DOMINION Y.W.C.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 254, 17 January 1928, Page 14

DOMINION Y.W.C.A.

BIENNIAL CONVENTION CARE OF FLOCK HOUSE GIRLS "The whole work of the Young % Women's Christian Association will receive inspiration through this conference,” said Mrs. Bowron, president of the Y.W.C.A. of New Zealand, at the close of the biennial conference held at Lesley College, Paerata, on January 12 and 13. The morning session on Thursday opened with the report of the National Executive Committee read by Mrs. David Smith. This gave a detailed account of the activities of the committee. Various alterations to the constitution were brought up by Mrs. J. C. Dickinson and passed. The first part of the afternoon session was occupied with finalising the statement of the purpose of the association, Miss Ethel Law, national general secretary, being the principal speaker. The new wording, which was passed unanimously, reads: The purpose of the association is ‘‘to unite : girls and women in a world-wide fellowship, to help them to find a definite purpose in life, to be honest and fearless in their thinking, to attain the fullest appreciation of the joys of friendship, of service, and of beauty, and to interpret by radiant living the love of God.” FLOCK HOUSE GIRLS

The latter part of the afternoon was occupied with a report from Flock House. Mrs. Brown outlined the initial steps taken by the Y.W.C.A. in this piece of co-operation with the trustees of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund. The convention was strongly of the opinion that in addition to the friendly offices of the ladies who had consented to act as advisors, the time was rapidly approaching when the association would require a welfare officer for the after care of Flock House girls. At the evening session the world fellowship financial statement and budget was passed. Miss Gavin, travelling secretary of the Student Christian Union, gave an interesting address on her experiences when in charge of a girls’ hostel in Calcutta. On the second morning recommendations were received from the committees set up during the convention, chief among them being ‘‘The establishment of a training institute in leadership in local association,” and the "federation of senior clubs.” The retirement scheme for secretaries was discussed and referred to the mid-way meeting of the National Board for discussion. At the afternoon session the national policy for 1928 was discussed when the principal topic was, “Ways and means of making the association purpose more vivid to members,” Miss Law being the chief speaker. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mrs. David Smith, of Wellington, was unanimously elected president of the Y.W.C.A. of New Zealand. The following were elected National Board members at Headquarters: Miss Ella Fair, Mrs. Clark, Dr. Sylvia Chapman, Mrs. Donald Watson, Mrs. Treadwell, Mrs. H. D. Bennett, Miss Holmes. Mrs. Sutherland Ross and Miss Ella Fair were elected as representatives on the World’s Committee. The following delegates were appointed for the World’s Conference: Miss Mary McLean, Mrs. Spear, Miss W. Braithwaite, Mrs. Carmalt Jones, Miss Hewitt, Mrs. G. H. Wilson. . -A- vote of thanks to the retiring president, Mrs. G. Bowron, was carried with great enthusiasm, several speakers eulogising Mrs. Bowron’s untiring services to the association in New Zealand.