Y.M.C.A.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 65, 16 March 1907, Page 6

V.M.C.A.

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Dr. A. O. Knight presided over the annual meeting of the Young Mens Christian Association, which was held last night. About fifty members were present. The annual report embodied comments on the work of the various branches of the association. It was stated that the year had been marked by a large increase in members, the inauguration of the boys' department, the growth of the current work, and the coming of a national secretary, Mr. Lyman L. Price, of Washington. In 1905-0 the second year of the forward movement, and the 51st of their history, had just been completed. In 1905-6 —a record year—the total contributed was £394 18/9, while for the present year the sum of £437 8/ had been realised, an increase of £122 9/3. Subscriptions, amounting in all to £ 625 10/3, had been received from guarantors to the forward movement and other friends of the association, an anonymous donation of £ 100 being received in November last. The liabilities of the association's current account amounted to about £200 at the beginning of the year, and at the close they appeared at*£72 3/6. Dealing with the equipment of the building, the report stated that in order to do aggressive work, a. more modern structure was absolutely necessary. A physical department, with gymnasium, locker-room, shower bath, and swimming pool should be provided. There should also be a social hall on the ground floor and rooms provided for groups of individuals having special objects of study. One of the innovations had been a midday lunch, members, for the payment of 6d. weekly, being provided with cups of tea and" coffee during the lunch hours.

In regard to membership, the report stated that the numbers at the commencement of the presnet year stood at 311, and a substantial increase had been made during the year, the present figures being 620 (370 full members and 250 associates), while the roll of tj e boys' department showed a membership of 100, making a grand total of 720. The membership subscriptions amounted to £346 16/, as against £202 0/1 for the previous year. The campaign of December and January last had been largely responsible for the progress made.

The gymnasium had a membership of SO, but attendances showed a decrease on the previous season. A most successful season was experienced by the cricket club in point of number of members and enthusiasm displayed. The swimming club had secured the use of the Albert-street Baths for one night weekly during the season. The membership numbered 20. Lists had been opened -for member, of both hockey and football clubs, and it was hoped that during the winter they would be thoroughly active.

In regard tn education, the work had been largely experimental. Classes had been formed for shorthand, drawing, wood-carving, and French. The classes for shorthand and French had proved the most popular. The department had, however, encountered the most serious difficulties, but it was believed that a sound basis had been laid. Some profitable evenings had been spent by the literary and debating club. The camera club had proved interesting and popular. A course of lectures had been given on "Science and Polities." The library and reading-room had been well patronised. An orchestra had recently been formed, numbering 12 performers.

Touching bn the "religious work department," it was said that the study of the Bible had been made the leading feature of the religious work. On Sunday afternoons the gathering had averaged about 30, when various subjects had been taken and discussed. The universal week of prayer had been held in November. The strangers' tea had been continued, and had been a valuable means of introduction to scores of young men newly arrived'in the city. The work of the boys' department had been seriously handicapped during the year by lack of necessary accommodation. Two rooms had been set apart for their exclusive use, a game room and parlour, These were on the top floor, and could only be supervised at considerable inconvenience and very imperfectly. Adequate accommodation, entirely separated from that provided for the men, is one of the first essentials to a successful work amongst boys, and this, in our opinion, presents the strongest argument in favour of an entirely new and modern building. Until this is an accomplished fact we fail to see how any but an unsatisfactory Condition in this department can prevail. The objectives of the association for the incoming year were stated as foll ows: —The formation of additional athletic clubs; the organisation of the educational department to make it of greater value in the commercial life of young men; the development of a strong religious work, especially in the line of Bible study, and generally to make the association a power for good in the life of the city's young men. In conclusion,' emphasis was placed on the necessity for a vigorous policy in the work of the religious department, in order to ensure uniform progress throughout the association. The religious work must be paramount. FINANCE. The balance-sheet showed the following figures: —Income: Membership subscriptions, £346 16/; special subscriptions, £127 8/; boys' department subscriptions, £25 10/; forward movement, £497 2/3; physical £55 3/3; social department, £57 4/6; educational department, £38 17/10; religious work department, £23 19/5; rents, sundries, etc., including overdraft at Bank of New Zealand. February 25, 1907. £30 17/6: total, £1512 19/3. Expenditure: Overdraft at bank, £106 17/1; membership expenses, £33 12/5; salaries and wages, £447 3/1; interest, £160 4/5; physical department, £78 17/5; social department, £76 14/8; educational department, £132 5/; religious work, £63 11/7; which, including sundry other expenses, totals £ 1512 19/3. The adoption of the report and bal- | ance-sheet was moved by Mr. J. W. Stewart, and seconded by Mr. G. A. Buttle, and carried unanimously. I Mr. Mitchell, general secretary, was accorded a vote of appreciation for his work during the past year. The other ! officers of the institution- were also heartily thanked for their services. S Dr. Knight, having relinquished his ac- ; tive connection with the Y.M.CA. in consequence of his visit to England, was thanked for past services. The following officers were elected: President, Dr. A. O. Knight; vice-presi-dents, the Rev. W. E. GDlam, Messrs. J. P. Hooton, R. B. Sh«lders, and Wesley Spragg; hon. secretary, Mr. A. E. Greenslade; hon. tre_s_rer, Mr. R. L. Stewart; diiectorate, Messrs. T. B. Arthur,

C. H. Bottrill, F. E. Cory, H. Edmonds j A. H. Elkin, J. Lock,-Hi Mason, -T.'. Miller, C. G. Moflfatt, P. McKenzie, T. Rowe. W. L. Rowland, Thos. Schofield, J. W. Stewart, and Alex. Wiseman; auditors, Messrs. Buttle aod-Genties.

A vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Archdeacon Williams was passed. The deceased, in addition to a gift of £1000 to the Wellington Y.M.C.A>, donated a similar amount to Mr. John R. Mott for the carrying out of the Students' Voluntary Movement.