Y.M.C.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 121, 23 April 1936, Page 11

Y.M.C.A.

ANNUAL MEETING. AN ACTIVE YEAR. The annual general meeting of the Pomerston North Young Men’s Christian Association was held last evening at the clubrooms, Mr T. R. Hodder (president) occupying* the chair. There was an attendance of about 20, and there were a number of apologies for absence. Mr Hodder commented that the fact of the attendance not being particularly large was attributable to the efficient manner in which the affairs of the association had been conducted. The annual report was presented by the chairman and taken as read. It stated, inter alia: — “The directors are deeply conscious of the responsibility which devolves upon them to strengthen all that is essential in the movements and project its influence amongst young life at the crossroads. The world is facing a period of increasing leisure. The machine age will bring still further reductions in working hours, and, therefore, more time for leisure pursuits. What our young people do with their leisure time is of great importance to them and to society. Education for the right use of leisure is, from the point of view of character, equally as important as education for earning a livelihood. The administration of an organisation such as the Y.M.C.A. calls for the loyal services of many of its members supported by the Board of Directors and the staff. The physical department, under Mr Woods, has achieved an exceptionally high standard and is such that it has appealed to and maintained the interest of the youngest schoolboy and on through all grades of young men, young women and even to mature business men. In prosecuting all the aims and objects of the association, Mr Woods is> ably supported by Mr L. Gittings, Boys’ Work director, who has had six year/ Y.M.C.A. experience and is enthusiastically co-operating for the success of our association. No reference to the staff would be complete that did not pay a tribute to the great assistance and never-failing interest and splendid influence given by Mrs Woods in all the work so ably carried on at tire Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. The total of all classes reaches the satisfactory figure of 566. Again the association has been glad to extend the privilege of free membership in the boys’ department to many boys who, while anxious to avail themselves of Y.M.C.A. membership, were not in a position to pay any fee. The association is fundamentally a Christian organisation, and seeks to permeate all its activities with a strong Christian atmosphere. During the year every effort has been made to uphold this vital principle. Of the 206 boys in the boys’ work department, there were 106 who participated in the programme which the association plans with a view to developing fully every phase of a boy’s character. The physical department is our largest contact with the youth of the community. The department has been rendering constructive service to members and to the city by organising worthwhile activities for leisure hours.”

The report then proceeded to deal in detail with the sports activities of Ihe association in the year, and added: “The association has felt the depression, and its receipts have been affected by it, especially in such income as it secured from membership and class fees. Receipts also from the annual gymnastic display were, under the sum secured last year. A special effort was made during the year to recoup our finances by organising a queen carnival. The membership worked loyally and well on behalf of the association, and the sum of £199 18s 4d was raised. The association woidd have balanced its budget but for the disastrous storm of Sunday, February 2, which pla.yed havoc with property in this city, and entirely destroyed the roof over the offices, lounge, pingpong rooms, etc., of our building. The roof off, rain added to our discomfort and expense. The association is faced with an expenditure of £lls 18s to bring the budding back to its original state. It will be seen by the accounts of the association that the expenditure incurred has been charged against the year’s workings, with the result that a deficit of £36 19s 5d is shown.”

STATE OF FINANCES. The balance-sheet, showing a deficit of £36 19s 5d at February 29, was also adopted. Mr It. C. Donald (treasurer) said it was the first time he had had to confess to a deficiency, but the recent storm had wrought damage to the extent of £IOO. It ha.d cost £69 in January, £66 in February and £66 in March to cover ordinary expenses. The association, lie added, was indebted to all who had assisted financially; had it not been for the storm there would have been, a credit balance of over £6O. A falling membership, however, gave cause for concern, due to the unlortunate financial conditions in the past. Speaking to the report, Mr Hodder saiu that the association had put up a line performance for 17 years in Palmerston. North. He paid a tribute to Mr 0. Woods (general secretary), and Mr L. Gittings (boys’ work director), also the Board ot Directors. He would have liked to liaVe seen more church parades, and hoped that more visiting of this nature would be done during the coming year. The report of tne Ladies' Auxiliary stated that there was a membership of 15, of whom seven were active. The usual work had been performed during the year, which had concluded with the sum of £6 14s 9d in the savings bank. Mr J. A. Grant spoke in high terms of the work of the auxiliary, especially in connection with the queen carnival and the furnishing of the lounge. On his motion the auxiliary were accorded a vote of thanks.

Mr Hodder referred to the need for the ranks of the auxiliary being augmented, urging that endeavours in this direction be undertaken.

Mr W. H. Brown spoke enthusiastically of the social life of the association. He said a new piano was urgently needed, and the aim of the social committee during the year would be to secure a new one.

Mr G. C. Petersen reported that the Debating Club had not functioned satisfactorily, a quiet period succeeding a lively one. Mr G. Griggs, for the Cricket Club, reported that the year had proved very enjoyable. Mr G. Cameron (secretary) had rendered splendid service. Mr A. Hopwood, referring to the camp, stressed the opportunities ior assistance in making several improvements on the site. He also paid a tribute to the work of the cook, Mr A. G. AVallace. Mr Grant extolled the team work of the various officials. The visit of Dr Toyohiko Kagawa (Japan) had been a wonderful experience. The great asset of the association rested not in its finance, but in the work performed by its departments. Mr Grant paid a tribute to Mr Donald s services as treasurer and to the other board members, also Mr and Mrs AVoods and Mr Gittings. Mr J. H. Dick stressed the desirability of a physical committee being formed to co-ordinate the various sports activities. Mr A. Mclvor said the Optimists

Club had continued to render service to the community. RETIRING DIRECTORS. The nfeeting was advised that Messrs Jus. AVallace, R. Linklater, J. Selwyn, and A. J). Campbell desired to retire from the Board of Directors, and on Mr Plodder's motion their resignations were accepted with regret, it being decided to place on record appreciation of their fine services. Kir E. W. Child, who retired by rotation, was re-elected to the board, .to which Mr G. Griggs was also appointed. Mr Hodder referred with regret to the fact that Mr Grant would not be offering himself for re-election as chairman of directors. KJr Grant was accorded a vote of appreciation ior his services. Mr I). G. Glendinning was re-elected hon. auditor.

Mr Grant urged, that a hard surface be made on the area in front of the building for use as a drill or games area. Mr Hodder supported the suggestion, which was referred to the board for consideration.

A tribute to the service of Kir Hodder was paid by Mr Grant, and on his motion lie was accorded a hearty vote of appreciation. Votes of thanks were accorded Mr D. G- Glendinning (lion, auditor), tho executive officers, and the Press.