Y.W.C.A.

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22520, 30 September 1938, Page 2

Y.W.C.A.

ANNUAL MEETING HELD ELECTION OF OFFICERS "In the. complicated and yet stimulating years in which we live, the challenge of the Young Women's Christian Association 'must be a unique one," said Mrs F. M. Warren, retiring preeident of the association at the annual meeting held last evening. Her report continued: "Amid the disturbing forces around us we feel compelled to pause and ask ourselves if "we are really making an affective appeal to, and getting an adequate response from, our young women. The allegiance of both young men and young women is being actively and strongly competed for by forces that are alien to the cause of Christ, and we are compelled to look into 'the future and try to glimpse in what way the 'Y' may serve the young women of to-day." The membership rep i stated that there were 261 subscribers, and 49 subscribing firms and men; Mrs J. G. Herdman, chairman of the hostel committee, reported that the girls' council had arranged house picnics, and had held entertainments to raise funds for relief in China. During the year the "permanent family" had totalled 72, and there had been 500 visiting guests.

A total membership of 221 w reported by the health and recreations department. Activities in this department had included badminton, tennis,, swimming, basketball, dancing, keepfit classes, folk dancing, tramping, rowing, and picnics. Camps for senior and junior members had been held and a caravan tour to Picton for senior members, and a girls' conference at New Plymouth had proved popular. Mrs R. J. McLaren, chairwoman of the senior clubs' committee, reported a membership of 39. Circles in this department include those for glee singing, drama, table tennis, and handcrafts, thus training members in the advantageous use of leisure hours. A new club, the Crippled Girls' Club, with Miss Neroli Dalzell as president, had a membership of -6. This club aimed at helping girls, who are physically handicapped, to enjoy the comradeship of other girls, and to realise they do not live in a world apart. Reports were also read from the Girl Citizens' Suburban and City Clubs, the Women's Clubs, the Business and Professional Women's Round Table Club, the French Club, and the World Fellowship Group. Thanks were expressed to all who had given assistance to the association during the year, particularly the leaders of weekly clubs, and the voluntary office helpers. Mrs Warren also thanked those who had assisted her during the years she had been president of the association. Election of Officers

Officers were elected as follows: Board of directors: President, Mrs W. Mackay; vice-presidents, Mesdames F. M. Warren and B. H. Gilmour; minute secretary, Mrs T. A. Mac Gibbon, Mesdames R. A. Ambridge, W. H. E. Flint, D. E. L. Collett, J. G. Herdman, J. Hight, <L Lorimer, W. Paine, Misses M. Walker, E. Hewitt, J. Musker, Deaconess Spencer-Smith, Mesdames J. Wickenden. E. D. Sincock, and G. Jobberns; advisory board, Messrs A. Bretherton, H. P. Donald, A. Freeman, J. C. Forsyth, W. G. Fernie, E. Hitchcock, J. J. Staples, L. G. K. Steven, C. L. Winchester; honorary solicitor, Mr R. L. Rohaldson; honorary auditor, Mr A. O. Wilkinson; honorary architect, Mr J. G. Collins. Mrs Warren and Mrs Gilmour were each presented with bouquets. At the invitation of Mrs Mackay, the president and all board and committee chairwomen, presidents, and secretaries of clubs, and the representatives of many kindred associations each lit a candle on the birthday cake. Mr L. G. K. Steven, on behalf of the Crippled Children Society, thanked the association for the good work it had done for crippled children. WOMEN'S DIVISION OF FARMERS' UNION MEETING AT LEITHFIELD NEW FORMED YESTERDAY

A meeting of women was held yesterday afternoon at Leithfield to discuss the formation of a branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union in the district, Mrs Leonard Coop, provincial president of the North Canterbury executive, and Mrs H. A. Nutt (Kaituna), also of the provincial executive, had motored out to speak of the aims and objects of the women's division and of the.great benefits derived by country women from the housekeeper scheme. The visitors received an enthusiastic welcome, and it was unanimously decided to form a branch of. the division. Mrs G. S. Roberts, of the Amberley branch, consented to act as president of the newly-formed branch until the annual meeting in April; Mesdames R. T. Willan and J. Waller were appointed vice-presidents, and Mrs' R. "Johnson secretary. The president, secretary, and Mrs Willan were appointed delegates to the provincial executive. Meetings will, for the present, be held on the second Thursday of each month. Several visitors from Balcairn attended the meeting. After the business session, afternoon tea was served.