YOUNG MEN’S RALLY

Evening Star, Issue 17959, 4 May 1922, Page 2

YOUNG MEN’S RALLY

Y.M.C.A. FUNCTION. COLONEL M‘DONALD’S ADDRESS. The opening rally of members of the Y.M.C.A. younger men’s department was hold in the Assembly Hull last evening, Mr G, J. Darrocott presiding over an attendance of .seventy. After tea, and a “sing song” led by Mr Drew, the Chairman heartily welcomed the now president (Mr J. B. Waters) and Colonel M‘Donald. He also referred to the growth of the younger men’s department, which commenced hist year with ninety-eight members, and now had over 200,"active, members. Mr Davracott reviewed the work of the past year, dealing with the physical, spiritual, and moral phases of the, association’s activities. He congratulated the younger men’s department on its council, which, together with the directors, controlled its own affairs. In 'referring to the association’s world-wide wotrk, the speaker suggested that the Y.M.C.A. members could render practical assistance by contributing to the Russian Famine Fund.

Colonel M’Donald’s address was on ‘ A Man and His Country.’. All people, ho said, had more regard for tho country they were born in than for any It was not the geographical features of a country that bound inhabitants to it with unbreakable ties. The feeling of patriotism was difficult to interpret ; it might bo called an atmosphere which it was impossible to associate with any other country except our own. Tho ' present British Empire had its foundations laid hundreds of years ago, and its present magnitude was duo to the noble ami heroic deeds performed in the past. Patriotism included everything that could make a country great. The Union Jack was the outward symbol of the. British Empire, and it was for the citizens of to-day raid of the future to carry on its noble traditions, Young men and women vdio wished to become good citizens had to undergo <a povcrc self-examination and prepare themselves for citizenship. The Y.M.C.A. did much to prepare the youth of tho country for the responsibilities of citizenship. If young men nod women worked for the whole team, club, class, or organisation they might sacrifice, a little self-glory, but they played the greatest game of all. Patriotism should be the groat deriding factor in tho life of the Empire. The colonel referred to the qualities of self-sacrifice, honor, and discipline which were necessary for worthy citizenship. The boys of to-day were tho men of to-morrow, and to them the. older people looked to maintain the Empire. If they did not possess these qualities it would bo a sorry day for the British Empire. He. however, was convinced that it was in safe hands. (Applause.) Yolo.- of thanks to the speaker, the chairman, the performers, and the Y.W.C.A. members wore followed by tho singing of the National Anthem.