Y.M.C.A. NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6991, 17 August 1929, Page 13

Y.M.C.A. NOTES

(By “Peter”).

Tlie indoor athletic meeting recently held by the boys' department was quite successful, detailed results being published in a recent issue of this paper. July 27 saw the meeting of the Wellington and Palmerston North Associations basket ball teams in their annual match and the spectators who filled the gymnasium gallery, were treated to a clean, fast exhibition of our favourite winter game. At half time, the score stood at 14—11 in favour of Palmerston North, but in the second half our opponents from the city rattled on a few scores, most of which Were equalised. When time was called, the score sheet revealed a one point margin in favour of Wellington, which won 27 to 26, in a game which tested the metal of both teams. The spirit of good feeling that prevails between the two teams was in evidence at 8 dinner held in honour of the "Wellington team, and an attendance cd 2'J "eheerfuls" helped to make the function a success. Mr. Woods, on behalf of the Palmerston North Association, welcomed the visitors, and Mr. H. J. Steptoc replied on behalf of the guests. A singsong followed, after which members adjourned to the gymnasium to witness the game. The visiting team was later entertained at the pictures. The Wellington boys, after being the guests of several senior members, left for their home city on the following morning. It is with regret that we chronicle th«j loss sustained by the Optimists’ Club by the departure of its Padre, the Rev. H. Kenney, who has left for England in pursuance of his studies. We all wish Mr. Kenney the best of good luck and prosperity in his new sphere. Tfcn winter season committees, after a spell during the summer months, are now in full swing preparing for the annual display, and attending to the details. This year several improvements in the functioning of the display will be effected by the physical committeeimprovements affecting the programme —and it is certain that the items will be more spectacular and successful than ever. St. Andrew's Gymnasium Basketball team played a match with our team on August 3. The final score, 45—7, was hardly a fair indication of the game, and although our “scoring machine" was superior, the Saints’ passing was Tather pretty to watch. Their style in this department of the game is similar to that adopted by our Wellington opponents. We Rope that this match will be the first move towards several other contests. Last Sunday, the popularity of the

Sunday services was again demonstrated, when a good gathering of our young men were addressed by Mr. D. W. Low, who took for his subject “The Half-Crown Man,” and dealt with it in a manner which left his listeners with food for thought. A hearty vote of thanks and appreciation was accorded Mr. Low at the conclusion of his address.

It is rumoured that our entertainers have something up their sleeves in the way of humorous entertainment for the annual carnival. They are certainly keeping things dark!

Overheard in the shower room the other night:—“Who’s taken all the water?” “What do you want water for? Use the vacuum cleaner!”. Senior members are reminded that there will be another of our popular social and dance evenings on August 28. The social committee would like to see the gymnasium filled by' the seniors and their friends. “Jack” has again gained fame in introducing something new in the way of “cauliflower” ears. Our advice is —keep away from scrums. The debating club recently' held a vocational evening, several prepared speeches being delivered. The following members spoke: Mr. A. Pitama; Mr. R. Haddon, “The Value of Swimming”; Mr. T. Twiggo, “The Beginning and History of the Y.M.C.A.”; Mr. L. P. Hardy, “The Opera as a Form of Amusement.”

The first round of the snooker tournament is completed, and the second round should be finished very shortly. There is a handsome prize for the winning cueist. The senior basketball shield competition is nearly at an end. Challengers, the leading team) have no chance of being beaten, by virtue of their large lead in points. The question as to who will be the runners-up will be decided in the next two games, which will end this season’s competition.

Word has just been received from the National Secretary (Mr. R. M. Brasted), that the Y.M.C.A. boys’ division indoor athletic contest was won by Palmerston North. It is interesting to note that our boys won the contest against classes from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other larger branches of the association. Some 2,000 boys took part in the contest and the fact of our boys’ division coming out on top reflects great credit on the boy's’ work director, Mr. T. Twigge, his willing assistants and the boys themselves for getting right behind their leaders. v

“What is character?” Do not confuse character with reputation. Character means a mark and refers to what one is; reputation means an estimate and refers to what one is thought to be. Build up your character and your reputation will take care of itself. Character is a growth, and not made suddenly but is always in the process

of being strengthened or weakened. It can neither be made or marred at once, as one can win or lose a reputation in an instant. Good character makes one feel that one is consciously right in all one’s purposes; and there is infinite strength in that conviction to sustain one in moments of stress or trial. To be consciously riglit-minded and right-hearted is the greatest asset any person can have. 'Borne good rules to follow in building up character arc:—Defend your conscience against fashions around you. Refuse io do things simply because others do them. Develop your resistance power and y r ou develop character. Keep your temper In hand, none can make a success of life until this is done. Teach your body to obey' y'our decisions. Learn to accommodate yourself to other people, knowing how to harmonise with other people is something to be learned. Extend the right hand of fellowship to your fellow beings and y r ou will find that you will be treated the same way by others. And lastly, build your character early in life—you will find it much easier then, than later in life when good habits are harder to acquire.