GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15142, 5 November 1912, Page 5

GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE.

The first New Zealand Conference of tho Girls' Friendly Society opened at Bishopscourt yesterday morning, Bishop Crossley presiding. The following delegates were present Mrs. Crossley, president Mrs. Butler (Auckland), Mrs. Seddon, Mrs. Wood (Christchurch), Miss Griffin (Waiapu), Miss Pollen, Miss Morrah (Wellington), Mrs. Harley, Miss Sadd (Nelson). Bishop Crossley, in tho course of an address, tendered tho delegates a very cordial welcome to Auckland. Tho work before* them, ho said, was very important, and his help would always be available. Tho Girls' Friendly Society, as it existed in England, had always been a little defective, in his judgment, in the way of savouring of too much of a patronage society. It was quite evident that in a land like New Zealand anything like patronage or condescension would not bo acceptable, and those at the head of affairs would have to go to the girls, nob as superiors,, but rather as women and friends. It was his hop© that the delegates would tako into consideration th<j bearing of tho life of leisure upon the lif<j of employment in, New Zealand, and that they would consider how best to federate, and how best to bring community of interest. The meeting then proceeded to discuss the constitution, and some necessary alterations were made. The Conference will sit daily until Thursday. The visiting delegates were welcomed by the Auckland branches of the Girls' Friendly Societies last evening at St. Sepulchre's Parish Hall. Mrs. Crossley briefly introduced the visitors and spoke a few words of welcome. The remainder of the evening was purely of a social nature, musical items being contributed by Mrs. Parkes, Miss Gardner, Miss Kenderdine, and Miss Southey-Baker. This evening a meeting will bo held in St. Sepulchre's Parish Hall, when the folfowing subjects will bo discussed: Candidates (Miss Wilson); Associates' Difficulties (Mrs. Wood); Annual Renewal of G.F.S. Vows, Immigration (Mrs. Gillam) ; and Literature (Mrs. Seddon).