HUTT VALLEY Y.M.C.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 103, 29 October 1945, Page 9

HUTT VALLEY V.M.C.A.

CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS

Progress of the Hutt Valley Y.M.C.A.'s campaign to raise £3000 for extension of its activities throughout the Hutt Valley, was discussed with a "Post" reporter by the secretary, Mr. G. R. Pitkethley. "Contributions to date, while being tVu.n^fully received,; ctill leave the ma]or portion of the amount to be. raised," he said. "However, we anticipate that ready support to allow this worthwhile extension will soon be forthcoming."

The campaign was the first step in a long-range plan for development of facilities for youth in the Hutt Valley, said Mr. Pitkethley. The two. buildings occupied by the V.M.C.A., in Birch Street and the -main headquarters building in .Jackson Street, Petone, were to be altered and made more suitable for recreation, while a section for the erection of another building in the north of the Hutt Valley, to cater for youth in the new housing areas, was to be purchased. Additional staff was to be appointed to carfy out. the intensified extension programme. "Our aim is to so decentralise our work that we are taking the V.M.C.A. to youth instead of youth coming to us," he continued. It was hoped that all districts would be adequately served under the long-range plan. Discussing activities of the Hutt Valley V.M.C.A., the secretary said that the present programme included gymnasium and health training in graded age groupings for boys and girls, men and women. All recreations were provided. Classes at present were being held at the two VIM.C.A. buildings and at Eastbourne and Taita. Membership of the Hutt Valley association totalled 1200, including 339 boys under 18 years, 303 girls, 221 men, and 112 young women. Contributing members numbered 212.