WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1922, Page 4

WORK OF Y.W.C.A.

AN ADDRESS BY MISS BIRCH. FUTURE 4CTIVITIIES. A group of girls assembled at the Clarke Memorial Hostel last night to meet Mies Florence Birch, national field secretary of the Y.W.C.A., who is visiting New Plymouth. Aftter a short programme of community singing, led by the Misses Johns and Cannel 1. Mrs. E. A. Walker (president of the Y.W.C.A.) introduced and welcomed Miss Birch Miss. Birch held the attention of the gathering by taking them first in imagination for a visit to America, where the Y.W.C.A. is in the advance guard of modern movements. Amusing reminiscences of travel were given Iby the speaker as she briefly sketched some of the ramifications of Y.W.C.A. work, including travellers’ aid, community work in churches and schools, health •programmes, gymnasiums, tepid swimming pool, educational classes, religious, general, technical, business, etc. This all served to show how the association carried out its purpose by promoting mental and physical health, as well as the spiritual life of young women everywhere. To be a member meant a belief in the purpose implied by the blue triangle badge, which stands for the well-balanced life. Miss Birch gave some indication of the larger policy of the board- of directors for future development, in which a progressive scheme for girls in their teens, with a trained leader, would form,an important part. Mrs. C. H. Weston expressed appreciation of Miss Birch’s address, and she was accorded hearty vote of thanks. Plans were made to form girls’ committee# to make programmes for education, recreation and service. A number of girls joined as members and suggestions were taken from them for a six weeks’ programme. This will in dude dress-making and millinery classes, discussions on life’s ideals or Bible studies, and deportment. The latter will be lead by Miss Ellis.