Y.M.C.A.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13390, 5 April 1909, Page 2

V.M.C.A.

PHYSICAL CtJLTURE SIDE OF THE WORK.

A meeting cf young men to consider tho physical culture side of" V.M.C.A. work in Christehurcth was held on Friday evening, Mr C. E. Salter presiding. Tho Chairman stated thai, in con-nc-ction with the gymnasium, it was the intention to form football, hockey, and other sports clubs. Mr Tankard, the physical culture instructor of the institution, had recently visited England, the Continent and America, and had made full investigations into the physical culture methods pertaining in those countries, and as the result of his enquiries had returned with many up-to-date ideas, which would be of great benefit to the work hero. Mr T. S. Tankard then addressed the meeting, and after dealing with methods in force in England, Scotland, Fiance and Germany, dwelt on the magnitude of the physical culture work in connection with V.M.C.A. institutions m America. What struck him very forcibly, he said, was the fact that there was nothing at all spectacular about the American methods. The work was so arranged as to bo physiologically correct, which feature he (Mr Tankard) intended to introduce into the work of the local V.M.C.A. gymnasium. The speaker laid special emphasis on tho enthusiasm which characterised the work in America, which he remarked ivas a very desirable trait. The institutions were patronised by all classes of people, the man of sixty years as wcil as the young man manifesting the keenest interest in gymnastic work. In conclusion, Mr Tankard stated that tli.'local gymnasium was practically finisheel, and when fitted up would leave nothing to be desired in the way of utility and comfort. The work would be conducted on broad lines, and those present should do their utmost to help it forward. The chairman pointed out the fallacy that existed with regard to V.M.C.A. work. It was not the object of the work to fastfr tho ''namby-pamby spirit, but as long as a young man was of good moral character, he could become a member of the Association, no matter what his religious views wore. What th. management wanted was that the young men of the city should throw themselves honrt and soul into the work, and when tho business men realised the good results that wero being brought about there would be no difficulty in regard to funds. After the nqmes of those present who desired to become members of tho gymnastic section, were enrolled, a. visit of insprction w.is made to the gymnasium, the size and architecture of which wt-re very favourably commented upon. It is anticipated that tho gymnasium will lie ready for opening on" Monday, April 19th.