Y.W.C.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 8

Y.W.C.A.

NATIONAL BOARD

Delegates from the Y.W.C.A. in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Timaru, Christchurch and Dunedin assembled lor the annual meeting of t'he National Y.NV.CiA. of New Zealand in Wellington this week. There were three days of interesting business sessions and the agenda covered a wide variety of activities. The only social function .was a reception given by the members of the national executive to all the delegates, the special guests being Miss A. MMoncrieff, who returned on Tuesday from China, and Miss A. M. Bentham. who has been working in England a.nd in Jerusalem and who left yesterday to take up the general secretaryship of the Y.W.C.A. in Perth, Australia. Miss Moncrieff brought with her a jiresentation scroll from China in appreciation of the support New Zealand has given to that country. She spoke briefly of the wonderful courage of the Chinese association, which is proceeding with constructive activities in spite of the hardships caused by the ravages of war. Miss Moncrieff will tour the Dominion early next year, before returning for a further term in China. Miss Bentham spoke of the interesting international aspect of the work in Jerusalem and of the maniiold. activities of the Y.W.C.A. in England under war conditions. There was an hour s recess from business in order that delegates might attend the weekly intercession service held in the Congregational Church, and at all sessions -or routine business there was a brief devotional period, remembering the stricken countries of Europe. Reports from all < associations showed steady growth, and a particularly encouraging feature was tlie measure of responsibility being taken by younger members. While all associations were fully sharing in the wartime activities of then cities and towns, efforts were being strengthened to build up an international understanding and an intelligent preparation for peace. It was planned that two conferences be held from December 28 to January 14 for young employed girls and schoolgirls. The triennial convention will be held in May,' 1941, in Auckland. At the conclusion of the business apnreciation was expressed to the Wellington Y.W.C.A. for the hospitality extended as the hostess association.