Y.M.C.A. APPEAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22774, 7 July 1937, Page 14

Y.M.C.A. APPEAL

CAMPAIGN BEGUN ' EFFORT TO RAISE £12,000 REDUCTION OF INDEBTEDNESS GIFTS OF £2250 RECEIVED "Representatives of all the interests in Auckland are here to-night," said Mr. H. B. Burnett, campaign chairman of the Auckland Y.M.C.A. Coronation Appeal Campaign, who presided at the inaugural dinner last night. About 120 volunteer workers, divided into teams, attended. It was announced that donations totalling £2250 had already been received toward the campaign, which will close on July 22.

Guests at the dinner included the deputy-mayor, the Hon. B. Martin, M.L.C., the Rt. Rev. T. H. Roseveare, Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, the Rev. J. A. McKenzie, Moderator of the Auckland Presbytery, the Rev. E. I). Patchett, chairman of the Methodist Church in Auckland, the Rev. A. C. Nelson, chairman of the Ministers' Association, and Mr. C. -J. Tunks, who represented the Primate, Archbishop Averill. A letter was received from Monsignor H. F. Holbrook, on behalf of Bishop Liston.

Hopes and Plans

The president of the association, Mr. D. Henry, outlined the plans for the expenditure of the £12,000 it was hoped to raise. He said it was hoped to pay £BOOO off the association's indebtedness and also to spend £1650 on renovations to the building, which was erected 23 years ago. Development work in and round the city was expected to absorb £ISOO, and suburban work another £SOO.

"The trend of affairs to-day makes it imperative that more work should be done in the suburbs than ever before," Mr. Henry added. There were many lads in the city who required the association's help, whether or not they knew it, and such an institution was essential if the youth of the day was going to have its steps turned along the road toward greater physical, mental and moral strength. The spiritual aspect of the work for which the appeal was being made was emphasised by Mr. Nelson. He referred to the characteristic generosity of the Auckland public, as exemplified in the magnificent response to the King George V. Memorial Fund appeal, and expressed his confidence in the successful outcome of the present campaign. Favourable Reception Mr. W. Goodfellow, chairman of the central committee, said that every prospective donor approached by the committee so far had given the members a hearing, and there had not been a single refusal.

An aspect of the boys' work was one that appealed to nearly ill the business men approached, he added. Another important point tha.t appealed was the fact that the deeds of the association building were being placed in trust as soon as it was clear of debt so that no mortgage for current expenses could be incurred in the future. Thirdly, the fact that donations could be given either in one sum or in instalments over a period was a factor that many prospective donors appreciated Details of contributions announced last night are as follows: —

Wilson family, per W. E. Wilson £IOOO W. Goodfellow .. .. .. 250 Sir Henry Horton .. .. .. 100 Sir Ernest Davis .. .. .. 100 Robert C. Horton i.OO David Henry .. .. .. 100 Wripht, Stephen?on and Co., Ltd. .. 100 E. Astley and Sons, Ltd. - .. 100 N.Z. Insurance Co., Ltd .. .. 100 Dearsley, Ltd. .. .. .. 100 Campbell and Ehrcnfried Co., Ltd. 100 R. and W. Hellaby, Ltd., .. .. 100 £2250 DONATION OF FIFTY POUNDS AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD "I think that this is an institution to which the board might well give some support," said the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, the Hon. T. Bloodworth, M.L.C., at a meeting of the board yesterday, when a request was received from the Y.M.C.A. for a donation toward its £12,000 campaign. Mr. Bloodworth referred to the worthy object for which the funds were sought, and proposed that £SO should be given, subject to validating legislation being passed. Mr. J. Saycgh considered that £SO was too much, and that applications would bo received from other organisations. lie moved an amendment that £25 should he given.

Mr. W. B. Darlow said he did not consider it the board's function to subscribe to such a cause, although be would give personally. The board decided to donate £SO. HAMILTON BRANCH THE MEMBERSHIP FUND [FROM OUR OWX CORRESPOXDEXT] HAMILTON, Tuesday The sustaining membership fund of the Hamilton Y.M.C.A. has reached the total of £540.