DIRECTORS CONFER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30129, 13 May 1963, Page 17

DIRECTORS CONFER

The Young Men's Christian Association is planning to implement a “youth parliament.” The Dominion convention of the association’s boards of directors, which met in Christchurch at the week-end, decided that the “parliament” would include education in methods and procedure of the democratic way of life. Initially the scheme would be carried out locally, and later on a national level in the form of a model parliament. The national president of the association (Mr G. Skipworth) made reference to the steady progress which had been made throughout the country. He said many new buildings had been started or completed, and that in the last three years more than 1000 new members had joined the association annually. The convention at its early sessions discussed the internal affairs of the association. Of interest was a report on the new national training scheme organised to ensure a steady intake of future leaders throughout the movement which was be-

ing carried out as a pilot venture in Christchurch. On the second day of the convention the major item was the willingness of boards to co-operate in a wider programme media to meet the expanding needs of youth today. An address was given by Mr M. P. Darracott on “How long can we (the association) last.” Mr Darracott recently returned from studies for his master’s degree at the Y.M.C.A. International College at Springfield. Massachusetts. Officers elected were: president, Mr A. T. Watson Christchurch); vice-presi-dent. Mr G. Baillie (Hastings). A national executive of nine was elected under the chairmanship of Mr G G. Buckton, of Wellington.

New President Inducted There was a great temptation for persons serving high up in voluntary organisations to look for some reward, such as a knighthood or similar honour, the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. W. A. Pyatt) said in his sermon in the cathedral last evening. The service was attended by members of the Young Men’s Christian Association who are in the city to celebrate the centenary of the Canterbury association.

‘‘You will all know' to whom I refer—the efficient type who is too proud and who possesses no humility,” said the dean. The true ideals of service, he said, were found through worshipping God in His church. The first lesson was read by the incoming president of the association, Mr A. T. Watson. The treasurer of the Canterbury association (Mr G. Lawn) read the second lesson. After the service in the cathedral, an induction service was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms. Mr Watson was presented by the retiring national president (Mr G. Skipworth).