WORK OF THE Y.W.C.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16202, 12 April 1916, Page 9

WORK OF THE Y.W.C.A.

NEW BUILDING SITE.

NEED FOR MORE ROOM.

EXTENDING OPERATIONS,

It is now nearly three years si'.ce members, friends and supporters of the Auckland Y.W.C.A. worked so enthusiast'cflly to establish a fund for the new building so urgently needed. As a result of the campaign the sum of £15,000 wes raised, and the selection of a site in December of last year brought the desired cod a step nearer. The new building is to be erected "i the 1, "or portion of Queen Street, on the potior, lately owned by Mr- R. B. Shalders, the lower portion of which adjoins Myers Park. Preliminary sketches have been prepared by Sir. W. H. Cummer, architect, and a conference, at which the Y.W.C.A. national secretary, Miss Helen Barnes, will bo present, will be held to-morrow to, go fully into tho details of the plans. -The new building will occupy a commanding and central position, having a. clear outlook over Myers Park on two sides. It will probably contain five floors, as tho ground slopes away considerably from tho Queen Street level. Gymnasium and Cafeteria. | The large amount of extra space afforded by the new building will permit of the inclusion of many desirable and necessary features. There will be a gymnasium, for instance, in the basement. Tho present accommodation offers no space whatever for this popular feature, and for a long time past the girls have been making uso of the Y.M.C-A. gymnasium, which has been reserved for their use on one ovening a week. The services of an instructor will also bo secured for the now gymnasium. There will be a large assembly-hall, where social evenings and meetings can be held, tho need of which is one of the most serious drawbacks .to. the , present premises. A cafeteria will be provided, where business girls or members may get lunch. There is already a luncheon-mom in connection with the Wellesley Street building, but only a light lunch is now provided, whereas hot lunches will also be served later on. The popularity of this feature of the Y.W.C.A. activities shows how it is appreciated by business girls. If they like, they may bring their own lunch and buy only a cup of tea, costing Id, or they may obtain a complete lunch.

The suggestion has been made that the new building shall have a, flat roof; if this is put into effect, besides allowing more space, it will afford a magnificent outlook and a maximum cf sunlight and. fresh air to promenaders.

The Home Atmosphere. Thero is a general impression that the new Y.W.C.A. building will provide accommodation for all its members. This is stated to be incorrect, the intention being to still maintain the separate hostel in Park Avenue. General experience goes to show that the home atmosphere is better maintained in institutions such as this by keeping the hostel separate from the administrative building. The new building will therefore contain amplS'-W----oommodation for transient visitors, but permanent members will retain their present accommodation, although the lun-cheon-room, of course, will remain open to all.

Popular Clubs and Glasses. j Thero are many clubs and classes connected with the Y.W.C.A. that will directly benefit by increased acomrtiod'ation. The association will have, tor instance, its own tennis court in itij new home, the tennis clubs being among tho most popular ones. "" •:> winter season's classes are now recom;.■ . .lug, and will soon be in full sw'n-. During tho nsr-p*rici'i the girls r\ :.!><■ V V'.C.A. have • '!ii- ..vpi Hint wt.i-k . fci •'*)? :■ .i;>■: !f •- '.he ~.f. •«. . nnr? is &C;X"i t-lf-'j O srnSjS '>>»ii'/iis;<.-r)3, o." evening each week will be devoted I io ir wor l '. ' nw... - important featu;> o' the work r- 1 lai • '•

junior members, j»r« thii • r ii. , k * '■ greatly aided by the wo- >--.r •' *;v.<\ rooms in the new builo-.r-" i . -.a «.« the younger girls. Theie are -?t . ; eseiu two clubs connected with this, branch of the work, the Aroha Club, which is instructional, and the "Come Again" Club, which simply aims at bringing together, on alternate Saturdays, all its members under the age of 20 ye>.rs, and giving them a happy evening at games and music. The organisation of this branch of the work was undertaken a year ago by Miss Mary Geddes, nation;.! ' ecretary i* i; ■) ,E :Is' branch, and mv • < 1 has »' suited in ,v, ii 1- " .. . s .ut ■ r '-<nt branch - ' ac:.: >.