Y.M.C.A. DIRECTORS

Evening Star, Issue 21966, 28 February 1935, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. DIRECTORS

FIRST MEETING OF YEAR The first meeting of the year was held on Monday, there being present Messrs J. L. Salmond (president). 0. J. Dnrraeott. J. B. Waters, C. M'Kinnon. H. P. West, D. K. Macdonald. M. C. Henderson. T. Hilliker. the Rev. Hainhlett, and the .general secretary, Mr'J. H. Don Miller. The secretary reported that the Optimists’ Club had commenced its weekly luncheon lectures, and attendances were growing. The Young Men’s Division, comprising four competitive clubs of young fellows between eighteen and twenty-four years of age, bad held its initial meeting. Plans embracing the spiritual, social, athletic, and educational phases of the - work were being completed. The association was equipping Waikouaiti and Sutton military camps with reading, writing, and games equipment, the defence authorities supplying marquee for the purpose. The boys’ camp bad proved very satisfactory in _ every way, the splendid weather being conducive to the health of the boys. Thirty-four boys from poor homos were assisted to a free holiday. The National Conference of Y.M.C.A.s of New Zealand at Wellington, decided that the general _ secretary attend the gathering on April 12. The swimming baths had proved exceedingly popular during the recent hot weather.

Tlie physical director (Mr 0. W. Postgate) reported _ that the necessary repairs to the equipment and renovations had been carried out in the gymnasium, and it was only left to report that everything was in first-class order and in readiness for the commencement of the season. It was proposed tin's year to further increase the activities cf the department by including in the programme boxing, badminton, and handbad., In the event of these additional activities meeting with success and there was every reason to believe they would—the gymnasium time-table would have to carry a heavy load. During the period of January 20-28 the physical director attended a_ summer school of physical training which was held at the Christchurch Y.M.C.A. It was the opinion of those who were present that the refresher course had been . well worth while, A good deal of practical work was carried out along the lines of up-to-date methods, which should prove useful for introduction into the work iu general during the coming season. Enrolments for the new season were beginning to come in rapidly. , 'the boys’ work director (Mr 6. R. Pitkethley) reported that the boys’ camp bad been highly successful from all angles, there having been wonderful weather, and an absence of sickness. l}oh Stewart broke his wrist while collecting wood, and had to have it X-rayed in Dunedin, but after intention from Dr Shaw in Mosgiel be remained in camp. Thanks were due to Dr Shaw, who every year attended to boys either in camp or at Mosgiel, and gave the camp a donation of his professional services. Seventy-two stayed in camp for different periods during the five and a-half weeks. The new range proved a great success, as did the earthen floor in the dining room. The windows in two huts were broken before entry to camp, and the rear kitchen window. These had all been barricaded up meanwhile. Thirty-four hoys were assisted through Rotary and Patriotic for a period in camp. The division opened for the boys on Mondav, February 11. and was open daily as well as two nights during the month. An intensive membership campaign is being held throughout the whole of March. The programme is being drawn up, and. with the boys keen to resume, a record season should he experienced.