ORGANISING THE Y.M.C.A.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 228, 23 September 1904, Page 3

ORGANISING THE Y.M.C.A.

FAREWELL TO MR. BUDGE. AN ENTERPRISING SCHEME. A large number of Auckland's leading social workers gathered in the large room of the V.M.C.A. last evening to say farewell to Mr. D. A. Budge, whose stay in Auckland has been attended by a gTeat revival of interest in V.M.C.A. •work. Among the gentlemen who occupied seats on the platform were Dr. Knight (president), Mr. C. W. Hernery (treasurer), T. Buddie (secretary), Revs. Bertram, Beaming, and H. B. Gray, and Messrs. Bagoall, S. V. Macauley, W. F. Harrop, P. Cheal, C. Mathieson, W. Brakenrig, etc. His Worship the Mayor of Auckland was to have presided, but owing to the death of his sister, Mrs. West, he was prevented from keeping his engagement. Dr. Knfght, the president of the Association made reference to the bereavement in terms of the greatest sympathy, and called on Councillor Bagnall to fill the vacant ckair. Councillor Bagnall then took the chair, and re-echoed Dr. Knig-ht's expression of sorrow at the sad bereavement which had afflicted the Mayor's family. He spoke of the great importance of the work which Mr. Budge had come all the way from Moatreal to do, and said he felt a special interest in Mr. Budge, as he (Mr. Bagnall) was himself a Canadian. Mr. Buddie (secretary) announced that as a resalt of Mr. Budge's visit it had been decided to raise a fund to enable them to import from Canada a man whom Mr. Badge would select to carry on the;organisation of the work in Auckland on the Canadian lines which Mr. Budge had described. Mr. Hemety (treasurer), continuing the reference to this scheme, said it was intended that Mr. should send a man who would inoculate them with the methods they had heard explained by Mr. Budge. In order to carry out the scheme it was necessary to raise £400 per annum for three years in addition to their present income, to be devoted exclusively to paving the salary and other expenses of importing this new physical director and general secretary, and pro- \ iding the necessary equipment and buildings in -connection with his work. Among other schemes they hoped to initiate the work among the boys which was a leading feature of all the American Associations. They also intended, if they could raise the necessary funds, to initiate a dormitory, so that young men could live on the Association premises, and also set up a first-class restaurant, so that young men would literally find, within the Association's walls, everything they could need. For all this the £400 extra for three years was required. At the end of that time they hoped the Association Would have so grown upon the public that its increased regular subscriptions would be enough to meet all the expense incurred. So well had the scheme been taken up by the public that he was able to say that already the sum required was forthcoming. He had received promises which amounted to the whole £400. It was an evidence of the hold which a forward movement of this kind 'had on the young men that at least ten young men of the city had undertaken to collect £10 per annum each for three years, and to give the new physical director all the assistance in their power when he arrived. They had already during* the week collected £70. It was expected that the new man would begin work about next February, when the promises would be called up. Mr. Budge replied in a speech which was full of practical -suggestions and encouragement. He urged the advantage of adding to the Y.M.C-A. that social element which was the great power of the hotels. Mr. J. H. Upton, speaking as an outsider, but a well-wisher, urged the promoters not to be too frightened by any adverse eriticifims that might be aimed at their schemes. He agreed with, Mr. Budge as to the value of the social or club element. Bishop Neligan then arrived" amid cheers, and delivered an address, in which he described the methods of residential institutions established by the Angfican Church, in London. He summed up his conclusions in this way: "Religion as the foundation; character, not pious talk, on the part of the residents; no charity, but plenty of philanthropy (the love of men); strict adherence to business lines in the management; do nothing without the right man, and wnen you have got him, trust him and leave him alone." Mr. Budge was given a very hearty tvote of thanks, and the proceedings terminated.