Y..M.C.A. GATHERING

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 74, 20 December 1939, Page 3

Y..M.C.A. GATHERING

—♦— —— Farewell To Secretary Mr. V. C. Jones, general secretary of the Wellington Y.M.C.A., who is going overseas ffs a representative of the Y.M.C.A. with the first echelon of the New Zealand Special Force, was entertained at a gathering in the Y.M.C.A. on Monday night. Mr. R. H. Nimino, for the board of directors, said that since his appointment two years ago Mr. Jones had made outstanding contributions to the general Christian life of the community. The membership of the Y.M.C.A. had been increased to well over four figures, the highest for many years. The esteem in which it was held was demonstrated this year, when, during a dimcult period, an trppeal for £5OOO was quickly subscribed by the public. On behalf of the board of directors, Mr. N'inimo extended grateful thanks for past achievements and heartiest wishes for Mr. Jones’s future success and safe return. / Other-speakers were Mr. 11. J. Steptoe on behalf of the Optimists’ Club and the senior membership, .Mr. J. Ia White for the staff. Mr. J. Moneriei. for junior members and the Rev. Arthur Muriel on behalf of the ministers ot Wellington. In reply, Mr. Jones said that his work had 'been very pleasant (because of the way in which tlie stall’, the board and the committee all worked as one harmonious unit, lie was going to military work, but he did not think that the character-forming and training work among the youths and boys of the city should be allowed to lag. In wartime ordinary restrictions were loosened somewhat as far as behaviour went, and for this reason those present should work even harder to maintain their valuable work among the future citizens of the city.

During the evening a short musical programme was provided. Mr. Ken. Maeauliiy sang two songs, one. by an Auckland composer, being a new recruiting song, “New Zealand Will Be There.” Mr. IL Hindle led the singing of carols with Mr. J. N. Dunean at the piano. Mr. Duncan also accompanied two songs sung by Mrs. E. I’.vle, and lie played again for a novel musical competition. From the staff, the board of directors, members and ladies’ auxiliaries a miniature camera was yresented to Mr. Jones by Mr. N’inimo, who announced that at. a meeting of the board that evening Mr. J. L. White had been appointed general secretary till the return of Mr. J ones.