.Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 120, 14 February 1920, Page 8

.Y.M.C.A.

A COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE. Among the civic improvements which are familiar, the Young Men's Christian Association occupies a prominent place in th<* field of effort for men and boys, and l has proved over a period of three score years its adaptability and success as a medium for the production of a sane, .healthy citizen, conscious of a sense of responsibility to the community in which he lives. Tho leaders of the Young Men's Christian Association in Wellington are making a big effort to Place _ their well-equipped association at the disposal of the young men and boys of this citv. To this end a definitely, nlanned membership campaign is being held between February lfi and 26.-Dur-ing the war the association's Willis Street building was almost exclusively used to nrovide for the needs of service men. and as has been the case with all other institutions operating among men, it has taken much time and effort to readiust the change from war to peace work. For some months past now the local association has been augmenting its •'staff and planning for a big programme during the coming winter, and is more than confident that through its agency Wellington young men will make a worth-while contribution to the active, progressive life of the city. Among the many activities calculated to draw members, and fit them for the. harder tasks of citizenship, tho gymnasium needs no stressing. The local association stands close by physical training, and the ' healthy body as the best instrument for the creation of a fuller manhood. The gymnasium is directed by a thoroughly expert, scientific instructor, and is fitted with all modern appliances and conveniences calculated to make this department increasingly popular. In, outside sports the association has always taken a prominent place. The plans in hand for the oociim.' months indicate increased activity in this direction. An extensive programme of social, educational, and religious work has also been arranged. At a meeting held in the building Inst evening. and attended by nearly one hundred voting men, the new membership campaign was inaugurated, and from tho amount of well-organised preparation, nlus vonthful entlmsinsm which is being put into this big effort, it is confidently exoected that the objective of one thousand new members in ten days will be reached.