No_2_July_and_August__1953 — Page 31

seeking a clean, healthy and comfor- table abode at reasonable rates.

The work of the Young Women's recent years, the Y.W.C.A. has in- entirely inadequate to meet the Asso- Christian Association needs little, if creased the number of hostels from ciation's needs: at the same time, it any, introduction. As part of a world- one to four-three for business girls was desired to provide more hostel wide movement, the Hong Kong in Hong Kong and one for industrial accommodation for girls who were Y.W.C.A. was founded in 1920 and. workers in Kowloon. These serve as during the past 33 years, it has grown homes for more than 140 girls whose considerably. In this period the op- incomes are so small that it would portunity has been given to many otherwise be almost impossible for girls and women to realise to some them to get a decent place to live for extent their ideals of personal and what they can afford. social living, and to build Christian fellowship regardless of age. creed

class or race.

So the plans for this attractive, but essentially practical and economical building were made. A drive was started to raise a building fund to cover the cost of the new hostel, and Government made a gift of the valu- able and convenient site.

The "Y's" downtown centre in Duddell Street served as the offices. club rooms, lunch room and meeting

The 32nd anniversary of the Hong One of the first aims of the Associa- hall for most of the activities of the

members and their friends. The Kong Y.W.C.A. on 10th March, 1952. tion in any part of the world is to decision to build new premises was was marked by Lady Grantham lay- provide suitable hostels for young made when it was realised that the ing the foundation stone of the women; this the local organisation social services of the Hong Kong Association's new building, which was did, and owing to the serious problem Y.W.C.A. had grown to such an extent formally opened by her on the after- of accommodation in the Colony in that the Duddell Street Centre was noon of 20th January, 1953.

27

(Left) View of the north elevation. (Above) Photograph of the chapel.