ST. CHRISTOPHER’S CLUB

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 14

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S CLUB

TRIBUTES TO WORK FOR BOY MEMBERS

“Over the years, the St. Christopher’s Boys’ Club has performed a very fine service, not only for Catholic youth, but for the community of Christchurch as a whole,’’ said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.), speaking at a parents’ evening held at the club. He paid a tribute to the instructors for the work they were doing in teaching the boys public speaking, boxing and gymnastics, as well as many other activities. The club was helping to turn out responsible citizens who could take their place in the world, he said The club, which caters for bovs between the ages of 11 and 19, was o°i’< nde . d by the Rev - Father T. Bergin. S-M.. m 1939. It has a membership of about 150, and amongst the activities are debating, boxing, gymnastics, basketball, tramping, table tennis, and an annual camp. There are two meeting nights a week—Wednesday for physical activities and Saturday for social activities. The clubrooms were destroyed by fire a few years ago, bul a fine new building has been erected since then.

When the club was first founded by Father Bergin it had proved very successful. but perhaps did not get the financial support it deserved, said the Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. E. M. Joyce). However. after the fire there was a ready response from such generous men as Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon and the late Sir John McKenzie. Bishop Joyce thanked Sir Ernest Andrews for "the assistance he had given the club as Mayor, and also Mr Macfarlane. He also paid tribute to the Marist fathers for the work they had done for the club.

Exhibitions of boxing, gymnastics, and public speaking were provided byboys of the club.