Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 187, 23 July 1912, Page 6

Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES.

VISIT OF NATIONAL ORGANISING SECRETARY. The men’s meeting held on Sunday afternoon at the Hastings Y.M.C.A. Rooms was a pronounced success. Mr. M. W. P. Lascelles presided over an attendance of about sixty. Mr. Alex Jameson, the national organising secretary, was the speaker. He took for his subject, “ The Firing Line.” Ha said: —‘‘We hear a lot about defence nowadays. This is a defensive movement, but one that saves instead cf destroys. We live in an extraordinary age. We never know whtyn we awake in the morning what changes may have been effected in the geography of the world during the night. Men must got into partnership with God to make national life a success.” The speaker gave a graphic description of the world-activity of the association. Here are a few examples from Australasia:—ln Brisbane the Y.M.C.A. had nine secretaries in charge, of camps on the new riiiluay construction works in various parts oi Queensland. Tne Meli bouno Association had achieved such good results in connection with their work amongst the army that the military authorities had voluntarily decided to abo ish th? ciiirte.rn. The \ .M.C.A. not only mud.' the canteen unnecessary, but proved its e.ils, and therefore shewed its undesirability. In Perth the association sent large parcels of literature to the men ia the “ way back.” In Adelaide two men were employed to meet all emigrants and new arrivals, and assist them in every way possible. In Hobart special attention had been given to work amongst the boys manning our squadron. It had been so successful that a special building had to be provided for naval work, 'these are but a lew illustrations of the manysid'd rntu’-e of the sunk undertaken. The address was listened to with evident interest, and the speaker received : an ovation at its close. The “ Free and Easy ” concerts continue their popularity, and last Saturday’s results were quite up to those of previous nights. Three new members , joined, and a good programme was provided, which included the following: — Humorous recitals by Messrs. Bailey and Bayliss, solos by Messrs. Musson, McQuire, and Heighway, clarionet solo by Mr. Abbott, and a recitation by Mr. McQuire. Messrs. Bailey and Libby gave a vocal duet. Air. Alex Jameson was also present, and contributed negro melodies and a speech. A little personal history that he gave is worth recalling. He said he first became acquainted with Y.MC..A. work at a. “ Free and Easy.” He was a little newspaper boy, and was passing a door upon which was written Y.M.C.A. He decided to investigate. He went in as many a boy, has done. He put one foot inside, but he had the other outside ready to at once leave. A kindly-faced man gave him a hearty welcome. The first thing he noticed was a library, and in it a copy-.<T “ Oliver Twist.” It was his first introduction to English literature. He was not allowed to take the book away, but he went every night until he had completed it. He was then given an opportunity to educate himself, and a better job was found for him. Mr. Jameson expressed himself as being delighted at everything he saw in connection with our local association work. He is of opinion that we have started on right lines, and that permanent success is assured.