HOW WE BUILT OUR GYMNASIUM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 116, 16 May 1906, Page 8

HOW WE BUILT OUR GYMNASIUM.

j , AX bBJECT-fcESSQN. - WTsat united, effort will; do, or' the origin: of St. Peter's Gymnasium, forms au "instructive lesson. Some sis months ago the Eev. E. H. Catherwood took over the charge of St. Peter's Church, Greafe Jforth-road, Auckland, at which time there was a very small attendance. Although receiving a call from a.church with a larger stipend than St. Peter's could afford, he decided to accept the latter, seeing in the" districts of Grey Lynn and Arch Hill a large and promising field for labour and a lot of good material, which, if only directed into proper channels, would become a power for good. Being a young man, with plenty of energy, and imbued with the idea that it is better to do good than to talk it (he can do that also), and having a strong personality, he toon attracted workers round him. Besides gathering a splendid congregation, he has a band of about fifty young men :who stand loyally to him. Now, young people always have a lot of spare energy which must be worked off in some way, and be thought that a gymnasium would fill the bill.

Here was a'difficulty—there were no funds, and the church already in debt; but believing difficulties were onlj made to be overcome, and being a man full of

resource, he decided to call a meeting of the men and young fellows of the congregation. After laying the matter before them, a number of those present offered a guarantee of five pounds each, which amounted to something like sixty ; pounds, and it was decided to go right on with the building. One of the builders connected with the church undertook the management of the building arrangements, and was well supported by the carpenters, plumbers, painters and young fellows connected with the church. There is now a gymnasium and socialjiall worth about a hundred and fifty pounds, the whole of which has been "built by voluntary labour. At the opening of the gymnasium over fifty young men paid their 2/6 for membership. Mr. E. Jones, their instructor, is one of Auckland's best athletes in gymnasium "work, and is ably supported by Messrs. A. Powell and G. Underwood, both of whom are ath- : letes of considerable merit, whilst Mr.! Underwood is -leader of the Young Men'sj Bible Class. Mr. Murphy, who was. at one time champion light-weight boxer of the world, is their instructor. All these gentlemen give their' services free. The rules in connection with the boxing department are very strict. It is only to be used in a scientific way; if there is the slightest sign of roughness the gloves are immediately taken away from the performers, and if any attempt to use their knowledge in any way other than the defence of the helpless/ they. will be at once expelled from the gymnasium. It is now in full working order. I h'sve had the privilege of watching these ycung fellows enjoying themselves, and if anyone wishPs to see how obstacles can be overcome by a little combined effort. I would recommend them to spend an evening in St. Peter's gymnasium and see them at work.

The young fellows fully realise the benefits they have received, and although there is the material to pay for, which I believe comes to something like seventy pounds, they are fully determined not to allow it to become a burden on the church management, and l>y concerts, exhibitions, and in various ways they are going to meet the whole liabilities. This is a practical way of showing their gratitude, and if the young men in the different parts of the city would only interest themselves in the same way and attach themselves to some on»anisation, with a good leader, they could soon provide themselves with a gymnasium, social hall, or anything they might require for tbeir own recreation or self-improve-ment.

This article would not be complete without special reference to the work being done by the young ladies. They are doing their share in helping townake it a success. A piano has been innstkZleu for socials, concerts, etc., and they h\vc undertaken to collect the money to pay for it. i'RACTTOAL. *