.jpg)
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Girls' Friendly Society
The Girls' Friendly Society in New Zealand, a branch of the English Society, was founded by the late Lady Jervois, in 1883. The objects of the Society are to provide comfortable and inexpensive boarding accommodation for girls and young women; to bind together, in one society, ladies as associates, and girls and young women as members, for mutual help, sympathy, and prayer, and specially to encourage purity of life, dutifulness to parents, faithfulness to employers, and habits of thrift generally. The commodious three-story lodge, from a design of Mr. F. de J. Clere, F.R.I.B.A., erected in Vivian Street, Wellington, stands on a freehold section, the entire cost having been raised. There is good accommodation for a large number of members, who are charged the low tariff of 12s. per week. Although the society is a Church of England Institution and the associates must be members of that body, no such stipulation is made regarding members. Any girl of virtuous character, who is recommended by a minister or employer will be admitted to membership. Single bedrooms are provided; there is a good bath with hot and cold water laid on, and the library and piano are available for use at any time. The associates give prizes for needlework, knitting, scripture, and other subjects. Members are required to attend prayers daily, but otherwise are free to act according to their own wishes. Very good results have followed the Society's work, and many girls have been shielded from temptation by the organization. The office bearers are the Countess of Glasgow, patroness; Mrs. FitzGerald, president; Mrs Fancourt and Miss Greenwood, vicePresidents; and Mesdames D. Anderson, Coffey, England, Gore, Mason, Redward, F. Rutherfurd, Stock, Sprott, T. C. Williams, and Mrs. Wallis, form the council, Mrs. Tanner being the treasurer, and Miss Ashcroft the secretary.