THE Y.W.C.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1921, Page 6

THE Y.W.C.A.

The outline of the objects and work of the Young Women’s Christian Association, as given by Miss Bireh to the meeting held at the Soldiers’ Club on Monday evening, should convince all rightminded people that the organisation is operating on the right lines for helping girls who arrive in a city or large town in which they are complete strangers. The meeting was held in furtherance of the Clarke Memorial Hostel for Girls in New Plymouth, and there can be no doubt as to the appropriateness of this hostel being placed in charge of the’ Y.W.C.A., whose object is to hold out a friendly hand to lonely girls, make, them physically fit, imbue them with the true spirit of Christianity—that of service and sacrifice—and direct them along the right path, irrespective of class or creed. New Plymouth lias become a busy and populous centre, so that the establishment of a strong branch of the Y.W.C.A. in the town would be a decided advantage, more especially in view of the administration of the Clarke Memorial Hostel, for'the establishment of which a further £2OOO is required. It is pleasing to note that the preliminary steps were taken to organise this movement, and to obtain the required amount for the hostel, and no efforts should be spared to attain success. The public should esteem it a privilege, as well as a duly, to help this worthy movement to materialise .and be placed on a firm basis. It is a work in which iall can and should take a part, for it means much as a factor in the future of the community. Miss Birch rightly emphasised the fact that it was really woman’s work that made the community spirit,- and it is that potent lever which it is so desirable to stimulate. There should be no need for advocacy of support to such movements. The time has arrived to act, and there -is .no doubt the public will rise to the oocasion. At the same time it would be gratifying to have a large attendance—especially of those who it is intended to help—at the adjourned meeting on Friday evening, and thus give evidence of practical support and sympathy.