Youth Hostel

Hutt News, Volume 16, Issue 5, 1 July 1942, Page 2

Youth Hostel

"i wish to get the reaction of the board to a project I have had m mind for two years past" said Dr. B. J. Dudley at a meeting of the Hull River Board last week. "At present I do not suggest that the board should do more than approve of the principle, but I should like to see this board, the Lower Hutt City Council, and the Petone Borough Council affirm the principle that when the future of Gear Island is being settled the bodies concerned would be prepared to have an area of say three acres set aside for a youth hostel. He considered it to be one .of the greatest needs of the Valley today." Dr. Dudley said he did not tniyk this was the time to ask people for funds for the project, but there were many persons in the Valley who, having lost sons in the war, would be prepareu to donate sums to such a project in memory of those they had lost.lt >vou!d be a splendid opportunity for a memorial. He'would like to see both boys' and girls' hostels erected, with play areas where both sexes could meet in healthy surroundings. Mr. F. S. .Hewer, chairman of thboard, said he was sure the board would view such a project favourably. Mr. .1. W. Andrews said the idea had his entire approval. He h'ad already been approached by members of the Government and the Internal Affairs Department as to what could be done to meet the present need, especially for the apprentices at the railway workshops. He had also been approached by Mr. Cato, dlr tor of the Y.M.C.A. who ft ad pressed the need for hostels and recreational facilities. .Whether Gear Island was the best place or whether land adjacent to it would be better could be considered later. The need was a most pressing one »

Dr. Dudley said he would like to see the movement entirely free from Government assistance and control. Ho had in mind an entirely free gift of the land and buildings by the people of the Hutt Valley The board unanimously approved of the principle. A project for a youth hostel was investigated years ago by the Hutt Valley branch of the Y.M.C.A., which placed the proposal before the Hon. W. Nash, Minister of Finance, with a view to receiving assistance from the Government by way of loan, but the project was turned down and as the establishment bf the Hutt. Valley Y.M.C.A. was then in its infancy it was considered that the proposal was then too large to undertake. This organisation has always considered the project was oiui of the most pressing problems in the Valley.