Y.M.C.A.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20898, 4 July 1933, Page 10

Y.M.C.A.

ANNUAL STREET APPEAL. arrangements FOR hudav The annual street appeal on behalf of the Christchurch branch of tne Young Men's Christian Association which was to have been held last month, but was postponed so that it would not clash with the activities of the Business Men's Committee, will be held on Friday. Yesterday members of the general committee of the association and representatives ot the Business Men's Committee met at a luncheon, when the reports of the various committees set up for the appeal were received. Mr D. E. Parton, president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and chairman of the appeal committee, presided. The large attendance was an indication of the influence of the appeal, «a : d the chairman. Now that the activities of the Business Men's Committee had been suspended for a week, they should make every post a winning post. It would be difiicult to i'et the amount, they at —£ 1500 —but they could at least get near that amount. Ihey wanted to improve the facilities at the Men's Christian Association and to extend its work.

A Much-Needed Work. Mr W. H. E. Flint, of the Business Men's Committee, said the Young Mm' 5 Christian Associations all over the world did not require any advertising. Its work was well done and was a much-needed work. If thtic wore no such institution as the Young Mv'ti's Christian Association there would a break in the contmuny ot Die lives of a large number of young people. The association filled a want, and while the Christchurch branch had such a capable committee there was no fear of the work diminishing. "I hope you exceed Ihe amount you are aiming at because you dc-sc-ve it," he said. "I hope Christchurch will stand up and give it to y °Mr G. F. Allen, reporting on behalf of the committee arranging the attractions of the appeal, said theie would be six bands converging on Cathedral square on Friday evening and about 80 bandsmen would give a mass performance. There would also be community singing in the evening. Attractive posters had already made their appearance in the city, ana n was hoped to have the use of the illuminated tramcar. The members ol his committee realised that they had to attract the attention of the people on Fridav and keep them entertained, and he thought they would succeed in doing it. Mr J. L. Hay, reporting foi the publicity committee, said that all publicity matters were well in hand. The newspapers had rendered assistance, and advertising would also be done on the tramway boards. The broadcasting board was to be asked to help. Mr T. Evans, on behalf of the transport committee, said the response to the request for motor-cars had been very liberal. He had been piomised the use of seven cars at 7.30 a.m. on Friday, and would like to hear of others willing to lend them. The cars would be required for about 15 minutes. A number of vehicles were required to convey the collectors to the various factories. Reporting on behalf of the enrolment committee, Mr A. J. McEldowney said there were so many organisers that it would be difficult to allot the corners. Practically the whole of the upstairs portion of the City Council Chambers had been offered for the day. More Than 1200 Collectors. Mr L. T. K. Allison said there were more collectors offering for service at street corners in the early morning than were required. From 9 o'clock until 11 o'clock there were sufficient collectors, but from 11 o'clock until noon and during the early hours of the afternoon the committee was short of helpers, and more were required. More than 1200 collectors had offered their services already. Mrs T. W. Voller, chairwoman of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Young Men's Christian Association, said that arrangements were being made to supply collectors with cups of tea during the day. The board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association was more than pleased with the work of the various committees set up for the appeal. and appreciated their efforts very much, said the chairman. The rest was in the lap of the gods, and the only thing needed now was fine weather. If the weather was unfavourable the appeal would be held on the following Friday.

ADVICE TO COLLECTORS

OPPORTUNITY FOR CHARACTER STUDY. "Collecting will provide you with a wonderful opportunity for the study of human nature. You may be surprised to find that those who are up against it themselves are most ready to give, and that there is a remarkable spirit of sympathy and goodwill in the public. You will find, also, that there is a great deal of sadness in the streets of the city, for unemployment is one of the most terrible and dangerous things the community has had to face." declared Mr C. E. Jones last evening, in addressing some of the 1200 collectors who have volunteered 1o assist in the street appeal by the Christcnurch Young Men's Christian Association on Friday. Mr Jones tola the collectors there was no doubt that they were going out on Friday armed with the knowledge that their object was a most worthy one. He said that malicious lumours were spread concerning most public appeals. He knew of two rumours that were circulated during the last Young Men's Christian Association appeal. The first was that the association did not need the money; Ihe second that the money was required merely to pay off a bank overdraft. The Young Men's Christian Association was a world-wide organisation which had gained its reputation chiefly through its magnificent work during the war. In the present difficult times it was helping the boy to fight the battle of life, to instil into him worthy ideas and ideals, and above all to find employment for him. Unemployment inevitably led to crime, for boys must have an outlet for their superfluous energy. This the Young Men's Christian Association was endeavouring to provide, diverting tine energy of the workless youths into suitable channels. "You have a big job on Friday and it means a big effort. You must have a big heart, faith, zeal, enthusiasm, personality, and vitality, and you must be a live wire," concluded Mr Jones. "Don't slumber on the job. Have determination, but don't be too aggressive, and above all, have patience and tacl." The collectors inspected the work of the various departments of the association and were entertained ai supper.