WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22165, 19 July 1935, Page 4

WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR AN AID TO GIRLS VALUABLE ORGANISATION Among the most outstanding features of the work of the Young Women's Christian Association this year, as shown in the annual report, is the greater use that is being made of the gymnasium. One hundred and ninetythree enrolments have been made for physical culture and a greater emphasis has been placed upon the sports interests. Thero are now 26 basketball teams and five badminton clubs. Also notable among the activities was the " Search for Health " contest, in which girls from 10 business firms and 12 factories took part. This has undoubtedly advanced the standards "of health education in relation physical fitness, poise and daily exercises. Another important feature has been a full hostel and the developing of co-operation between the Students' Christian Movement in schools and the girls of the association. In regard to administrative work, the board's direction of the association this year has had tho benefit of the continuous service of almost all the members. Departmental Work The association is represented on the executives of 10 kindred organisations and engages in a good deal of reciprocal work with them, particularly in placing girls in positions and obviating overlapping in cases of special need. It has assisted in six street days and has been in turn helped by other women's societies.

In regard to department work, reports have been received showing how progressively the activities have been developing. The work of the service and inquiry department has included interviews dealing with employment and housing, travellers' aid, care of tho sick, "case" work and tho pro-' vision of special recreational and educational activities for overseas girls and others away from home. In addition to these, the committee has worked in close co-operation with the secretary and girls in " all-association " activities. Most of the contacts with new girls have been made at the inquiry desk, 80,000 having taken place in one year. The utmost is done to- see that none who apply, whether for work, accommodation or help, leave without feeling their kinship with a world-wide friendship centre. New opportunities are opened up and fresh interests created. • The travellers' aid work is. at present less strenuous, but nevertheless boats and trains are met and girlfi farewelled from week to week. Sick Visiting and "Case" Work Sick visiting is another part of the work of the association that has been appreciated. Sometimes as many as 42 caseß have been visited weekly and many far more often. Apart from these regular visits of the secretary, others are made by the committee and club girls. Many 6f these cases have no other friends than those made in the association building and frequently because of this fact, arrangements are made by the association for their convalescence; As well as visiting the General Hospital, cases are followed up to the Ellerslie Convalescent Home or wherever else they may be sent. Patients at the Mental Hospital also are visited.

In regard to "case" work, the report further states that the association is linked up with other social agencies in the city, partly through the service secretary beinj* a member of the executive of the society for the Protection of Women and Children. Many of the women and girls who come to the association are in such a strained state that they are sometimes difficult to deal with. Doctors have been very generous in their help, and more than one border case has been put under careful observation and enabled to regain her mental balance.

The hostel report Btates that the building is now filled to capacity and there is a waiting list of girls. The permanent number stands at 74 boarders and three "roomers." Rooms for transients are seldom empty. During the year 1000 transients have passed through the hostel.

The senior department reports many activities, both social and financial, as well as those relating to sports, arts and crafts, music and physical culture. The total enrolment in the clubs is a membership of 698. The work of the Business and Professional Women's Round Table Club, the Auckland Business Girls' Lyceum, the Triangle Forum, etc., are also reported upon. The report of Holiday House states that the number of girls in residence for the year totals approximately 400. In addition, various groups have spent holidays there and several camps have been held. A report is also made of the activities of the girls' department, these also showing steady progress and sustained interest.