Y.M.C.A. WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 162, 9 July 1907, Page 6

V.M.C.A. WORK.

At noon to-day Colonel C. Fermaud, general secretary of the V.M.C.A. World's Committee, was entertained to luncheon at the "Tiffin" by the Board, of Directors of the V.M.C.A. About sixty members sat down to an. excellent repast, after which Lieut.-Oolonel Fennaud, in the course of a few brief remarks, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the kindness and courtesy extended to Hfm. He did not forget things, and would remember what he had seen in Auckland; His last message to the Australasian associations from the World's Committee was "Jesus alone." He then went on to explain the constitution of the World Committee, which was composed of 12 men, with ■headquarters in Geneva. In Geneva (his home) he had charge of the office, with six men, and also had charge of seven secretaries in various parts of the world. In other parts of Europe there were thirty-four outside men. In Europe today the annual convention of the World's Committee began m London. The World's Alliance of the Y.M.OA. was founded in 1855.

Afterward for 23 years, Colonel Fermaud said, there was nothing special except meetings every three years. In 1878 he (the speaker) was President of the World's Convention- Later he was called upon to give up his business and take up the secretaryship. In 1878 there were 2828 associations, and to-day there were 7SOO associations in various parts of the world. The principles of the committee were truth, economy, respect for every man's nationality, and most important of all they depended upon God. They received their mandate from the World's Convention whenever it came, but they received, it through the Convention through God.

Mr. J. W. Stewart moved a vote of thanks to their guest which was passed by acclamation.

To-night Lieut-Colonel Fermana win address a public meeting in the Y.M.CJL Hall on "A world-wide movement for young men," and to-morrow he leaves by the Manapouri for Fiji, en route to Canada.