WELLINGTON Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 15

WELLINGTON Y.M.C.A.

BUILDING. IMPROVEMENTS WORK TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY The report of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Wellington for the nine months ended September 30, states that “as the result of quiet, steady-going effort, the association was able to close its financial year with a record of encouraging progress. During the period under review careful attention was given to the intensive building up of the work and the strengthening of the finances, while the many important outreaches of the association in the community were not neglected. The association demonstrated its ability to attract young men and boys to a common, recreational centre, where wholesome Christian influences predominate. In these very difficult days, the value of this function alone cannot be overestimated. Reorganisation schemes set in motion at the end of the previous year were developed, and showed results during the nine months under review. The record of the year will show that the strictest economy was exercised in all the major departments, without prejudicing their efficiency. “After prolonged negotiations,” continues the report, “definite progress was made in connection with the proposed building alterations. The directors and trustees agreed, and subsequently obtained the sanction of the Supreme Court to spend £5OOO on building improvements. These will be given effect to immediately, and should be ready for next season’s programme of activities. The features agreed upon are a modification of those presented to the last meeting of governing members, and after eliminating the proposed shop-fronts and consequent alterations of the floor elevations, they include: —An attractive approach and entrance; comfortable lounge accommodation for residents and members, enclosed reading room, etc.; quiet lecture hall; larger diningroom ; new class rooms; improved office accommodation and board room; billiard room in more prominent position, and tables reconditioned; improved gymnasium locker room; improved members’ toilet; new pantry and food storage; general renovations. “The association enters another year of opportunity deeply conscious of its many responsibilities,” proceeds the report. “The city is just teeming with young men, many of whom are away from home and the normal centres of influence. The association is proud to serve as a great auxiliary to the churches, Bible classes and other organisations, whose purpose is to safeguard youth and direct it to tho higher planes of citizenship. The directors acknowledge with gratitude the excellent services rendered during tho past nine months by donors, members, leaders, and speakers, who have given their time, talent, or money to aid the association in its task. Not the least worthy of mention are the ladies of the Y.M.C.A. auxiliary, whose unselfish work has been a source of encouragement at all times. The directors humbly invoke Divine aid in the tasks that lie ahead, and with earnest solicitation ask for the co-operation of all friends of the association in making 1929 the best year on record.

“The paramount objectives to be attained in 1929 have been stated in the following terms:—To make the association a magnetic centre of attraction and influence for the youth of the city; to improve the building and equipment, and the standards of the work generally; to Impregnate the whole association constituency with Christian purpose and activity; to serve the community in the interests of better citizenship.”