HUTT VALLEY Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 264, 4 August 1937, Page 5

HUTT VALLEY Y.M.C.A.

Hostel Question Raised in Annual Review DEMANDS OF YOUNG MBN A total strength of 301 members, of whom 185 are under 18 years of age, is recorded tn the annual report of the Hutt Valley Young Men's Christian Association. The report states that a large percentage have been members for more than two years, which indicated something of the true value of the association’s activities. A striking feature was the interest and enthusiasm displayed by the members in all sections of the programme. Although attendances and membership figures mean so much, little could be accomplished without enthusiasm. The association’s cricket team beat some of the leading teams in its grade. Tlie leading batting and bowlingf averages for the season were:—Batting: K. Bates, highest score 81, average 22.5; A. C. Edwards, 76, 18.8; G. Cook, 50, 11.8. Bowling: C. Heald, 79 wickets, 559 runs, average 7; K. Bates, 35, 289, 8.2; A. Edwards, 37, 340, 9.2. The directorate investigated the question of the erection of a Y.M.C.A. hostel to provide suitable board and congenial surroundings for the many who were experiencing difficulty in that direction. Although the financial aspect of such a venture was the greatest problem, it was felt there was a great need for a hostel to cope with the increasing demands from numbers of young men at present employed in this area. It was hoped that at some future date the matter would be approached again. Close contact had been kept with the various churches, and the general secretary was a member of the Ministers’ Association. Bible study groups had been well attended, and over 200 boys had been undergoing training.