Y.W.C.A. WARTIME WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 219, 16 September 1943, Page 2

Y.W.C.A. WARTIME WORK

TALK BY MISS LAW, M.A. Representatives of the various women’s organisations in Wanganui, were present at the reception held yesterday for Miss Ethel Law, M.A., National General Secretary of the Y.W.C.A. Mrs. R: N. Wilson presided and extended a welcome Ig all. She presented Miss Law with a shoulder spray. “War Time Responsibility oi the Y.W.C.A.” was the subject of Miss Law’s address, and in speaking of the work of the association and the programme of recreational entertainment provided said that it helped to develop and bi*ld up that spirit which creates good fellowship and citizenship. The speaker dealt with the international aspect of the Y.W.C.A. work and told of the excellent work being done in China, and particularly of the work in France and other countries being done for interned women. She spoke oi the international links that can be maintained even during war conditions. There were N.Z. women workers wore in India helping with the evacuation work, and Miss Law also referred to the work of Miss Jean Begg ana other N.Z. women in the centres and camps in the Mjdd’.e East. Wherever women of the armed forces go the Y.W.C.A. also goes. The speaker dealt with the acute position in Weilington and Auckland, where the recreational work of the association is handicapped because the girls are too tired after their long day’s w.ork and the Y.W.C.A. endeavourea to meet the needs of these girl war workers. Li one club formed by the association, of the 750 girls who belonged, more than half were under 18. Miss Law outlined what had been done in the cities to meet the requirements, also pointed out the need lor happy environment in which the girls and beys can meet mill explained the enormous scale in which they have had to provide accommodation for girls in various occupations. She urged women to be prepared for that reaction which will prevail among girl war workers who have had to work in occupations in which they would not usually engage, and pointed out. the effect this will have on the girls when wartime occupations cease. Miss Law was thanked for her talk. Afternoon tea was served by the committee and Ladies Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. Items were given by Mrs. T. L. Sperring (elocution), Mrs. Perrett (songs) with accompaniment by Mrs. R. N. Wilson, and 'cello solo by Mrs. Saunders, with piano accomeniment by Miss Peggy Scott. During yesterday morning Miss Law met a number of representative women at a gathering held at. Mrs. D. G. O'Toole’s and gave a fireside talk which proved of much interest to those present.