"We hope to gather from the discussions constructive suggestions as, fo how the Joint Committee can help the youth of all classes in this city to employ its leisure time to its own greatest beneMt; and after youth served how all' the rest of us who are young enough to enjoy Ie may also glean some ideas of value."
During her speech Mrs, Whitney reviewed the history of the Joint Committee. "The Joint Committee of Shanghai Women's Clubs which met at irregular intervals, was the parent of thig Joint committee and dates from Nov. 2, 1921, The recommendation that there should be a Joint Committee" with perpetual existence" dates from May 1920 and in June, 1926, the constitution and bye-laws were approved.
"'Since 1928, with one exception, these annual conferences have held and this fs the ninth internation al conference of women's clubs to be held under the auspices of the Joint Committee, "The subjects selected for these annual conferences have either been connected with the direct work of the Joint Committee or have been subjects of vital importance to women. In the last three Club Institutes information has been sought on such subjects as 'Housing' "Transportation' and 'Vocational Guidance.' Out this latter subject has Vocational Guidance sub-committee with its successful Children's Nurses Training Course. one of the founders of the Joint Committee, who led in the general discussion, Four important points grew out of the discussion.. They ar The Joint Committee should prepare universal catalogue of Teisure time opportunities available and sponsor an improvement of public "Advantage should be taken of the opportunities afforded by the University of Shanghai in filling the tap in leisure time cultural and educational courses.
'S—It was suggested that source materia! be made available in the form of leaflets distributed by the Joint Committee and followed by newspaper publicity. to keep it alive.
'4—It was suggested that different nationality groups be brought into contact by the Joint Committee.
The Woman's Part In concluding, Miss Hinder expressed her belief in the Joint Committee of Shanghai Women's Organi zations and said that she expected conspicuous progress in the coming year. She pointed to the Joint Committee's Club Institute of several years ago when housing was the subject. Much good she said resulted from this conference.
Even though the Institute itself might accomplish little by the discussions she rearmed her faith in discussions of this ind.
"Sometimes," she said, "we touch a subject and Leave it too soon. However, it is a good thing to touch it, for it often helps other people to accomplish our very project Miss Hinder asked several leading questions which were answered in the open forum which followed. Some the general opinions expressed by the various delegates follow:
"There are leisure time opportnities available for those adult minded enough to know what they want. Others have no general idea where to find these' same' eppert-
"The public library, adequate as to books and periodicals, is inadequate to housing. There 1s no room for those who desire serious study, and silence."
Following this opinion it was suggested that the Joint Committee make suggestions to the S.M.C, for a "silence reading room, "The University of Shanghai downtown college is ready to start any course at a small fee for which there sullctent demand," another delegate told the conference "There are plenty of facilities for those who have enough money. but Not for those who are underprivileged."
"Make the Joint Committee a clearing house for leisure time opportunities now available 'A Local Question In the very beginning of her speech Mrs, Whitney quoted from Mr. Wil-Ham Crane Johnstone's recent book, "The Shanghai Problem", in which he discusses various clubs and asso-dations of Shanghai mentioning that he paid the Joint Committee an encouraging compliment in saying:—"Asa rule these private groups represent special interests, but there are exceptions, the most important which isthe Joint Committee of Shanghai Women's Organizations, This organization is made up of various ational associations such as the American, British, and" Chinese women's clubs.
It Has taken the lead {in focusing the attention of the com= munity on such questions as child Javour, housing, and the rickshaw problem, and on these three questions its activities have been followed by definite action by the municipal authorities In closing Mrs, Whitney thanked the A.W.C. for again giving over their clubrooms for the meeting, the speakfers, and the various committees who arranged the programme, Serving with Mrs, Whitney as oM-cers are Baroness von Ungern Stern-borg, first vice-president; Mrs. EM. van den Berg, second vice-chairman; Mrs, C. L, Boynton, recording secre-Mirs. A. R. Leliao, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. ¥, Lee, treasurer. Committees are headed by Mrs, J. Barr, civic affairs; Baroness Von Unger Sternberg, programme; Mrs. Ivor E, G. Hunter, publicity; Mrs. Komor, nominating: Mrs, Arthur Young, Children's Fresh" Air Fund: and Mrs. A. W. Sherriff, Vocational
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.