BOYS’ INSTITUTE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 198, 19 May 1936, Page 10

BOYS’ INSTITUTE

Building of Character in Youth BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY The value to tlie community of the work done by the Wellington Boys’ Institute was emphasised by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, who presided at the annual meeting of the institute last night. There was an attendance of about 100 people, and at the conclusion of general business the .sports trophies were presented to the winners by Mrs. G. A. Troup. Mr. Semple, who was accompanied by Mrs. Semple, was welcomed by tlie chairman of the management committee, Mr. W. A. Parton. In thanking the committee for its invitation to preside over the meeting. Mr. Semple said lie knew something of the value and merit of the institute. He knew, too, that one of its fundamental objectives was character building. That was allimportant. No one could attempt to measure in pounds, shillings and pence the value of such an institution to the budding manhood of the country. Committee's Good Work.

Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet at a later stage of the meeting, Mr. Semple congratulated the management committee on the activities of the institute. The years through which they had just passed had been difficult for all, particularly so for those responsible for the collection of funds to keep such an institution alive. The fact that the institute had been kept alive demonstrated that the committee had done its work well. The committee deserved tlie gratitude of tlie community for its efforts on behalf of the youth of Wellington. The boys were fortunate to have such an institution and equally fortunate to have courageous men and women who gave the benefit of their life's experience for them. Safety Zone of the World. Those in touch with the developments taking place in the iKirld to-day, said Mr. Semple, sometimes shuddered with fear to think what might happen, and the task of the young boys was to try and steer their country clear of those calamities and tragedies that may destroy every institution worth while. In his opinion, the British Crown represented the sheet-anchor of civilisation and the safety-zone of the world. Tlie British Empire was the only country that held fast to human liberty, and to-day it was a beacon light to the rest of the world. It was the referee holding the scales of justice. The task of holding fast to those marvellous traditions and to principles that were so dear would rest upon the shoulders of the boys of to-day in a few short years. To keep another engagement, Mr. Semple had to leave shortly before the end of the meeting, and after his departure the chair was taken by the Rev. N. F. E. Robertsha we. Election of Officers.

Tributes to the honorary workers of the institute were paid by Mr. J. Meltzer, the Rev. Mr. Robertshawo, Rev. Father Nolan and Mr. D. Boyle, and Messrs. Barton and L. T. Watkins coinmended the work of the honorary staff. The following officers were elected :— Patron, tlie Governor-General, Viscount Galway; honorary president, Rev. J. R. Blanchard; president, Mr. G. A. Troup; vice-presidents, Messrs. L. T. Watkins, W. A. Parton and 11. Leah; honory treasurer, Mr. J. Banks; committee members —permanent members (being representatives of St. John's board of management), Messrs. W. J. Ferguson, W. I. Gibson, Ad. Howitt, A. Johnston. R. D. Moore and 11. M. Smith; ladies’ auxiliary representatives, Mesdames J. Hislop, L. T. Watkins and W. I. McCallum; elective members, Messrs. G. R. Baudinet, D. Bowie. L. J. Calvert, Malcolm Fraser. J. Howitt, J. E. F. Perry, J. U .Riddell, G. Edwards, R. C. Spring. 11. Hicks; honorary solicitors, Messrs. Sladden and Stewart; honorary physician. Dr. T. F. Corkill; honorary auditor, Mr. H. M. Smith.

EXTENSION OF WORK

Activities in Suburbs The advisability of extending the work of the Wellington Boys’ Institute to the suburbs was mentioned by Mr. R. D. Moore, at the annual meeting of the institute last night. Mr. Moore said there was a definite call for the extension of the influence of the institute from its headquarters in Tasman Street to the suburbs. It was the aim of the management committee to do that. There were thousands of boys living in the eastern suburbs, added Mr. Moore, and it seenied only fair that those boys not in tlie district directly served by the institute should have an opportunity of sharing iu its activities. He hoped that when the time came to approach the appropriate authorities the management committee would have their support.

The Minister of Public Works. Hon. R. Semple, who presided, said that if the institute extended its work to Wellington East anything he could do to advance its interests would be done.