Y.W.C.A. CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20761, 2 January 1931, Page 3

Y.W.C.A. CONFERENCE.

MEETING AT NEW PLYMOUTH

Tha girl citizens from thn various centres of the Y.W.C.A. throughout the Dominion are at present holding their annual conference in New Plymouth, where, by the courtesy cf the board of governors of tho Girls' High School, they are in residence at Scotlands, the girls' hostel. The hostel, with its spacious accommodation and delightful grounds, forms an ideal conference site; the magnificent grouping of old well-grown trees ill the school grounds and tho lovely valley of native bush preserved in its natural beauty, give unusually perfect conditions for all the outdoor activities of the conference.

Bush lore is to bo ono of the special emphases of this year's conference, this section of the programme being under the expert direction of Aliss Douglas, whose knowledge of native plants, flowers and birds will illuminate all the nature study expeditions.

Another special feature of the conference is the section on Maori history and the early settlement of Tarannki. Mr. W. li. Skinner is giving the girl citizens the benefit of his research in pioneer records and Maori war history. Book lore, under the direction of Miss Audrey McCrea, of Auckland, and crafts, under Miss C. Ashton, of Timaru, and music under Miss Marjorie F?arn, arc important sections of the conference programme.

The daily Bible study, which centres round the theme of "The Splendid Heritage," deals with the gifts of God in the world of nature, in life and its experience, in history and in religion.

Tho conference hostess is Miss Doris Allan, lady principal of the New Plymouth Girls' High School, whiio tho direction of the programme is in tho hands of Miss Leila Bvidgman, national chief counsellor of girl citizens. Representative delegations are present from Whangarei, Auckland, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Timarn and Dnnedin.

The Auckland delegation includes the Misses M. Bate?. J. Menzies, C. Porter, M. Burton, J. Totman, J. Featon, M. Marett, M. Coulam, M. Stewart, A. Watkins, A. Solomon, D. Hoyte, A. Mulligan, V. Stanley, C. Sothern, L. Bridges, A. Wilson, N. Jacombs, F. Davies, P. Pooley, D. Addison. M. Phethean, G. Willoughby. J. Galloway. E. Spain, A. McCrea, N. G alia her, *M. James,' T. Mayo, G. Wilson.