GIRL CITIZENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20767, 9 January 1931, Page 4

GIRL CITIZENS.

END OF CONFERENCE.

INTERESTING EVENTS

The Y.W.C.A. conference of Girl Giti70ns lias just concluded. The Ipii days at, tho New Plymouth Girls' High School Hostel havo been full of interest and opportunity for development. Oil tho day set aside for world fellowship discussion and international rela lionships a most interesting address from Miss Elsio Andrews on tho work of tho recent Pan Pacific Women's Conference was given, and in the evening Miss Doris Allen, principal of tho New Plymouth High School, and hostess of the confer once, won tho absorbed attention of her "teen ago" audience with her account of her visit to Russia.

The dramatic competition caused great amusement, tho subject to dramatise being "Queen Elizabeth sets tho alarm for 1931." Tho girl citizens found plenty of material to provide dramatic contrasts of present-day conditions with tho conditions in tho Elizabethan era, modern inventions and modes of dress and manners bringing tho most striking contrasts. Tho judges, Miss Allen and Miss Drew, awarded first place (o tlw Auckland girls for their very fine dramatisation of a sccno at 1110 court of Elizabeth.

Miss Ronayne, who judged tho handwork competitions, placed Dunedin first, Auckland second, giving points especially for neatness and originality, suitability and variety of the articles presented by each community. The singing contest was won by tho New Plymouth girls, Dunedin corning a. close, second. First place in the uniform parade was awarded to Auckland, Christchurch coming second. An impromptu element was introduced into tho competitions in the shape of a test of lighting a camp fire and cooking a camp meal out of doors. Tliis took place at a, picnic, the scene being a. river bed with an adjacent piece of bush. Campers were, divided into groups, each group being supplied with sufficient food for a meal. Points were given for tidying up and leaving no trace of fire. Christchurch came first in this test, and New Plymouth second. As the result of all the competitions Auckland holds the cup for 1931, New Plymouth, the runners-up, holding tho flag, Dunedin coming third.

On Sunday the conforenre held Church parade in the Mother Church of Taranaki, tho Yen. Archdeacon Gavin being preacher. A visit was paid in the afternoon to historic old St. Mary's. In the evening the conference had the great pleasure of listening to music, Mrs. P. Davie, Mrs. I>. T>. Cooper and Miss Marjorio Fcarri having arranged a, recital which included Bach and Chopin and the first movement of Beethoven Concerto in C. Minor. Mrs. Davie's group of Scotch songs and her rendering of a- group of French and German songs delighted her audience.

At the concluding banquet on Tuesday evening the conference conferred "NewYear honours" upon those who by their talents and knowledge have helped to make tho conference such a happy and valuable time. Miss Fearn, the musical directress of the New Plymouth High School, who has made music such a special feature of tho conference programme, Miss Douglas, whose nature study periods have been such a delight, and Miss Ashton, who has been responsible for tho handcrafts section, were all honoured. A special ovation was accorded Miss Allen, principal of the school, who has been throughout the conference a most kind and interested hostess, impersonating for girl citizens the friendly welcoming spirit of "Scotlands," tho school hostel where tho conference has been housed. In token of love and appreciation a, conference song to "Scotlands," composed by Miss Audrey McCrea, was sung, and a gift presented from girl citizens toward the school swimming baths now in process of construction. Tho whole conference concluded with the community gathering conducted by Miss Bridgrnan, national, chief counsellor.