Y.W.C.A. BUILDING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16996, 1 November 1918, Page 6

Y.W.C.A. BUILDING.

OPENING CEREMONY.

ADVANCE OF A GREAT. WORK. The official opening of the Y.W.C.A.'s new building took place yesterday in the presence of a very large gathering of citizens, the social hall being arowded. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. md Mr*. J. H. Gunson, Mrs. J. McKail Geddes, president of the association, Miss E. Griffin, secretary, members of the board of directors, and a number of visitors •were' seated on the platform. The opening ceremony was preceded by a dedication service conducted by Archdeacon MacMurray, iho address being delivered by the Rev. R. H. Knowles Kempton. The latter speaker said that in the dedication of the new building a splendid step in the advance of womanhood in the city was being taken. The work of the Y.W-C.A. was the work of every citizen of Auckland, and particularly the work of the great churches of the city. In the name of the people of the city he dedicated the , building to its high purpose. The Mayor then declared the building open. On behalf of the citizens, Mr. Gunson congratulated the association and its officers, the board of directors, and the young women of Auckland upon the successful culmination of many years of patient working and wailing. The opening of so fine a building had been brought about by two things,—the strong faith of the association in its work, and the generosity of the public which had subscribed to the building campaign. Many difficulties had been met, but all had been successfully overcome. He sincerely hoped that the support given to the association in the. past would be maintained and advanced in the future, and that its work on behalf of 'the girl-life of the city would increase.and prosper. . Mrs. Geddes heartily thanked all those present, and all who had contributed to the building fund, for their interest and support. The association, she said, was very proud of its new home, and without doubt it would greatly further the success of the. work that was to be undertaken during tie coming years. " Some I people have said that tbe building is far toe extravagant," said Mrs. Geddes " but wo must have a bright, attractive place, or else the girls will pot come to us, for we have .to compete with so.many, outside attractions." The speaker read a large number of telegrams of congratulation from kindred associations and friends in all. nark of New Zealand and Australia. Mr. Todd-Smith, ex-ch. irman of the Advisory Board, said that the opening of the new; building signified not the end, but the beginning of a great work. Hie association would now have the benefit of ideal surroundings and oompleto equipment for its activities. With furnishings, the building had cost approximately £19,000, and' it carried a debt of £8000. He taped that through the generosity of friends this /vin/v\ WO > h removed » and the sura of £4000 provided for the building of a new hostel on the . same site, provision for which had already been made. Miss Griffin said the new building would be a centre which would radiate influences throughout the entire community. It was large, but contained not one Inch of superfluous space. , In entering their new home they were entering into the heritage of the faith and work of early members of the association, to whom the speaker paid a tribute of gratitude and appreciation v5 r n R Keni ? y ' on behalf of the Y.M.O. A., congratulated the association on its entry into the new building. In the course of his speech he paid high tribute to the memory of the late Mr. R. B ShaJdeifc, who commenced t,he associai tions work in. Auckland, end upon whose former property the new building stood. Addresses were also delivered by the Hon Geo. Fowlds and Mr. H. M. Sraeeton.' Upon tng conclusion of the ceremony those present were entertained at afternoon tea in the new cafeteria.