WORK FOR BOYS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 79, 30 September 1938, Page 16

WORK FOR BOYS

PRESENTATION TO SIR GEORGE TROUP

On Tuesday evening last, Sir George A. Troup, president of the Wellington Boys' Institute and S. A. Rhodes' Home for Boys, received a visit from members of the management committee and ladies' auxiliary at his home in Kelburn. The object of the visit was the presentation by the chairman of the management committee, Mr. W. A. Parton, of a very handsome booklet to Sir George. The booklet sets out Sir George's association with the Boys' Institute as its president since 1902, when it commenced its work as a Sunday meeting for boys who were without any church connection and were in the habit of spending all their leisure time on the streets. From a meeting of boys held in one room the work has grown until today it occupies a five- [ storey building in Tasman Street, and has become an important part of the | life of the community. In asking Sir George to accept the booklet as a token of their esteem and affection, Mr. Parton outlined the in- * stitute's development, and traced the influence of the high purpose and self-sacrificing efforts of the institute's president. His magnetic personality had drawn many to the service of the institute. Mr. Parton assured Sir ..George that although his health did not permit him taking any part in the work his influence permeated all that was done today, and all were heartened by the knowledge that his interest in the welfare of the institute burned as brightly as ever. Mr. Leah, vice-president, endorsed the chairman's remarks. Mr. L. T. Watkins, vice-president, presented Lady Troup with a copy of the booklet on behalf of the committees and paid a tribute to her sympathetic and kindly interest in all that concerned the' institute. A similar presentation was made to the Misses Troup by Mr, Ad. Howitt, vice-president. In expressing his pleasure at the gift, Sir George told "the committee something of his boyhood days and the origin of his interest in boys' work. Supper was served and an enjoyable evening was brought to a close with musical honours.