Y.M.C.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 274, 18 October 1927, Page 11

Y.M.C.A.

GYMNASTIC CARNIVAL. AN UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS. The gymnastic carnivals conducted under >the auspices of the local Y.M.C.A. liavo become deservedly popular with the public of Palmerston North and consequently there was another large audience at the Opera House last evening ito witness the third and final performance of the fifth annual festival. This presentation was even more successful than its predecessors and there was no delay as the various items followed one another with a pleasing rapidity which allowed the lengthy programme to be disposed of in a creditable manner. The whole went to make an excellent display and afforded the public an insight into the value of physical training—one’of the important features of the Y.M.C.A. work. At the conclusion of the carnival Mr J. Wallace, on behalf of the Board of Directors, took the opportunity to speak upon the Y.M.C.A.’s activities in Palmerston North. “We have now a total membership of 639, consisting of 315 young men and boys, 144 senior men and 145 young women, as well as 35 members in the ladies’ auxiliary,” he stated. “Last year the attendances at the gymnasium reached 10,157, the figures tor 1925 being 8741, thus revealing an increase of 1396. The physical instructor, Mr Wallace continued, had a large amount of work to do in presenting such a display as had been witnessed that evening and in Mr Woods they had a man ideally suited for the task. The speaker also declared that thanks were due to the young ladies who had made their own stage dresses, while the orchestra, under the baton of Mr Pepper, had gratuitously given its services for four nights in the interests of the Y.M.C.A. Another matter for congratulation was the fine attendances of the public at all performances, this auguring well for the success of the three-evening presentation given this year for the first time. Mr Woods also addressed the gathering, thanking the public for its appreciation of the display and a further vote of thanks to all who had assisted was carried by acclamation.