WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20947, 10 August 1931, Page 3

WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

PAST YEAR REVIEWED. UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM. A year that has been beset with many difficult problems is shown in the report of the Young W r omen's Christian Association, which is to bo presented at the annual meeting this evening. In discussing the question of unemployment among the women and girls of Auckland, the report states that from the time of the meeting in March, when the association placed before the National Council of Women a scheme (which was adopted) to open a register of unemployment for girls, until a few-weeks ago, when the register was removed to another place, the association gave the utmost help in carrying out the scheme. The employ-meut-placing by the association has been for the year over 400. Actually recorded free meals given (i.e., apart from those arranged by private donors) has been 839 from February to June. The number of girls and women given lodging has been over 30 for a total of 708 nights. Classes have also been established in renovating clothes, cooking, care of children, physical culture, shorthand speed, handcraft, diet and health. These classes have been running for 11 weeks and 241 girls have passed through them. _ From a financial point of view, the year lias been one of hard work, anxiety and, disappointment. Throughout there has been a general slump in the hostel. From a credit of £BBO there has been a drop to a debit of £5, although the committee is indebted to that department for the payment of interest and rates. The cafeteria credits are £lB5 less than last year, and the house department of the administration building has a debit of £l2. These losses are entirely due to the present economic situation and the consequent withdrawal of many women and girls from industry. Public donations have decreased by £376. and subscriptions from women members by £76, due in the latter case to women being unable to pay the full fee of a sustaining member. On these departments there is £1285 less revenue than last year. On the other hand, Holiday House has improved its position considerablv, having a credit of £ll. At the close of the year the overdraft is £I6OO, of which £B5l was outstanding from last year. Legacies reported last year are still unpaid, many because trustees cannot realise on the properties. The number of meals served at the cafeteria during the year has been 57.861, representing an average of 159 a day. For two months a three-course meal at a shilling has been seived. Many free meals have been served during recent months to those out of work, and the association has been glad to have come into touch with so many who might otherwise have gone hungry. During the weeks after the Napier earthquake it provided nieals for refugees, particularly breakfast for those who had just arrived" by train.