Y.M.CA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 117, 14 April 1930, Page 2

Y.M.CA.

BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Palmerston Norti Y.M.C.A. was held on Friday. There were present:— Messrs J. (chairman), T. R. Hodder, F. ft. • Chin, D. T. Allan, A. Homvood, IF O. Donald, I. Gerrand, C. E. listed, J. H. Dick. R. Linklater, L. Laurenson. W. B. Tennent, C. S. Matthews and M. Voss. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from C. Young, W. G. Miller and J- MurMr AlLaii, who has been transferred to Wanganui, tendered his res--nation from the Board of Directors Mr Allan for the past twelve months has acted in the capacity as chairman ot directors, and the fact that c Y.M.C.A. has enjoyed perhaps its most; successful year since its inception in Palmerston North is largely, due to his guidance and enthusiasm in the uifairs of the association. .In accepting Mr Allan’s resignatipn with keen regret, members of the board spoke s - cerely of liis valued services, and wished him success and happiness in his n sphere oh work. • , ■ The general secretary, in lus report, made reference to a vocational guidance scheme, which was under cons denation at the National Convention, of Y.M.C.A.’s recently held in Christchurch, which he attended. . Mr G. M. Kevs, M.A., vocational guidance officer of the \\M.C.A., Christchurch, proposes to visit the local association at an early date, when a. scheme or vocational guidance to suit local conditions will be thoroughly discussed. The directors expressed tire opinion that the Y.M.C.A. could most successfullv co-operate with other organwa. tions in Palmerston North with a view to operating some practical schemes that will assist in the placing of boy? in that vocation to winch they are most suited. . , i The general secretary also reported that a survey of the class enrolments in the physical department for the winter season was most encouraging, showing a general increase all round. At the eommeneement of the winter season, 1929, the total enrolments were 351 compared with 417 this year. . . It was reported that the Optimist Club had opened its 1930 season with a membership of 38. The club has a very definite ideal of service, and during this year purposes to actively participate in any community effort for the relief of distress, or those in need of help. Already it was reported the club had been active in this direction. At the opening gymnasium social, at. which there was an attendance or IoU members; Mr W. C. Collier, president of the Manawatu branch of tire Rxiyal Life Saving Society, took the opportunity of presenting six bronze medallidrte, five awards of merit, four bars to awards of merit and one lion, instructor’s certificate to members of the Swimming . Club, who had passed the tests for the above honours. The Debating Club, which had enjoyed a successful season last year, was again making preparations for this year’s work. The secretary, Mr J. Dempsey, upon whom the bulk of the organising falls, is to be congratulated upon the success of the club in the past, and its bright prospects in the future. ’ The advent of a Rugby team in the third grade competitions was favourably commented upon. . 'The religious committee have in hand tho continuance of the pleasant Sunday afternoon services, immediately after Easter, which-were so much appreciated by the senior members last year. The boys’ department, under Mr G. Pitkethly, as boys’ work director, will undoubtedly have a record year, both in numbers and real charac-ter-building. activities. The ; three groups primary, High School and employed boys, are becoming absorbed in an all round programme from which they will reap untold benefits. The boys, under Christian leadership, are taking studies from a booklet, “Adventuring,” which challenges high ideals in their everyday life. An effort is being made to reach the eniployed boy, and endeavouring to link him up with the activities. The Board of Directors feel that they will have the whole-hearted co-operation of employers in this direction-. At present there are six boys who have been committed to probation by the Juvenile Court under the supervision of th« officers of the Y.M.C.A. . ..