PHYSICAL TRAINING

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 226, 19 June 1940, Page 7

PHYSICAL TRAINING

Offer By Y.M.C.A. To Government WAR CONTRIBUTION A resolution that, in view of the need for increased physical training for young men as revealed in the figures of those shown to be unfit for military service, the association would offer to make its physical department facilities available to the Government immediately for physical development classes on a large scale, was made at a meeting of the board of directors of the Wellington Y.M.C.A. held on Monday evening. Mr. It. 11. Nitnino presided. Mr Matthew Cable was welcomed as n new member of the board. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. H. J. Steptoe, who will be leaving as a Y M.C.A. representative with the third echelon. The board placed on record their appreciation of his outstanding services to date as chairman of the boys’ work committee. Mr. J. X. Reid was appointed to fids chairmanship during Mr. Steptoe’s absence. Reports submitted showed a serious drop in the receipts from membership subscriptions. In the light of the war situation, this had been antieiputed. and was partly due to the fact that 50 members bad enlisted, representing 20 per cent, of their age grouping. These wore being retained on the i.embers’ roll I ill their return. There was a decrease in boys’ membership because of staff losses for military service. It was expected, however, that this decrease would be overtaken during the boys’ membership drive at present being conducted under the direction of Mr. G. It. I’itkethley.

Among senior activities the Optimists’ Club for business men was functioning successfully, and record attendances were being noted. Members of this club were giving regular service in connexion with the facilities provided for soldiers at the weekends, '[’lie residents’ Sunday service- were being well attended. At teas arranged on Sundays tinder the auspices of the

Y.M.C.A. ladies’ auxiliary, record numbers of soldiers were being entertained, and groups of women from various churches and other bodies w«-ro in turn acting as hostesses. Arrangements were made for extending 'ho dormitory facilities for soldiers at tlie weekends. In addition, plans were furthered for making the Y.M.C.A. services available to the men who would be included in the widened scheme of military training. Attendances in the various gymnasium classes were satisfactory.