Y.W.C.A.

Evening Star, Issue 14932, 19 July 1912, Page 5

Y.W.C.A.

WELCOME TO MISS BARNES. 4 public reception waa accorded in the Town Hall I"*'- ni S ht to Wiss Hflen F. | Barnes, Australasian secretary for the Yonnc Women's Christian Association. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. Wilson) in his opening remarks, said he considered it an honor to welcome Miss Barn«s to Punedin. He hoped that the great work she had already accomplished would be added to bv the successful issue of her •»%**. Oq behalf of the citizens of Dun«Kli, he extended a warm welcome to Miss Barnes, and hoped her stay in the City would be a pleasant one (Applause.) Mr H. Webh, vice-prosident of the Y.M.C.A., welcomed Miss Barnes en behalf of that ir.siitutior.. in the absence of Mr John Ross (president). He believed Miss Barnes would find interest and sympathy as soon as the requirements of her association were nir.de known. The Y.M.C.A. was much indebted to the ladies of Punedin, but especially to the Y.W.C.A., who had formed an auxiliary committee to assist in their work. He wished Miss Barnes "God-speed" m her work. Miss Rose-year, representing the Ota-go University Christian Union, also welcomed Miss Barnes. The real vital relation between the student movement aud the Y.W.C.A. was ae yet hardly realised in Xew Zealand, but with tho growth of both movements the connection would become more important and real. Miss Caliender. of the Y.W.C.A. Committee, outlined the past work and objects of the Association. About 34 years ago the movement had been started in small premise* in Rattray street. It had been formed by Indies who saw the absolute necessity of"helping the young girls who were jiouring into tho town in response to the demand for thnr labor. These girls had continued to pour in not of their own free wi!i. but because ihey were required. The association thus formed soon outgrow its bounds, and, a* Mr Webb had stated, the young men who started with such a flourish of trumpets came to a stop, and the young ladies bought their building. The work went on crowing under the leadership of Mifs Jamieson, and the- speaker had never met anyone who possessed so absolutely the love of the girls ,inion; whom she worked. (Applause.) ~ The present building was now inadequate. This was a. fact they had to face. J'beh- architect had prepared plans showing a largo dining jocm with accommodation for 41) or 50. Inrg? and improved kitchen premises, beard room, secretary's office, 16 or 17 bedrooms, and other conveniences—but no luxuries such as running tracks, swimming baths, etc. (Laughter.) The outside estimate was £53,000. Of that sum they had £976 in hand, leaving a balance of about £2,000. The Y.W.C.A., as at present constituted, was entirely self-supporting. For the last three years they had passed £285 over to the building fund. They would never come on the public for their ordinary expenses. Much had been done for the young men of Dunedin, but did not the girls want attention infinitely more? They had a right to demand the sympathy and financial support in the work they were doing. Miss Caliender concluded by expressing her great pleasure at seeing Miss Barnes amongst them. Mr G. C. Israel said he had followed the movement since its inception. He eulogised the business qualities of the ladies in charge. The Y.W.C.A. appealed to him because of the undeniably good work it was accomplishing. He also extended a hearty welcome to Miss Barnes. Miss Barnes was very cordially received on rising to return thanks. She felt that she was welcomed as the representative of the girlhood of Australasia. Referring to the previous speeches. she said they looked upon the Y.M.C.A. as their big brother, although it was a factthat men did not care as much for their girls as for their boys. It was a poor lot of men or women who did not recognise the needs of the girls. She had been especially glad to receive a welcome . 3-1 behalf of the students. They had a '-•; Icrge number of student associations at Home and in the U.S.A. To the students fhev looked for the future leaders in the -.' work. As a movement the Y.W.C.A. had "-' ccme into existence only about 20 years ago, and it was now organised in 29 nations. jfc There was nothing bigger than the JF Y.W.C.A. in its influence on the civic life, commercial life, and financial life of a community. They might as well face the conditions of life, which no longer secured for girls the seclusion of their homes. Modern requirements hid a danger that a girl might despise wifehood and home-making, and there was a danger to her physically. To preserve the nation it behoved patriotic men to support the Y.W.C.A. stronglv and splendidly. The Y.W.C.A. was not a charity: it was not rescue work: it was not philanthropic, though it had philanthropic features; it was not a club, though it contained many clubs. It was a preventive work and a great educational religious force, and its purpose was to develop a noble type of citizen. (Applause.) It seemed to her that tho small amount required here ought to be gathered in a very short time. The girls in every walk of life were calling for their help, money, and service. They were full of hope and faith that God would stir the hearts of the people so that throughout the length and breadth of the land the Y.W.C.A. might accomplish the ideal of its purpose. (Applause.) On the motion of the Mayor the following were appointed a collecting committee to receive donations :—Misses Brown and Caliender, Mesdames Eunson, H. Wilson, W. H. Adams, T. Lowe. J. Wilkinson, R. X. Yanes, W. H. Duke, L. Cook, W T . White, R. Glendining, G. R. Hercus. and the secretary, with power to add. The following were appointed an advisory board : —Messrs Wm. Brown, Adam Patterson. W. Glasgow, W. Gow, and J. Wilkinson. In seconding the motion Mr W. H. Adams said that if the speeches made that night were delivered before an assembly of business men the £2,000 required would be forthcoming in a day.