WORK OF THE Y.W.C.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 84, 5 October 1940, Page 7

WORK OF THE Y.W.C.A.

BIG PART IN COMMUNITY

LIFE

SUBURBAN CENTRES ACTIVE

A warm tribute is paid in the annual report of the Wellington Young Women's Christian Association to the ability and devotion with which Mrs. R. Gardner, as president of the association during the past eight years, has undertaken her duties. She relinquishes office at the close of the association's year.

Outdoor life .found its usual place in the programme, states the report, there being 385 enrolments in sports of various kinds and for camps, conferences, and tours. Enrolments in clubs and educational classes other than physical for the y«ar were as follows:—Younger girls' department, 436; senior activities department, 752. Programmes covered a variety of activities, among which were arts and crafts, drama and music, studies in religion, and of international and social questions. I Activities in suburban centres have developed considerably, notably in Miramar, where enrolments in clubs and physical classes totalled 140. In Karori, Lower Hutt, and Eastbourne successful women's and girls' gymnasium classes have been held. The Physical Education Department has provided exercise and recreation, for 598 girls and women, and this represents a significant contribution to the health of the community. WARTIME CONTRIBUTION. Regarding the association's contribution in wartime, the report states that jthe association has undertaken various forms of service, notably the free weekend entertainment of men of the [Forces, between 300 and 400 men receiving hospitality in this way. Girl and women members have given yeoman service in this. In addition, over 1100 women have taken first-aid and [home nursing lectures, and a women's group to sew for refugee's has been established. Members have also contributed funds for the relief of distress in Europe and to assist Y.W.C.A. work in China. The capacity of the two hostels has been fully taxed during . the year. Brougham Street residence has been "home" for 107 girls and 3676 guests have passed through the transient hostel in Boulcott Street.