Y.M.C.A. BOYS’ DIVISION

Evening Star, Issue 22807, 16 November 1937, Page 6

Y.M.C.A. BOYS’ DIVISION

ANNUAL BANQUET The annual banquet by the boys’ division of the Y.M.C.A. was held on Saturday evening, the hall, which was gaily decorated with flags, streamers, and greenery, being filled to capacity. Tho function, which was for mothers, fathers, and boys, marked the concluding function of the season. Mr M. C. Henderson (chairman of the Boys’ Work Committee) occupied the chair, and Mr R. M. Brasted, national secretary of the Y.M.C.A.s of New Zealand, delivered the address. He spoke mainly to the boys, stressing the fact that they should endeavour to-live up to their mothers’ ideals by thinking cleanly of worthwhile things. Guests welcomed were the Mayor and Mayoress, the Rev. A. Stovely, Mr and Mrs R. J. Watts, Mrs E. Aslin (president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary), Mr J. L. Salmond (president), Mr and Mrs J. H. Miller, Mrs G. R. Pitkethley, Miss V. Miller, Mr-B. Bond, and members of the Board of Directors.

After supper the following toasts were honoured;—“The King ” j “ Mother ” (Master A. Ritchie, Mrs Aslin); “ Father ” (Master M. Myles, Mr C. J. Darracott) ; “ The Board of Directors ” (Master R. Brown, Mr J. L. Salmond).

In proposing the toast of the evening, “ The Boys’ Division.” Mr M. C. Henderson spoke of the value of the Y.M.C.A. training for>l boys, the encouraging sign of the parents being interested in the work; as evidenced by the large attendance of parents. He congratulated Mr G. E. Pitkethley on his work, also.his band of leaders. In response, Mr Pitkethley, boys’ work director, spoke briefly on the year’s work. He stated that this had been' a record year, and one which had been comprehensive in its activities for training and helping boys to develop manly characters. It was hoticeable this year particularly that the boys had the proper Y.M.C.A. spirit, and were always willing and ready to help in any association activity. He referred to the splendid co-operation of the chairman, who had given, up many nights to ebme and "see the boys. Be then called on the boys to give three cheers for Mr E. Bond, who hod given up four nights every week as a voluntary leader. Mr Pitkethley also thanked the following, who had helped to make the year so successful The voluntary leaders (in particular Mr Bond), and older members for their interest in acting as leaders for various groups; the mothers, who, at all functions, ‘ had helped’so generously; and the Boys’’ Work Committee, the men behind the scenes, for their interest and helpful decisions in the work; lastly, he stressed the fact that in his experience he had found that no boy was really bad, and that the boys who came'to the Y.M.C.A.'were all. treated alike. Being the future citizens, it was up to them, he said, to develop themselves along the lines suggested during .the year, by developing an allround balanced character.

The Mayor presented the following trophies:— Cups for the best all-round boys— Primary, William Blackwood;- secondary, Jack Pinkham; senior, Phil. Le Couteur; best all-round boy in whole division, Phil Le Couteur. E. Bond Cup for most improved boy, Malcolm Myles. Cup for essay competition, Phil Le Couteur. Medals for runners-up to best all-round boys—Primary, David Black; secondary, Alec Ritchie; senior, Robt. Brown. Runner-up best allround boy in division, Tom Wallace. Runner-up to most improved boy ; Russell Frost. The shield for senior indoor track champion, Malcolm Myles. Medal for junior indoor track champion, William Hall. Other awards were:—Medal for most sportsmanlike player of football team on and off the field, Doug. Arthur. P. R. Chapman Shield for best all-round primary club, Swifts (Russell Frost, captain). Book for winning essay and memory test (presented by Mr Henderson), Phil Le Couteur. Mr J. H. Miller (general secretary) proposed votes of thanks to the following performers,' who gave items: — Miss M, M‘Donald (accompanist), Mrs Morgan (solos), Messrs W. Finney and G. MTCinley (duets),.Mr F. G. Taplin (solos), Master Ken. Walker (solos). He stated that special thanks were due to Mr A. Walmsley, who had arranged for most of the performers.