THE Y.W.C.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1921, Page 6

THE Y.W.C.A.

CLARKE MEMORIAL HOSTEL. THE FIRST SHOTS IN; THE CAMPAIGN. A large and enthusiastic gathering of girls and young women assembled for lunch at the Soldiers’ Club on Saturday, at mid-day, with a view to securing a list of names of people to visit for unbscriptions’ to the proposed Y.W.C.A. Hostel. Mr. E. A. Walker wis tlie hostess. After the meal was over, Miss Florence Birch, New Zealand National Field Y.W.C.A.. Travelling and Organising Secretary, mounted the platform, and associated with her were Mrs. E. A. Walker (chief of teams), Mrs. Claude Weston (honorary secretary), Mrs. Alexander (chairman of transport committee), Mrs. Blundell (chairman of speakers’ committee), Mrs. List (chairman of tea committee), and Miss Brewster and Mrs. Anderson (campaign secretaries). Miss Birch explained the need of a hostel for girls that had been felt by the citizens of New Plymouth when they had called in the YAV.C.A. to take over the proposed Clarke Memorial Hostel, and had outlined a scheme for the raising of the required amount. Those present listened eagerly alid interestedly, and many questions pertaining to the methods were asked by the collectors-to-:be, showing the intelligent and keen interest they had in the work. The Doxology was sung, and the collectors set out on their quest, to meet again on Monday at tea' l time to report progress. The interest of the collectors augurs well for the success of the campaign, and certainly the old proverb, “A defeat is for those Who acknowledge it,” had no standing among the hopeful band of workers who set out to collect. It is hoped that those who are approached will give liberally, and in the cheerful' spirit so prevalent among those who have already identified themselves with the movement.

The Y.W.C.A. is a world-wide movement, and has branches in. every country in the world. It has hostels where business girls may enjoy the comforts of a home at a reasonable tariff. It is felt that the time, has come for the girlhood of New Plymouth to benefit by the experience of leaders with inspiration and knowledge that have been gained from Y.W.C.A. work in other countries. MORE ‘‘But will the hostel be filled only with girls who |tf».ed to live in town?” No;'there is always some room left to supply the transient need, and young women who come from the country districts from other towns Jor d few days or weeks. Thpn, too, there will be the girls from overseas who are confidently expected to arrive in numbers in the Dominion when the shipping is sufficiently readjusted to bring those who are waiting to come out. Some of them will be coming to New Plymouth, and will need somewhere tb stay a night or two till they find their feet. “What may radiate to -benefit the public from the establishment of the Y.W.C.A. in New Plymouth?” A whole sheaf of letters could be shown from grateful parents and guardians and those interested in the welfare of girls if the files of the Y.W.C.A. hostel secretaries or matrons could be revealed. Parents often rather tremble at the thought of their daughters going forth into strange towns where work or study call'them, and it gives the utmost relief to find that in the Y.W.C.A. host/) they will have the supervision of a friendly matron or secretary. ‘•What else may be expected to radiate for the public good?” Well, the Y.W.C.A. is a movement which goes forward to to meet one need after another. It is quite possible that its first undertaking after the establishment of a hostel will be that of the Room Registry or Housing Bureau. ‘•What does that mean?”

It means that a committee is set up to investigate and keep on the file up-to-date lists of boarding houses or homes where boarding accommodation may be available for one or more people, f’ueh a bureau will help many people coming as strangers. A cable came to one of the Y.W.C.A.’s in New Zealand recently from England, to ask if the association would undertake to find temporary accommodation for a man with his wife and four children. The reply went back, ‘’Yes.” “How else will the Y.W.C.A. radiate for the public good ?” It will undertake to meet trains and boats when necessary to give aid on request. “Anything else in the near future?” The employee who comes in in the family car for the day or week-end's change will find a rendezvous where she can meet friends or get refreshed while she stays in town. This will probably keep her longer in the situation. “How else will the Y.W.C.A. radiate for the public good?” Last but not least, for the present, let me say gently, the Y.W.C.A. is a social force, yes, a Christian force, working for good in the community. It has a great purpose, that radiates like a star for those who have eyes to see.