Y.W.C.A. "AT HOME."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19125, 17 September 1925, Page 13

Y.W.C.A. "AT HOME."

A special evening "At Home" to subscribers and friends of the Y.W.C.A. was given by Mrs. G. H. Wilson (president) and Mr. J. W. Court (chairman of ad-J visory board) at the building in Queen Street last evening. Mrs. Wilson welcomed the guests who were taken on a tour of the buidling to see a typical evening's programme. It was explained that this was in no sense a "show," but simply the ordinary programme of activities for that particular evening of the week. The first trip was to the gymnasium where an inter-house gym. class was followed by a fascinating class in rhythmics, under the direction of Miss Withers. Only 15 minutes were allowed there and the visitors passed on to the "girl citizens," where a lesson in "association knowledge" was in progress in preparation for special contests to be held next week. After a short ten minutes the gues*.s were guided to another room where two clubs were having a spirited debate on "Prohibition,' and were allowed to listen for a short time. A class in singing was not interrupted, but at the top of the building there was found another club, who initiated the guests into some special songs of an original and humorous character. A visit was paid to the cafeteria, and then the guests reassembled and were shown the dramatised annual report and statement in which 60 girls took part. A humorous sketch depicting the 1925 budget of £ISOO and showing the dire results which come when "realisation" falls short of "anticipation" was given by Misses Doris Dennison, Gladys Mann and Maud Morrin. Guests were able to ask questions and discuss the activities presented. Miss Stevenson (general - secretary) explained the scope of the work and stressed the strategic importance of leisure-time in the life of young people and the part, the Y.W.C.A. filled with its programme of constructive, and helpful interests. Mr. J. W.. Court spoke of the importance to the city of the w'ork of the Y.W.C.A. and its value to the whole community. He regretted that the plans for extending the hostel work had been postponed from year to year, and commended the budget of £ISOO as being most carefully worked out and worthy of full support. It represented only that part of a total budget of £9OOO which was not met by fees or other revenue. Supper was served by members of the board at the close of what proved Co be a most varied, and unique evening.