Y.W.C.A. CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 219, 10 June 1919, Page 3

Y.W.C.A. CAMPAIGN

FOR EXPANSION FUNDS A STRONG COMMITTEE APPOINTED The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided at a public meeting held in the City Council Chamber last evening for the purpose of initiating a /money-raising scheme for the extension of the work of the Y.W.C.A. 'in Wellington. There were about one hundred- people present. In introducing the subject, Mr. Luke said they were thero to interest themselves in the work of the Y.W.C.A. The Y.W.C.A. was non-sectarian and its workwas generally very stimulating and helpful to the young women. The Mayor emphasised the caso of young womon who came to Wellington alone and friendless, with no one to give them a helpful hand, eavo the Y.W.C.A., whose work was universally admired. It was to got this idea going that they had held a preliminary meeting in the Y.W.C.A. a fow days ago lo arrange the present meeting. In the great work the Y.W.C.A. were doing he, on behalf of the citizens of AVellington, commended the work of Mis? Birch (the secretary) and Mrs. Preston (president). He understood the association wished to raise .£15,000, >£7300 of which was to wipe off a liability, and the balance would be devoted to the expansion of the work. (Applause.)

On being callcd npon, Miss Birch gave an outline of the activities _of the Y.W.C.A., dwelling on the spiritual, intellectual, and physical aims the association had in view. Sho described the advantages that appertained to membership, detailed the luncheon menu, and told of the rest rooms for work girls. In short it meant the training of girls to look after themselves, and pneourage efficiency in-every walk of a young woman's life. A member soon extended her cireje of acquaintances, and every opportunity was given for self-expression. The club was intended to built up the home ideal. The .membership was at present 1191, of which 427 attended their, classes and clu.bs. There passed through the hostels last year 7G7, and crowds had attended the physiology and health lectures, and the accommodation was taxed to the uttermost. Miss Birch told appealing' and often pathetic stories of the position of young girls who came to Wellington and could not find accommodation, and related a story of a girl who had gone from place to place seeking lodgings, and as it grew dark she went to the Y.W.C.A: There they had to tell her that the hostels were all full up. With that, a bright merry Y.W.C.A. girl was asked what they could ,do, and the girl offered to tako the homeless one up,.to the hostel, where she gave up her own"bed to the stranger. .(Hear, hear.) Mr. H.. D. Bennett said lie was appointed temporary organising chairman at the initial meeting, and his duties concluded that night. (A voice: "Question!"). Miss Birch had delivered a very interesting address. He was only concerned with the business side of the campaign, and from the encouragement they had already received in the few days ..it their disposal he felt that the movement was going to be a success. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bennett then outlined the policy oi tlio campaign, which would be conducted by no fewer than twenty-six subcommittees, each committee to engage the attention .of Several trades, industries, warehouses,' and retail businesses; committees would be appointed for each of the suburbs, and there would be an important house-to-house committee. Each committee would have its own, convene* and secretary, and 'all would be con. trolled by the executive. If all worked loyally together he thought that they could very effectively thrash the- city. (Applause.) / ' . On the motion'of the Mayor, all present at the meeting were duly elected members of the General Committee.

The Mayor tlien proposed that Mr. H. D. Bennett, who had already done much valuable work, should bo appointed president. This was seconded by Mr. Pealson and carried amidst enthusiastic applause. The following Executive Committee was appointed: Messrs. C. G. Wilson, W. Sim, T. Shailer Weston, F. S. Pope, C. Cathie, G. C. Sutton, C. H. Young, and C. Rushbrook, with the chairmen of each oi the- sub-cominittee3 (and power to add to their number). !

The appointment of a secretary and a treasurer (separate offices) was left to the executive. It was also announced that the ladies would form itieir own committee.

At. the conclusion of tlio public meetin? 1 committee meetings were held to discuss working details.