Y.W.C.A. PROGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16384, 15 May 1915, Page 6

Y.W.C.A. PROGRESS

THE ASSOCIATION'S NEW PREMISES.

The reconstruction and renovation of the premises of the Y.W.C.A. in Moray place afford another instance of the progress of that institution. Since its inception, and notably during the past two .years, the Dunedin branch, of the association has made rapid advance, and to-day has many claims to popularity that must be gratifying to its supporters. The establishment is devoted to tho promotion of the fourfold development of women, socially, physically, intellectually, and spiritually, and in order to achieve the highest in each direction, oarerul method is employed in the various departments, which are under the control of a management board and sub-committees. The educational classes conducted by the association comprise dressmaking, millinery, cookery, fancy work, elocution, elementary English,_ physical culture and deportment, signwritmg and art decoration, nursing, and first aid, painting and botany. Other vigorous activities are conducted by different clubs. There is, for instance, the Thrift Club, which has 250 members. The Swimming and Basket Ball Clubs are also popular, while under the heading of intellectual clubs are tho Minerva, and Reading Clubs, and the Ring Club (for engaged girls). On tho social side there are the Jollity Club, which comprises girls under 20 years of age, and Pathfinders' Club. Then there are tho hoarthfiro groups—How-d'-you-do, and Naumai Clubs, and the Guild of Helpers. Further, there is a circle organised for Bible, mission, and social study. The use of the building and every privilege in tuition can be obtained by every girl who joins tho association. Such a programme, •' apart from numerous other activities, makps a big demand upon the resources of the management, whose operations in Dunedin have been attended with a success that is best reflected in the strength of the branch to-day. The healthy growth of the institution Has recently necessitated extensive alterations and additions to the buildings here. A somewhat dingy old building at one time sufficed for the combined work of the association, the geenral secretary (Miss Griffin) and tho principals of the various departments. The city work department, which is an important phase, this week was removed from temporary quarters in the association hostel.

Two years ago zealoud members and friends initiated a campaign with the object of raising £5000, for building expansion. The effort realised £3500, with which the new hostel that was occupied in January was purchased. Since then, the old city building has been in the hands of carpenters and painters, for extensive remodelling, in order that the association might direct even more attention to city work. r lhe building has been transformed into a bright and commodious placo. A spacious entrance hall has been adorned with leadlights und glass, and with a cosy social iiook and open fireplace. The door from the hall opens into what is appropriately termed "The Cafeteria," which was previously domestic departments. This large room is the club room proper, where meetings and big functions are held. It is tastefully furnished, and its walls are graccd with a number of artistically mounted pictures. By means of a moving partition between the hall and the cafeteria, the ground floor can at once bo converted into a fine room, suitable for the holding of large assemblies. The upstairs compartments have been reduced in number by enlargement. Now one is utilised fcr a board room, and for committee meetings and Bible study, one is a private staff room, another a sewing room, another a clubroom, and there are two living rooms. They are being scantily furnished, for the association is still anticipating generosity in these directions. Electric light has been installed throughout the building, which should prove very serviceable. and is testimony to the enterprise of the directors. The association has had no accommodation for its physical culture work. About £200 has been raisel for this department, and when rather over £300 more is obtained it is intended to erect a gymnasium on property which !he association' owns. Owing to tho many appeals made on account of the war, the association has wisely refrained from askfng publicly for contributions, but it hopes in the near future, by practically justifying tho improvements recently effected, to enlist the assistance and sympathy of the public in the mattor of its finances.

Sums of money have been given lately by friends of tho association to supply pressing needs. The donations are being gratefully received, and will be acknowledged in due course.

The hostel and city building will be thrown open for inspection on and after June 8, on which date her Excellency Lady Liverpool will bo pleased to doelaro tho premises officially open.