Palmerston North Y.W.C.A. Steps Out

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 53, 6 March 1944, Page 2

Palmerston North Y.W.C.A. Steps Out

£2OOO THE OBJECTIVE. As a preliminary to the campaign launched on Saturday by the Palmerston North Y.W.C.A. an appeal was sent out to citizens under the name of the Mayor, as campaign chairman, to stimulate interest in a forward move. “To sustain the reputation of ‘First Always’ in Palmerston North,” the appeal reads, “two outstanding events are to take place towards the end of March: The establishment ot a small hostel in Queens Chambers, which will be at the disposal of women in uniform as well as civilians; the opening ot a central club in the Vogue Theatre BuiK ing, to serve country women’s interests in addition to those of the girls and women of the city (as previously outlined in the “Times”). The sum of £2>ooo must be raised in March and ten enthusiastic women have agreed to lead 10 teams of t) citizens including Rotarians to raise £2OO each. Will you help them “Over the Top”? the Mayor asks. On Saturday afternoon the campaign was formally launched by the Mayor at a gathering held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. K. Dean, Batt Street. Mrs. Dean, who is a vice-president and a team leader, welcomed the guests on arrival, also present being Miss Elsie Bennet, general secretary of the Auckland Y.W.C.A. and director of the campaign, Mesdamds Storey and Dawson, members of the Auckland Board, C. A. Small, president ot the Palmerston North Y.W.C.A. Board, Misses M. Greenwell, assistant director, and B. Stalker, business secretary, also other team leaders, Rotarians and thenwives and members of the teams. Fortunately the sun was shining bravely after the recent rains and guests enjoyed strolling round the beautiful grounds, admiring the sunken garden and s-wimming pool and the fine old oaks, silver birches and willows that grace the garden. After afternoon tea had been enjoyea Mrs. Small extended a welcome to those present and explained that the afternoon was in the nature of a business meeting in connection with the campaign. She then introduced Miss Bennet, calling on her to outline the project. At this stage the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mansford, arrived from the Hospital fete and were welcomed by Mrs Small. A sheaf of gerberas and delphiniums was presented to Mrs. Mansford by Rosemary Small. Mr. Mansford said it afforded him great pleasure as Mayor to be associated with the appeal and he felt sure the £2UOO would be raised. The speaker voiced the appreciation of all concerned to Dr. and Mrs Dean for making their home and grounds available to the committee for launching the appeal. All were pleased to have Miss Bennet whose long experience would be invaluable and he understood she was a past master in raising money. The Mayor hoped she would enjoy her stay in Palmerston North and that her crowning cup at the end of the campaign would be the target realised, or even down the other side. The work of the Y.W.C.A. went back over a long period, the Mayor continued, referring to its inauguration in England and the necessity for its services particularly for young women away from their own homes. The Y.W.C.A. in many centres provided hostels, with selected matrons and supervising committees so that parents need not be worried for the welfare of their girls in cities. A hostel was needed in Palmerston North and would be available for women of the services if necessary, and should be supported by the citizens if for no other reason. Declaring the campaign open the Mayor hoped that more than the required amount would be raised for this worthwhile object and that the hostel and club would be opened free of debt. Miss Bennet spoke of the team work and the need for the team spirit, also the need for collectors having the right idea about the whole project. She had found misconceptions and these must be dispelled. Undoubtedly all would prefer to build for permanency but why not test out a temporary service for women and girls? Continuing, Miss Bennet suggested that Palmerston North was a most favoured centre with its prosperous back country and the citizens were on velvet with regard to money-raising projects. With the help of the Mayor, the teams backed by the Rotarians and the help of Mrs Small, the campaign should go well. The symbol of the campaign was a hurdle and their aim to go over the top. Questions would arise regarding back history but this she suggested might well be cremated. Teams then got together and discussed plans with their leaders.