Y.W.C.A. MATRON RETIRES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26633, 2 December 1947, Page 2

Y.W.C.A. MATRON RETIRES

Friendship Her Watchword Miss Harriet Rosevear, who has been matron of the Dunedin Y.W.C.A. for the past 32 years, will retire shortly. Her readiness to befriend and help all who came within her orbit has endeared her to hundreds of girls, arfd older women, too, throughout the Dominion. Miss Rosevear herself said that she numbered her friends in hundreds, and they could be found from Auckland to Bluff. In fact, friendship seems to have been Miss Rosevear’s watchword. “ I think that Y.W.CA, work is well worth while,” she said in an interview. “ Girls from the country are not lonely in a hostel. Furthermore, lasting friendships are made. Groups of girls who have

been here and are now married still maintain friendships. When I came here as sub-matron 32 years ago there were about 25 permanent boarders, now there are more than 50. Wherever I go in New Zealand I meet girls who have stayed at the Y.W.C.A. in Dunedin.”

Miss Rosevear had great praise for the board and committee with whom, she said, she had worked in complete harmony. She confessed that, as the Y.W.C.A. had been her home and interest for so many years, “'leaving the hostel would indeed be a big break. Miss Rosevear plans to continue living in Dunedin after her retirement.