CHINESE FAIR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20097, 2 May 1935, Page 6

CHINESE FAIR

Y.W.C.A , FUNCTION The Chinese Fair promoted by the Timaru Y.W.C.A., to raise funds lo assist in the work of the Association attracted a large attendance at the opening session in the afternoon, and again last night. The club rooms were most attractively arranged, the style of the fair lending itself to a display along unusual but novel lines. The various stalls were tastefully arranged and carried ornamentation in the form of Chinese Dragon banners. The walls of the room, and also the afternoon tea room were decorated with Chinese posters. On the platform with the president of the Y.W.C.A. (Mrs T. E. Holdgate), at the opening ceremony were the Mayoress (Mrs T. W. Satterthwaite) and Miss A. M. Moncrieff, M.A., ’ a Y.W.C.A. secretary from Pekin.

The fair was officially opened by Miss Moncrieff, who said that she felt honoured in having been asked to be present and open the fair. She said that on her previous visit she had spoken of the work of the Y.W.C.A., in China, but that afternoon she proposed to make a few general remarks which would link the work in New Zealand with China, as it would also be typical of the work being carried on in the 59 countries affiliated with the Y.W.C.A. She said that to-day the organisation was many sided in its activities, and still reflected the energetic spirit of the founder. Some people were inclined to think that the Y.W.C.A. was all hostel! some thought it simply arranged clubs for girls on their off days; arranged basketball teams; others thought it was entirely concerned with industrial work. All these aspects were true, but they all combined to enable the Association to secure a world-wide fellowship of women and girls. It was in this way that the Association made a distinct contribution to society. They were helping to introduce one group to another. They could only do as much as any community allowed however. One thing they lacked at certain points was finance. The Association had various ways of securing income, but there was a gap, and it was to bridge this gap that they had to appeal to the public, and she was sure the people of Timaru would help them. For many years New Zealand had been interested in the work in China, and had expressed its interest in a practical way. It was for that reason that the fair had taken the form c' a Chinese fair. Miss Moncrieff then declared the function open. The stalls, which were under the charge of members of the Board and committees included bath stall, white elephant stall, delicatessen, sweets, flowers and brassware. The art gallery in itself was something of a novelty and was cleverly thought out. A programme of the “works of art” was issued, but when the patrons examined the “works,” they discovered that the supposed paintings were articles of every day use. to which had been applied an artistic caption. The fair was a complete success, and reflected great credit on the president, secretary (Miss and all the workers. At last night’s function a short but enjoyable musical programme was provided.