WORK FOR YOUTH

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21581, 18 September 1935, Page 11

WORK FOR YOUTH

K * ' YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION The monthly meeting of the YoungMen's Christian Association Board of Directors was held last evening. There were present: Messrs D. E. Parton (in ! the chair), F. H. Sandall, J. E. Fleming, T. Evans, J. W. Hillary, I. Sladen, T. M. Charters, A. C. Cottrell, F. Thompson, A. M. West, K. G. Archer, and A. J, McEldowney (general secretary). It was decided to send letters to the Rev. D. Gardner Miller, leader of the gymnasium Bible study group, Mr J. L. Hay, tutor, to the Business Efficiency Club, and Mr J. P. Whatman, tutor to the Public Speaking and Debating Club, thanking them for valuable service given to the association during the year. The general secretary reported that as the winter season drew to a close it was realised that although tne programme differed greatly from that of a few years ago, probably more solid and more enduring work had been done. The Children's Court had been visited regularly and the association's advice had been sought about several youths who had appeared before the Magistrate's" Court. The association would'be Undertaking to arrange the billeting for the band of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind. Vocational Guidance This work was still receiving the close attention of the association, and although most of the educational classes had finished for the year, close contact was being kept with individual boysr The last rally of 200 boys had shown that the problem was still acute. Two teas for unemployed men had been held during the month, and two services followed the teas. Thanks were due to church organisations, which had provided teas and speakers. Religious activities had consisted of residents' Sunday morning- service, 40 junior Bible study groups and four senior groups, social hour gatherings, and leadership training group. The Rev. D. Gardner Miller had completed his ninth season as leader of the gymnasium leaders' Bible study group, and had consented to continue this work with the new physical director next year. The activities of the Optimists' Club had continued, and the attendances at luncheons had been good, addresses had been stimulating, and the fellowship real and sincere. Th« Debating Club had concluded a most successful season. Boys' Department The report of the boys' department presented by Mr F. H. Sandall, chairman, and Mr D. W. Ross, boys' work director, showed a membership of 503. During the month the club attendances had been considerably affected by school holidays, the Winter Show, and the Queen Carnival, but in spite of this there had been a most busy month. The school holidays programme was probably one of the most successful that had been held and the co-operation of the managers of the various firms visited had been most encouraging. The visit of the Timaru primary school team had also been very successful. It was reported that the various codes of winter sports were drawing to a close, and most of the teams were well placed. The third grade Association footbal} team was still unbeaten. The physical education department report presented by Mr T. Evans, chairman of the physical cabinet, and Mr C G Pegg, physical director, showed that there was en enrolment of 882 in the various classes. The major work in the gymnasium during the month had been the preparation for the display to be held On October 3 and 5. In addition, the women s championships would-be decided on Wednesday, October 9, and the mens championships on Thursday, October 10, while the end-of-season social would be held on October 19. A special farewell functioii would be held on Wednesday, October 23, and this national championrhips on Labour Day week-end at Wellington. " '