Y.M.C.A.

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 6485, 17 December 1927, Page 6

Y.M.C.A.

WORK AMONG YOUTH. MONTHLY BOARD MEETING. The final .-meeting- of the Board of Directors of/ .the /Palmerston North yIM.C.A, WJ^/he' evening;', there being present Messrs! T. E. Hoddcr (in chair), J. Wallace A. Hoopwood, J. E. Gunninghamc, F. E. B. Chin, P. W. Hunt, IC Glendinnjng, J,., H. Dick. The following reports were presented by the general secretary, Mr. F. M. Kcesing, ALA.:—- . „ ,■ »_ This year’ends with the association in a stronger position in numbers in activities, and in spirit, than ever before. /Among the young men and women, and in the boys’ division there has been a happy growth and progress in the work. From the viewpoint of the staff, this has been most encouraging, and make? one feel the essential worth wholeness of the association programme in the community. For .those older men and ladies who continue to invest time, energy, and money in the cause of youth through the Y.M.C.A., their reward must lie ip the satisfaction of 'seeing the young people entering more ’fully into the life of the association and finding guidance, growth, and friendship.

'■'-From week'-to-week,' in--the gymnasium, in the boys’ groups, at social and religious gatherings, on outings,, and through all other activities going'on, quietly and continually, the spirit *of youth has been finding expression. More and more, perhaps too much, the organization and carrying out of the work has been taken over .by willing bands of enthusiastic members, men and boys. This spirit of service is certainly one of the finest expressions of our association life. The membership' has been increasing in numbers, especially in the sustainers and the boys’ sections. The rough comparative figures'arc— • ■ or rm

In addition there are 145 young ladies and girls in the gymnasium and the Ladies' Auxiliary of 35, making a total circle of direct membership contact of 782. -This surely - must exceed the expectations of the founders of the association in 1919, and has justified the'money ,invested by the community in the Grey street building. Summer Programme. The, final event of the winter /programme was the red triangle carijival hold on December 3rd. The Ladies’ Auxiliary ran a stall during the day, badges were sold by members, also by young ladies on the streets, and a grand carnival, night was organized for. the evening by the young men and boys. With beautiful weather, the effort ;was a great success, and the nett result will be about, £95. toward the. funds . ;v The swimming club has made a splendid start again' this summer, and a large class is preparing for examination in life-saving under the instruction of Secretary W. Eyre. The Y.M.C.A. Club certainly seems to be the livest in the Manawatu district. At the first carnival of the year at Peilding last year, our club relay team won first place. The tennis club is also having an excellent.season,. Mr. J. Dempsey being an enthusiastic secretary. The club members have been at work repairing the wirenetting, and the courts are in good trim. The technical school pupils arc again availing themselves of the use of the courts on sports afternoons, and have presented a new net to the club. The basket ball, club is continuing to meet for play oh Thursday nights, and this sport attracts a large number of the senior gym. members. The tramping club has again organized a holiday trip to the Marlborough Sounds, a party of a dozen members availing .themselves of the fortnight’s cruise at a minimum cost. They w-ill be joined by three members of, the Nelson Y.M.C.A., including the secretary, Mr. G. Harkncss, late boys’ director here.! The party will again be in charge of cur physical director. In the boys’ division the main event will, be Gamp Pohaugina, where 35 to 40:b'6ys and leaders will be, under canvas. A new..site, has been chosen for this.year well out of, danger from erosion or flood,-and the ' cookhouse was recreated by A' working party, last weekend. The problem of accommodation has been solved through; the kindness of 1 Mr. L. V. Dahl, who is lending us a fine, marquee, and of Messrs. W. Tilliek, 11. Smith, and T. Dahl who arc lending! tents. The general secrctafy will act as camp director. j

Boys Snr. Sfcnrs. Tl. End Of 1926 . 172 188 65 425 End of 1927 224 194 181 602