OFFICIAL OPENING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20669, 6 March 1937, Page 7

OFFICIAL OPENING

Y.W.C.A. At the invitation of the Board of Directors a large number of members and friends were present at the official opening of the new Y.W.C.A. Hostel in Elizabeth Street yesterday afternoon. Mrs T. E. Holdgate (president of the Association) welcomed the visitors and said it gave her great pleasure to see so many there and to have such beautiful weather, which should prove a good omen for the welfare of the Association. It was unfortunate that, because of the epidemic, they had not had many visitors during the holidays, but with the help of those interested they should be able to carry through everything successfully. After the dedication service, visitors would be able to go through the hostel and see for themselves what pleasant rooms and surroundings, the hostel possessed, with advantages such as a large verandah and a garden. The hostel was dedicated by the Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, who congratulated the Board on the step it had taken in leasing a place so near the centre of things. He wished it every success, and courage to carry through its schemes effectively. Mrs Holdgate then asked the Mayoress, Mrs P. C. Vinnell, to unlock the door, after which the visitors were taken on a tour of inspection through the building. Mrs Vinnell who wore a dark blue coat and skirt and blue hat was presented with a bouquet of pink carnations by Mrs M. A. Raymond (vice-president of the Y.W.C.A.). Aftternoon tea was served in the dining room, the tables being arranged with monbretia and daisies.

Among those present were Mrs T. E. Holdgate, Mrs P. C. Vinnell, Mrs M. A. Raymond, Mrs R. T. Turnbull, Mrs H. M. Barker, Mrs F. Lewis, Mrs R. Ayres, Mrs C. T. Ballantyne, Mrs A. E. Lawrence, Mrs F. A. Raymond, Mrs L. M. Inglis, Mrs W. Sexton, Mrs W. W. Davidson, Mrs A. C. Schmidt, Mrs Brooker (Wellington), Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Miller, Mrs Tayler, Mrs W. Thomson, Mrs J. J. Heasley, Mrs F. W. D. Atkin, Mrs A. Anderson, Mrs Hosken, Mrs Rustin, Mrs W. I. Tait, Mrs D. C. Turnbull, Mrs Merett, Mrs E. J. Mirams, Mrs F. Harper, Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Barnett, Mrs Tozer, Mrs Hardie.

Misses Hassell (2), Mills, Fussell, Bradford, Bowler, Stubbs, Miller, Holdgate, Heasley, Lovell-Smith, Woolway, R. Ross, Mr and Mrs H. J. Harris and the Rev. Llywelyn Williams. An international visitor to the hostel Is Miss Champion of England, who is touring New Zealand.