H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AND THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—On Tuesday, November 29th, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught opened the home and institute erected by the Young Women's Christian Association in Johannesburg. I will not trespass upon your space by explaining the work of the Association, as his Royal Highness's words which I quote render it unnecessary.
In the course of his address the Duke of Connaught said :— " It is a great pleasure to me to take part in a ceremony which marks one more important step forward in the world- wide work of the Young Women's Christian Association. The Association takes no thought of differences of nationality or religious denomination. Its sole work is to make the lives of our young sisters easier and pleasanter. In a great town like yours the power of the Association for good must be far-reaching. The number of young women who have pluckily left their homes, often alone and unassisted, to work for their living here is very great. Many of these have certainly come without having any friends here, and have suffered from the lack of companionship and of the advice and comfort which that word implies. Here, within your hospitable walls, they have been able to find com- panionship, and to enjoy the intellectual and mental advantages which young women can enjoy at the Institute. That it has been necessary to increase your accommodation is a proof of the value of the Y.W.C.A. in Johannesburg. In deciding to name this house after my sister you have given her the very greatest satisfaction, for she has always been closely identified with the work of the Association, and has followed its labours with the greatest personal interest. I now have great pleasure in naming the building The Princess Christian House and Young Women's Christian Association and Institute.'"
Not only in South Africa, but in large cities all over the world, the Y.W.C.A. now possesses homes and institutes, and I desire to bring to the knowledge of your readers the fact that many of our homes in various parts of the Empire are understaffed. The work undertaken by the Association develops with the growth of our Imperial interests, and we need for all our homes earnest, cultured women who will make it their life-work to promote the welfare of the hundreds of young women with whom they will come in contact. With regard to South Africa, we appeal for four such women who, if they can, will go out at their own charges, and in connexion with this Association carry on the work so sympatheti- cally described by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught.—I am, Sir, (National Head, Foreign Department). 26 George Street, Hanover Square, W.
Previous page
