YOUTH LODGE OPENED NEAR WOODEND BEACH

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28554, 7 April 1958, Page 14

YOUTH LODGE OPENED NEAR WOODEND BEACH

“Youth is at the cross roads of life, and is crying out to us older ones to show it the way,” Mr J. Rommeril said in an address to 600 persons at the official opening of the Open Brethren Assemblies’ youth lodge at Woodend yesterday “If we are not tfiere at the cross roads to guide them on to the right track, they may take the wrong one—a • seemingly pleasant and appealing path which has no exit. Like birds in a cage they become and frustrated and will seek other wrong channels for relief,” he said. “The Courts treat the effects of juvenile vandalism and crime. This lodge seeks to treat the cause,” Mr Rommeril said: “Youth makes many mistakes and needs guidance. Older people must guide young people in to the right road. That’s what this building is for” Mr Rommeril urged parents to guide their children. There are three ways of learning: by precept. by example and by impact. Youth usually learnt by impact, in the university of hard knocks. However, God’s way of teaching “is by precept and good example.” he said. Mr J. M. Paynter, chairman of the Woodend Youth Trust Committee, gave a brief outline of the committee’s work. He commended the voluntary work done by men, “some of whom didn’t know a hammer from a nail when they started.” He said that provision had been made- for extensive additions to the present building, including another dormitory block to house a further 80 children, a meeting hall and a caretaker’s cottage. The youth lodge covers an area of 4000 square feet, and cost £6OOO. The 10 acres of land on which the building stands was granted by the Government, and is three quarters of a mile from the beach The building, which was begun in April last year, consists of a hall and dormitory wing capable of accommodating 90 persons. The hall is constructed of concrete blocks, but the dormitory, which is divided into 10 separate rooms, is weather boarded with a corrugated iron roof. Hot and cold showers, and a septic tank to the Health Pepartment’s specifications, have been installed. Other speakers at the opening ceremony were, the chairman of the Woodend Domain’s Board (Mr C. Robertshaw) and the Mayor of Rangiora (Mr C. W. Tyler), who officially opened the building. -Mr Tyler referred to the building of the lodge as a milestone in youth work in New Zealand. The speakers were introduced by Mr G. C. Thornton. Members of the Trust Committee are:—Chairman, Mr J. Paynter; treasurer.

Mr R. H. Ashton; secretary, Mr G. C. Thornton; .committee, Messrs T. W. L. Wilson, R. Rogers, R. J. Woodside,' R. H. Purdue, M. L. Paynter, L. J. Garnham, C. F. Broughton, and D. H. Montgomery.