N.Z. Youth Defended By Minister

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31399, 19 June 1967, Page 14

N.Z. Youth Defended By Minister

The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) yesterday defended the youth of New Zealand from the unfavourable criticism and publicity that he said they often received.

“In many ways young people are at least the equal and perhaps are in advance of earlier generations,” he said. The Minister told about 500 people attending the opening of the new recreation and youth centre of the YJVLC.A. that more than ever before attention was being focused on the activities of young people.

He said Operation 21 was an example of what young people could do in response -So ffiiman problems. “Young i peopOe will always respond to I anyone who takes an interest ; in them,” he said. Mr Seath said the many ' difficulties facing young people could not be ignored. The pace and complexity of life called for a definite and organised system of training for youth, particularly in urban areas. The Y.M.CA. had recognised this need and vigorously responded. The association was concerned not only with the spiritual and social welfare of its members but emphasised the importance of physical fitness, he said. s in earlier days of less affluence and mechanisation when it'was necessary to work hatder and longer hours there wis no place in the community for recreational facilities because people did not have time.

Responsibility It was the responsibility of the Government to encourage and support youth work carried out by independent organisation, he said. Although the Government

did not want to enter directly into the activities of such organisations it was ready to assist to the greatest extent the efforts of voluntary bodies.

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) said the occasion was one at which the executive of the YJd.C.A., the co-opted members and the people of Christchurch and the province could congratulate themselves. He said the presence of so many representatives from such diverse political, public and religious organisations at the opening indicated a strong community spirit The Mayor of Christchurch (Sir George Manning) said the city council and the people of the city were proud of the work done by the Y.M.C.A. during nearly 100 years in the city.

t He said the history of the ! organisation revealed that it ■ had been set up to relieve the - hardship of young people t dragged into the cities by the industrial revolution and to protect their religion and morals. In this it had been successful. ? “I say to all young people: ! “When in Christchurch attend • the Y.M.C.A.*” : The president of the YAI.C-A. (Mr A. T. Watson) ; said there was something of

the divine in the opening of the new building. “It is here to help people to find Christianity and live Christ As we move forward we can no longer confine our activities to young men. We now have young women and their fathers and mothers. Our aim is for the Christian unity of families," he said. “It is our hope and prayer that anyone who comes into this building will come closer to God and leave inspired to live Christ” The opening prayer at the ceremony was read by the Very Rev. G. V. Daly, representing the Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby). The prayer of dedication was said by the Dean of Christchurch, the Very Rev. M. Underhill, representing Bishop Pyatt and the Y.M.C.A. padre (the Rev. R. M. O’Grady) gave the benedic-