EXPERIMENT FOR GIRLS IN INDUSTRY

New Zealand Listener, Volume 11, Issue 267, 4 August 1944, Page 14

EXPERIMENT FOR GIRLS IN INDUSTRY

> — ee Ez HE LISTENER was _ invited the other day to "preview" an interesting experiment which is being made in Wellington with the idea of extending it in the future to other centres. The United Industries Club, supported chiefly by manufacturers, has been formed for the cultural benefit of women and girls engaged in the manufacturing industries; catering especially for those living away from home. It has been established in a large, 14roomed house, furnished through the efforts of friends, and although the official opening will not be held until the beginning of this month, members have been making use of its facilities for the past six weeks. These include domestic, toilet, laundry, sewing and _ ironing facilities; a dining-room, a lounge which members can hire for entertaining their friends, and rooms for reading arid writing, music and physical training. There is also a dressing-room where girls can change after work for keep-fit classes, dances, etc. Future activities will probably include hygiene and home nursing classes, arts and crafts, choral work, dramatic art and dancing, and a library and cafeteria are also planned for. A matron (Mrs. M. H. L. Robbins, of Christchurch) will be resident at the club, and she will be assisted by the associate members, who are not necessarily industrial girls, but who are willing to help in the organisation and work involved, such as serving tea. All entertaining is in the hands of the House Committee, consisting of girls representing each of the activities, and the girls will also be represented on the Board of Directors. If the club continues as it has started, it should certainly achieve its aim — that of providing a home-like atmosphere for girls in industry, and offering the facilities of a home to those who are flatting and living in rooms. Many of the activities are still to be put into practice as the club develops, but "whatever else may be worrying the organisers, there is no lack of original and far-sighted ideas.