Y.M.C.A.

Evening Star, Issue 20959, 25 November 1931, Page 14

Y.M.C.A.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS

The board of directors of tho /.M.C.A. held its monthly meeting on londay night. The president (Mr J. Salmond) presided, and the mem,ers present were Messrs C, J. Darraotfc, J. M’Ara, H. P. West, W. J. h-own, N. Mollison, J. Macfarlane, J. V Wilkinson, M. C. Henderson, A. Martin, G. M'Kinnon, J. R. Smith, and W. Wallace.

Tlio financial statement, which showed a slight improvement on last month, was adopted. The Secretary reported that the association had been honoured by a visit ■ r om the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe. Their Excellencies had been welcomed in the reception hall by the trustees, board of directors, _ and the nadies’ Auxiliary. The president devered the reception address, and the Jovernor-Genoral, in replying, paid a vory high tribute to the work done by the association. Their Excellencies wore thereafter shown through the building, and the activities of the association fully explained. They expressed very hearty appreciation at what was being done, and as a tangible token of the esteem in which they held the work they had empowered the association to purchase a picture of an inspirational nature, which they desired hung up in a prominent place in the building. Mr Xeith Falconer, Wellington, who represented the New Zealand Association at the World Y.M.C.A. Conference at Cleveland, America, had visited the association during the month. Ho spoke at three meetings —(1) Luncheon of directors, staff, and Ladies’ Auxiliary; (2) mass meeting of Technical and High School boys; and (3) combined Sunday morning service Y.W.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. residents. At each of these services Mr Falconer’s address had been thoroughly enjoyed, and the importance, magnitude, and vastness of the Y.M.C.A. had been evident. Subject to much hard work and weeks of preparation, the Ladies’ Auxiliary successfully held a “Hard-up Fair.’’ Produce, cakes, flowers, etc., had been on sale at the stalls, with a concert by the boys’ division held in the evening. The proceeds from this effort, plus the drawings from their previous endeavours, made the grand total of £4O. Tlio activities of the hostel, it was reported, were always irregular during die summer months, many of the residents having outside private interests. However, one basket ball competition had been successfully arranged. It had not been possible to organise any billiard or snooker competitions. Nevertheless tho tables had been >u constant demand for ordinary games. A rest dents’ social had been held during October, when ex-residents and Y.W.C.A. girls had been invited. The evening was an excellent one. The interest of ox-residents in the Y.M.C.A. had been revived, and old acquaintances had been renewed, and the Y.M.C.A. and tho Y.W.C.A. had kept in close contact with each other. ‘ Bunkers’ Bully ’ (fortnightly publication of the residents' doings) ; Without this paper, it was reported, the hostel would be much the poorer. The residents valued it. Sunday morning service: The attendance per meeting had been twenty-four. Speakers,; The Rev. H. E. Bellhousu and the Rev. Mr Foot, open Sunday. This service was still a good one. Optimists’ Club Speakers for tho month were:—Mr Warrington Taylor, ‘The Douglas Credit System; Mr Lloyd Ross, ‘ The Case Against the Douglas Credit System ’; Mr S. D. Smith, ‘ Newspaper Life.’ fn regard to the ,Big Brother Movement, no fresh boys had been taken on Reports handed in showed that the boys were being appreciably iielped. The present serious financial position was keenly felt by the staff, and, while they were working with tho minimum of expense, they were eagerly doing their utmost to save still further. The executive officers were doing what thy could to maintain the present membership and to recover those who had withdrawn this year. At the suggestion of one of the directors, a short weekly staff prayer meeting, conducted by the general secretary, would be held. Hostel; Patronage 83 per cent, available accommodation. Receipts in dining room for cash meals were £29 16s 6d. Physical Report.—Mr C. W. Postgate, physical director, reported that the month had brought tho season to a close for all regular classes with tho exception of the business men and seniors, wbo usually continued into tho month of December. With tho approach of the warmer weather and bright evenings, it was only natural to expect smaller attendances, yet a good number had still kept going. Annual fixtures in the nature of competition and social events had been held during the month. Tho enrolments in tho various classes for the season were as follow:—Business men 75, seniors GG, primary school boys 40, secondary school hoys 55. employed boys 35, boys (under 12) 15, ladies 54, married ladies 18, girls (under 15) 25, girls (under 12) 15, Guiders 20;. total, 438. The statistics for the month were as follow: 55 class sessions were held; total attendance at classes, 901. Boys’ division: Gymnasium games and competitions (attendance 165). Social fixture (attendance 170). The annual display had been held in the gymnasium. Two performances were given, and on each occasion drew a crowded house. Tho largo number of class pupils who took part were to bo complimented on theix excellent showing, and it was largely their loyal support and co-operation that made the display tho success it was both from a demonstration and a financial aspect. On the occasion of tho Governor-General's visit, a special group of boys attended at the gymnasium, and on their Excellencies’ departure formed a guard of honour. As their closing session for tho season tho members of tho married ladies’ class put on a special afternoon tea, during which expressions of appreciation were made by several of those present in regard to the benefits and pleasure which they had received by attending the classes. To close the younger ladies’ season, novel games and sports had boon hold, which proved to bo extremely interesting and enjoyable. The senior gymnastic championships, which had been held for the second time, proved a little disappointing as far as the number of competitors was concerned. The competition was closely contested again, and a good exhibition resulted. Tho successful competitors were as follow:—■ F. G. M'Phcrson 1 (silver cup and gold medal), A. M. Muclic 2 (silver medal), and .). R. Harrison 3 (silver medal). Messrs J. M‘Ara and W. Matthews acted as judges. The annual gymnasium test had been again held for High School Boys. A good number pai'ticipatcd, and it was encouraging to note that their work, on the whole, was of a higher standard than that of the previous year. • A silver medal was awarded for first place, and certificates for second and third places. A function of outstanding merit had been tho fancy dross carnival, which had served as a fitting close for tlio senior classes gymnasium season. The gymnasium had been tastefully decorated, and a firstclass orchestra engaged for the occasion. A very largo number of class members and their friends were present, and tho

pretty costumes and attractive setting in general presented a brilliant spectacle. A committee from the Senior and Ladies Loaders’ Corps handled tho arrangements in a very capable manner. During the evening tho trophies won at the gymnasium championship were presented by the chairman of the Physical Committee. Boys’ Division Report (director .Mr A. R. Malcolm). —The membership had shown very little increase during the past month. The receipts had not been large. Sixty per cent, of the fathers of the boys were on relief, out of work, or only obtaining casual labour. . Tho membership still stood at the 200 mark. The special interest clubs had been showing signs of progress, though the Junior Dramatic Club had not been able to raise its membership. A meeting for mothers had been held during the month. Between twenty and thirty mothers were present, and the work of the department was fully described to them. The ladies’ auxiliary provided afternoon tea. On the occasion of their visit to tho association, their Excellencies spent some time in tho boys’ department, and showed interest in tho work that was being done. A visit was paid to tho woodwork room, and a squad of primax-y school boys was at work in tho gymnasium when they visited it. A special trip down the harbour in a private launch was kixklly arranged for a party of boys. A visit was paid to the hatcheries at Portobello, and a most enjoyable day spent.