HOSTEL FOR YOUTHS

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 3, 19 December 1945, Page 11

HOSTEL FOR YOUTHS

DR. DUDLEY OUTLINES PLAN.

CHAMBER GIVES SUPPORT

■I At the invitation of the executive ■ of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Com- ■ merce Dr. B. J. Dudley attended the last meeting and outlined his proposals for the establishment of a hostel for youths on Gear Island. Some people, said Dr. Dudley, i looked upon his scheme as Utopian, but other youths' hostels were working satisfactorily. The Boys' Institute's appeal for £50,000 for a new hostel was progressing well, the Post and Telegraph Department had , taken over a Ministerial residence, the Catholic community was considering the building of a hostel, and the Auckland Rotary Club was making inquiries with a view to doing something similar. He had long left the necessity for a home of the best type for boys; it was badly needed in Lower Hutt, which will be one of the largest industrial centres in New Zealand. Ministers were sympathetic, and it was probable that Rotary Club members would be asked to meet Ministers and discuss the matter. He hoped that the Chamber of Commerce would be represented at that conference. Dr. Dudley said that they did not want a youth centre; there were plenty of those. What the boys needed was a home, with a motherly person in charge, who would take a personal interest in the youths.. Such women were available now, dozens of them having just finished war work. Many of the boys who went through hostels became fine men. To Cost £50,000 Regarding funds for the project, Dr. Dudley said that according to a plan submitted two years ago a hostel with 100 beds would cost roughly £50,000. That sum was not too much to aim at in the Hutt Valley. It was hoped to get a Government subsidy, and manufacturers, who would get better service from their employees, would also probably help. In the original scheme it was hoped to .get si|x acres on Gear Island. This would provide a beautiful environment, which would have its effect on the boys' character. The River Board was sympathetic to the scheme. A dream of h.is was the establishment of several 50-bed hostels, with friendly rivalry between them and a youth centre in the centre. If the scheme was put through he would be pleased to give a reading room and a library, comfortably furnished, as his contribution. Mr." E. Tomkies (chairman of the Chamber) expressed sympathy with Dr. Dudley's ideals. He knew something of the value of hostels. If run properly they could be homes away from home. Mr. H. Eaton, representing the Junior Chamber, also supported the proposal. Mr. H. V. Horlor considered that funds were not the chief problem; what was wanted was strong management and organisation. The help of the trades unions, too, should be obtained. He moved that the Chamber support the proposal to estabI lish a hostel for youths in Hutt Valley. In seconding the motion, which was carried by acclamation, Mr. K. Watt paid a high tribute to Dr. Dudley, and expressed regret at his coming departure from the district. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs E. A. Tomkies (president), C. H. Griffin, S. B. Barltrop, H. V. Horlor'and S. Hough was set up to . co-operate with any existing organisation to further the scheme. Dr. Dudley was invited to address the Junior Chamber of Commerce on the matter. <