LODGE AT HUNUA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 285, 1 December 1928, Page 13

LODGE AT HUNUA.

CAMP FOR Y.M.C.A. BOYS.

OFFICIAL OFETrnCa CEREMONY

A PICNIC GATHERING

Set midst picturesque surroundings. Huntta Lodge, which will house boys attending the annual Y.M.C.A. camps and has been made passible by business men of the city subscribing over £800 towards it, was officially opened to-day. A large party, including members of the Auckland Rotary Club and representatives of the Young Men's Christian Association, made a pilgrimage by car to the lodge this morning, the outing in connection with the opening ceremony having been organised by Mr. R. A. LaidlaW, chairman of the boys' work committee of the Rotary Club. The party picnicked at the charming spot, and were met and conducted over the site by Mr. George Adaif, director of the camp. The Y.M.C.A, some time back purchased for £600 ten acres,of freehold land at Hunua. This has now been cleared of straggling growth and fenced, while a river that rune through the property has been cleared of snags and made suitable in parts for swimming. The site is ail admirable one for the purpose for which it was secured. The Auckland Rotary Club, With its characteristic generosity, undertook the task of raising the necessary funds for the lodge, which was estimated to cost 1800. The actual cost of the building, however, was about £030, but the extras have been met by friends of Rotarlans swelling the fund. The lodge is Well!-appointed. Capacious dining and assembly rooms are provided, in addition to a store room and cooking department. It if proposed to use the assembly hall sa a concert and lecture hall. The lodge will prove a very handy adjunct to the Y.M.C.A. camp in wet weather, as it will enable activities to proceed unrestricted. The popularity of YJUXLA. camps is reflected by the fact that so far 2173 boys have attended them at Hunua. One hundred and eighty toys of all denominations lived the ideal life for six weeks last year, and returned to the city muck benefited in health as a result. Another successful camp is anticipated thia year.