BOYS’ INSTITUTE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 156, 20 March 1923, Page 4

BOYS’ INSTITUTE

* ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the 'Wellington Boys’ Institute and S. A. Rhodes Home for Boys was held last night. Mr. Justice Frazer presided, and amongst those present were: The Revs. R. 11. Catherwood, W. Dey, and J. Dawson, Messrs. L. P. Watkinson, G. A. Troup, Vine, C. H. Chapman, Denton, A. Leigh Hunt, Mesdames J. Hislop (president of the ladies’ auxiliary), G. A. Troup, and L. T. Watkiiis.

An apology for absence was received from Mr. Justice Chapman. The chairman said that one of the most noteworthy features of the last twenty-live years was the quickening of social service all over the world. It originated in the United States, where it assumed a sort of social selfishness, because employers thought that, if they gave their workers better schools, better conditions, and better recreation, the return in tho shape of better work would be sure to come. From that had developed social welfare schemes of all kinds, conceived in unselfishness and carried out in a spirit of generosity which were entirely successful. It used to be thought that folk were sent into the world', to get wHat was possible out of it, hut the great change revealed that a duty was owing to the rising generation which tine social service only could pay. It was generally recognised that tlhe most important form of that service was that relating to tho young. It was no use thinking when the young left school their education had been completed, for it had only really commenced. The youth had a physical, an animal, an intellectual, and spiritual side, and these afforded opportunities for a wide area of work.. By spiritual he included all the high ideals of life, apart from the physical and intellectual side. When a boy loft school he had to face tho most dangerous period of his life. He was not one of those who considered every boy was bad, that he was the result of natural heredity and must bo of evil mind f but they should guard against warped conceptions, false notions, and erroneous ideas of the principles upon wliidh civilisation was founded. It was better to bring a boy up to be a good citizen/ rather than to try to make him go straight after he had taken the wrong road. He recalled the arrangement made with the y.M.C.A. to take over Donbank as a hostel for boys in the Public Service, and considered that was one of the best things done for strangers to Wellington ivno needed looking after. Tho Boys' Institute was an instance of the great social service rendered in tht district. (Applause.) Mr. A. C. Blake, headmaster of the Lyall Bay School, moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Ho considered that another institution of the sort was needed in Wellington to •copo with the demands of tho lads. The success of tho institute could only have been accomplished with a good head, a willing band of workers, and a fine matron and directors, all of whom they possessed in such a high degree. , . (J’he Rev. R. 11. Catherwood seconded the motion. He said that tho great men of tho world had failed to recognise that tho greatest wealth of the world was human life, and the institution they were in was out to prevent human wrecks. They had accomplished what many hoped for; they had broken down denominational barriers, and all creeds wore welcome. The Rev. J. Dawson congratulated all tlnTse connected with the institution on its scope and development. Councillor Chapman complimented the management on the financial position and the work they were doing. Mr. L. T. Watkins pointed cut that the boys came to the institution pretty raw, and were turned out gentlemen, but he was afraid tho people of \ve.HnAton hardly contributed as they should to its activities, or patronised it by their presence during tee year. 'The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr G A. Troun referred with regret to the death of Dr. T. Ilanison Horrax, who had done so much lor the occupants of the institute. He said the oast year had been a pleasant one—something accomplished and something done. The boy was the greatest problem they had to face today. It was possible by sympathy and love and faith to convert the waste material in the shape of boys in Wellington into good men lie inferred, "to the work done by UlO oilicers, the director and matron,. and their assistants, the committee and all who assisted, and ihanked them all for the help they had given. The following officers were elected: —President. Mr. G. A. Troup (for the twenty-third year in succession); vicepresidents, Mr. J. Hislop, Dr. J. S. McLaurin, and Mr. L. T. Watkins; hon. secretary, Mr. D. 8. It. Blake; hon. treasurer Mr. G. It. Brown; hon. auditor, Mr. R. Wtlberfoss • lion, physicians. Dr. Elliott and Dr. T. E. Corkill; hon. solicitors, Messrs. Grav and Jackson; director, Mr. J. W. Butler; matron, Mrs. C. Wills ; committee of management, Mr. G. Bary retired, and Mr. D. McLaren was elected in his place, the other members being elected A vote of thanks to the staff was acknowledged by Mr. Butler, and the meeting concluded with. □, v bto oi thanks to the chairman.