Y.W.C.A.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20612, 10 January 1929, Page 2

Y.W.C.A.

MARION CONFERENCE, Realising that it is an essential part ol the duty of a Y.W.C.A. to study and understand the social, economic, and industrial aspects of the world in. their bearing upon human life, those responsible for the programme of the Y.W.C.A. Conference, which is being held at Marton, are giving the delegates cn opportunity to gain some idea of the underlying principles involved in the cause aud cure of world conditions. To_ this end time was given to a general discussion of the findings of the various study groups on quotations from reports and speeches delivered at the Budapest Conference. Miss , A. M. Bentham, general secretary of the Christchurch Association, in concluding the session, referred to the findings of the International Missionary Council meeting held at Jerusalem during 1928, and pointed out that the gospel summoned men to work together as brothers in providing for the human family, and the Father desired for each full and equal opportunity to attain complete development, and to make a special contribution to the richness of the family life. The Saturday’s programme would have been marred somewhat by the wet weather had not'the space of the Wellington Diocesan School for Girls given the 80 delegates ample opportunity to divide into sectional groups in the morning for Bible study and in the afternoon for discussions on some points taken from the industrial reports brought by the different countries to the Budapest World’s Committee.

At the United Conference meeting Miss Jean Begg, general secretary to the Auckland Y.W.C.A., spoke on the “ Aim of the Y.W.C.A.,” stressing particularly that the association was a league of 48 nations, 42 of which gathered together in Budapest in June to consider esuecially the social, industrial, and economic problems as related to women and girls. She dealt with her subject in a masterly way, giving an historic background of 23 years evolution in industrial ideals among Y.W.C.A. women. In summing up at the conclusion of the address, Mrs Sutherland Boss asked the representatives of the local associations to keep before all their members the world’s aim. “ New Zealand is one of the keys to the Pacific, and should know more about its neighbours, both far aud near," was her plea. The evening programme was commenced with an impromptu concert, each association providing an item. The conference guests, Mr and Mrs Tayler and the Misses Eileen and Clodagh Russell, contributed clever and humorous charade from the four letters Y.W.C.A. An address on the lighter side of European travel by Miss Ethel Law, followed by vespers, concluded the day, all delegates feeling the unity and friendship of the conference.

On Sunday, out-of-door study groups and walks were the order of the day. In the forenoon Mr E. Douglas Tayler addressed and inspired the audience with his original lecture on “Music of Many Lands,” suitably illustrated with vocal items by Mrs Tayler and piano and gramophone selections. During the afternoon the annual report of the National Executive was read by the vice-president (Dr Sylvia Chapman). Mrs E. Dawson spoke to the girls’ work section of the report, and' Miss Mascell to the senior portion. The report was lengthy and comprehensive, giving representatives from local associations a clear insight into the National Board’s work of the year. In the evening delegates attended the Anglican service at St. Stephens, and were the guests of the parishioners at supper. ,