The recently sombre and deserted rooms at the back of the Chartered Bank building, which is to be pulled down in June, on Wednesday presented an animated appearance. It was the occasion of the informa] opening of the first home of the British Women's Association, to whom the premises have kindly been lent by Mr. C. J. Scott. Through the energy of Mrs. Barrett and mrs. MeMichael and their band of enthusiastic helpers, the headquarters, fitted up as a club, looked cosy and inviting. Three palatial rooms have been provided for the use of the association, including a spacious and charmingly furnished lounge, office and library combined, and a tea room. Through the good will of members and well-wishers, a quantity of furniture has been lent (and in some cases given) to the committee.
Asa club the rooms will in future be open from 10 am. to 7 p.m. At present only light refreshments will be served to members, but it is hoped in future to cater for tiffins as well. Nowadays se many in offices, who live on the' outskirts of the Settlement, have felt the need of somewhere to go for a "snack," when work is heavy, and apy women in this predicament who are members of the Association are sure to patronize the buffet, which provides light refreshments. In pursuance of the aims of the Association regarding social service, a number of Russian women from the Foreign Women's Homo are acting as waitresses. The cost of a tea in the afternoon will be only 40 cents.
The office will eventually be transformed into a bureau of information, where newcomers who are acquainted with members may obtain information as to existing accommodation in boarding houses and where houses to let can be found.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.