mr. Ewington that the Church organisations could not do many of the things which ~ were ' the special objects of an association like the one proposed. The Church organisations could not send representatives to the ships arriving in port. He had frequently met young women who were entirely friendless. He had in some instances brought them to his own house, not knowing respectable lodgings to send them to. Tha ways in which some place of friendly sympathy could be manifested were various. It would be desirable, no doubt, to ,have the plan re; vised by the Committee of Management when elected. A 'great help in such a scheme was the appointment of a suitable lady superintendent. Mr. Kwington thought that a room could be obtained in that bnilding apart from the other "rooms usually occupied by members. Rev.* Mr. Hill said that application had been made to the committee of the young Men's Christian Association. The prioe, - however, that would have to be paid on it would be equal, or nearly equal, to the price that would have to be paid for a room that might be far better. The motion was put and carried. Rev Mr. Hill moved and Sr. Kbndebdine seconded that the constitution of the society as drawn up be approved of provisionally. —Carried.

The following ladies were el«cted a provisional committee to form the proposed association :—Miss Judd (convener), Mrs. McCosh Clark, Mrs. Potter Clark, Mrs. Kenderdine, Mrs. Shirley Hill, Miss Leaohman, with power to add to their number. Several ladies gave in their names as associates.

The proceedings, terminated with the benediction pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Hill.