MORE SUPPORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22571, 26 February 1948, Page 3

MORE SUPPORT

Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES WIDENING SCOPE ATTENDANCE MOUNTS A year of satisfying work in many spheres is reviewed in the twentyfourth annual report of the Gisborne and East Coast Y.M.C.A. Inc., for presentation at the annual meeting next Monday. , , The many outlets for young people s interests undertaken included visits to industries and places of civic interest, the Junior Chamber of Commerce greatly assisting in this project, also weekly recreation periods at the Gisborne health camp. The conducting of “Bible in Schools" classes under the jurisdiction of the Ministers’ Association was another activity undertaken. ( In furtherance of the Y.M.C.A. s policy of assisting other organisations, the rooms were made available for many meetings and other functions. _ For the first time in the association s history, a camp was conducted at Opoutama, where, through the genciosity of Mr. A. Rarere, negotiations are under way to clear a section for a permanent camp site. Slack periods in the, days of factory workers brought about during the power cuts were utilised by the association, following on the work commenced by Mr. G. Cnssin, ■ 'vsical welfare officer. Later on. activities were widened and a regular lunchtime club was formed. The fortnightly dances were well patronised and the harrier club again proved to be one of the most active clubs in the association. The Hawke's Bay-Poverty Bay cross-country championships were conducted in Gisborne for the first time. Popular Recreation

Table tennis was a popular recreation, as was indoor basketball, which the association fully supported, meetings of the league being held in the buildings, and the Y.M.C.A. providing headquarters for officials conducting the North Island championships, and also a court for play. Both Y.M.C.A. men and women's teams entered in the competition. Many young members learned to shoot through the activities of Mr. Don Robinson, who arranged rifle shooting for those interested. Under the leadership of Misses W. Lysnar and F. Currie, the auxiliary again rendered great assistance, giving yocnian help at the dances and raising approximately £IOO by a fair. At a course for Y.M.C.A. staff and volunteer leaders the physical Mr. C. Hogarth, was able to assist t'" national council, being an official h structor at the successful refres 1 ’ course. Gisborne was also represent' initially at the national Y.M.C.A. gvmnasium and basketball championship in Wellington.

The directors expressed sinccn thanks for the continued and increased public support received. Y.M.C.A. activities had made a worthwhile contribution to the community life in the district, it being recorded with pride that an increase in all departments had been shown during the year. The Y.M.C.A. was able to meet the recent emergency and provide interests for children during the restrictions and they had proved so popular that it was hoped to accede to many requests being made for a continuation of the feature.

The appointment of a full-time physical director early in the year had not only increased the range of classes but the work in the community gained a decided impetus. Williams Family Help

The thanks of the association were offered to the Williams family who, each year in the history of the association. had helped it in some practical manner. Sir George Williams had founded the association, and it was a pleasure to record the support and encouragement offered by the Williams family in this district. Summer activities planned were cancelled because of the restrictions, but in their place, with support from radio station 2ZJ and the Gisborne Herald, a popular programme had been taken into the homes.

The treasurer's report stated that a record revenue of £2064 15s 4d was de rived lrom all sources during the year, the expenditures amounting to £1930 17s 7d, inclusive of depreciation. This left a surplus of £77 17s 9d, the first time for many years that a surplus nad been shown.

It was pointed out that only 25 per cent of the revenue was received from members, who gained most benefit from Y.M.C.A. facilities, whereas 03 per cent, was given by citizens and business houses. The Y.M.C.A. was particularly indebted to Mr. A. B. Williams for his generous donations, totalling £2OO, to the J. W. Wiliams Trust for the .donation of £250, the Sargood Trust Fund for £SO, Mr. H. B. Williams for £SO, and the ladies’ auxiliary fair, whicn raised £IOO.

The physical director and convenor of the activities committee, Mr. W. Taylor, have also tabled an activities report which deals with some of the ground covered in the main report. The different groups were reported to be functioning well.