YOUNG MEN'S CHRISITAN ASSOCIATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7251, 9 August 1907, Page 1

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISITAN ASSOCIATION.

Undoubtedly the best type of philanthropic work is that which helps men and women who are willing and able to, help themselves The Young Men's Christian Associations, which have now spread over all the country, are invaluable because they can reach everyone. In part, they develop the good qualities of those who join them ; in part, they do what is even more valuable, that is, simply give opportunity for the men to develop the qualities themselves. In most cases they pro- , vide reading rooms and gymnasiums.. I and therefore furnish means for a man to pass his leisure hours in profit or amusement as seems best. The average individual will not spend the hours in which he is not working in doing something that is unpleasant, and absolutely the only way permanently to draw average men from occupations and amusements that are unhealthy for soul and body is to furnish an alternative which they will accept. To forbid, all amusements, or to treat innocent and vicious amusements as on the same plane, simply insures recruits for the vicious amusements. The Young Men's Christian Associations would have .demonstrated their value a hundredfold, over if they had done nothing more than furnish reading rooms, gymnasium's and places where, especially* after nightfall, those "without, hora-'-s, or-.without attractive homes, could, go. without receiving injury. They furnishmeeting grounds for many young men who would otherwise be driven, jperhaps to the saloon, or if not, then fto some cigar store or other lounging ,place, where, at "the best, 1 the conversation would not be .elevating, and, at .the worst, companionships might bo formed which would lead to-future disaster. In addition to.this, the Associations would give every opportunity for self-improvement to those who care to take advantage: of the opportunity) and an astonishing, number do take advantage of it."—President Roosevelt in the Century Magazine.