YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 481, 18 June 1890, Page 4

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

Auckland, June 14. The Social Hall of the Y.M.C.A. Rooms was bright last evening with the pleasant faces and voices and laughter of girls and young women ; for it was the scene of the annual meeting of the Young Women’s Christian Association, formed in Auckland some little time back. At about 5,30 p.m. the members to the number of about 100 gathered for the inevitable tea “ that cheers but not inebriates ;” and about 6.30 tne tables were cleared. Then they took tili about a-quarter past seven to rest from the labours of the tea-table, and spent that time in the singing of hymns and in sisterly conversation.

At 7.30 the business meeting began,when there about 120 present. Mr Brakenrig, at the request of the Committee, read the annual reports and balance-sheet, which were unanimously adopted. They will be found in condensed form below. JSTo male creatures were allowed to interfere in this business meeting, and one or two unfortunates who showed their noses inside the door while it was in progress, retired in dismay before the laughter that greeted them.

Officers or officeresses for the ensuing year were elected as follows : —President, Mrs Angus White. Vice-Presidents : Mesdames Kanderdine, Major, Lincoln, Carradus. Committee of Management: Mesdames J. L. Wilson,Schnackenberg,Mactier, Gilbert, Misses Vickers, Kenderdine, Wilson, Mason. Hon. Treasurer: Mrs W. S. Wilson. Hon. Secretary: Mrs Christian. Votes of thanks were passed unanimously to last year’s officers; and an especially hearty one to Miss Alexander, the permanent secretary.

At 8 o'clock the public meeting began by Dr. T. B. Kenderdine taking the chair. He said the Y. W.C.A. report was unique in that it showed a credit balance, and this spoke well for the financial abilities of the ladies. It would tie well if some of our public institutions would form boards of lady directors. The Rev. Mr Robertson then spoke. He regretted the absence of Mr Wilson, who knew more of their work than the speaker. He advised his hearers to throw all their influence on the side of good in the world, for their influence was great. He gave several instances of the good done even in humble spheres by young women, and recited a charming little poem of his own, showing the influence exerted by one passing a gentle, peaceful, good life. He pointed out several ways in which women could help on the good work in the world. Mr J. T. Arundel and Mr Brakenrig also gave practical addresses, and the meeting was concluded with the usual devotional exercises.

Report. —The report referred to the progress of the Association in numbers, and in the increased interest feit in the work, while a hope was expressed that much good was being done in raising the lallen, strengthening the weak, and helping all. Regret was expressed at the departure of the Rev. J. S. Hill and his family. Miss Leachman, President since 1883, is accorded sincere thanks. The numbers attending the luncheon rooms have steadily increased, the average attendance being from 60 to 80 daily. Thanks to Mr Mackie and others, literature is always provided in the rooms. Great good is done to many young women through the Registry Office and through Miss Alexander. Refreshment rooms have also been opened for young men, in which tea and coffee are supplied on the same terms as to the young women. So far the members attending are few, but it is hoped they will increase as the comforts to be obtained become better known. At the Refuge the services have been handed over to the gentlemen, but the ladies still attend as visitors, especially Mrs Goodwin and Mrs Abbott, and the youngpeoplehave given tea and entertainments. The annual picnic was very successful, and was held at Mr J. S. Wilson’s home. The Sunday afternooh Bible class still succeeds. The members of the class for prayer meeting and Bible study have increased. Monthly letters are circulated to members of the Association and others. The library has attracted a great many new members. Dr. Kenderdine kindly presented fourteen volumes. The sewing meetings have been a great success. Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen are thanked for gifts of materials for the sewers to work on. Mothers’ Meetings. —The committee of the mothers’ meetings held in Alexandrastreot report that the attendance is fairly satisfactory. The penny bank has been a great success. The new Mission Hall in Wakefield-street has been placed at the disposal of the ladies, and meetings will there be held in future. The library has been a success, and Lady Fox is thanked for assistance, as is an anonymous donor. The members of the Y. W.C.A. have forwarded many articles made at their sewing meetings, which have been sold to the mothers at nominal prices. Balance-sheet. The receipts for the past year have amounted to £255 13s Id, the chief items being £ll6 19s 4d for refreshments; £24 17s, members’ subscriptions ; £39, contributions to mission fund, and yearly subscriptions, £29 18s 6d. The expenditure has been £249 11s lid ; chief items, £BS for rent; cost of refreshments, £67 11s lid; secretary’s salary, £65; leaving a balance to begin the new year with of £6 Is 2d.