NEW Y.W.C.A. BUILDING

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 85, 16 May 1914, Page 6

NEW Y.W.C.A. BUILDING

There is more than bricks and mortar in the hcav [Y.W.C.A. buildings that are being opened to-day. There is toil and though and self-sacrifice and auxious planning; there is a foundation of wisdom and practical work, and a spire, metaphorically speaking, of high ideals and prayerful aspirations that seek to hitch themselves to the stars. And there is the honest pride of achievement that represents all the reward those who are responsible for its erection seek. The neAv building is ideally situated, overlooking Latimer Square, and quite close to the central part of the city without being in a noisy or over-busy quarter.

The Choral Hall, which is also the property of the Association,' adjoins it, and this has been renovated and improved so as to he in keeping with the new building. The latter is provided with two entrances, one for the inmates of the hostel, and the other for visitors. From the wide lobby branch off the ground floor rooms, which are without exception well-planned, lofty, and of good size. The cafetaria, which is to take the place of the lunch room, is a very large apartment, the dimensions being 23 feet by 36 feet. Here hot dinners will be served daily, at a cost of (to members)

of seven-.shillings an<i sixpence per dozen .tickets. The name—Cafetaria —is being used iu all the new buildings of the Y.W.C.A. The reading room is 20 tY-et by 24 feet, and is very pretty and comfortable, with its panelled walls and big

A PRAISEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENT

fireplace. There is a great big games room, 30 feet square, Avith fittings for volley and basket ball, and plenty of room for gratifying the appetite for romps and games possessed by all healthy young humans. There is a dainty and very restful "rest room," which the members have furnished themselves, and where they may entertain their friends if they choose, just as if it were their very own drawing room. Besides that, there is a cosy sitting-room for the use of everyone, and the secretaries (Miss MaeNcil and Miss Owen) and matron (Miss Smith) have their own individual offices. The bedrooms and the one big dormitory are, of

course, upstairs, and are "very pleasant and artistic. Each one is papered in a different colour, and the hangings and "fixings" will all be of a corresponding tint. One pretty room was pale pink, with rose-patterned walla that look inexpressibly dainty, another was in French grey, another in pale blue, another iti a springlike shade of green. In the cases of. the dormitories and double rooms, there are screens'to'ensure privacy, and a duchesse chest set of shelves is provided for each girl. Besides the rooms already mentioned, there is a laundry, which boarders may use, a dining room, and such other necessities as bath rooms, box rooms, linen rooms, kitchen, scullery, kitchenette, and so on. Altogether the building can accommodate twenty-nine boarders and a staff of six, making thirty-five in all.

There is a nice little plot of ground at the back, which will be used as a play-grou'iid, and members"have rosy' anticipations of the jolly times they will have there in summer —afternoon tea on the 1 lawn, out-door games, pleasant times all round. A line idea in connection with the association Avi 11 be the Wednesday evening's "home nights." At five o'clock a big log lire will be lit —the iiic-place is so constructed that the logs will be easily accommodated — [and at 5..'50 there will be music and story-telling round [the fire. Then follows a fellowship tea at 6.15, at which all members are asked to make a point of,,dropping in informally. After tea, Miss MacNcil will; give an informal fireside talk of St. Luke's good news of Jesus Christ. This time is going to be the happiest, homiest two hours in the week. .

Classes for physical culture,,- dressmaking and fitting, general knowledge (touching on notable men and books), elocution, singing, and designing will be held. There is to be a course of lectures on citizenship to commence soon, and thej ; ''will deal, with principles, not party polities. There will also be a .series of lectures on the Science of Womanhood;-'.' ; :- • •

One cannot help feeling that the building is going !to represent a real home, a real haven, to many a girl who is sorely need of it; The association members justly proud-of,.it— -the citizens, of Christehurch may jbe proud of it too. ■ ~,. .",•■ :, ■