Y.M.C.A. NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7198, 22 April 1930, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. NOTES

(By "Peter.”) Easter, provide# a flpoll for weary muscles that have been stretched during the past three Weeks of exercise in tho gymnasium. After this short spell Is over all classes will be settling down to hard work, and in a few months to display work. Hew rapidly the time comes for tho big effort of the year—the display! The opening gym. social proved to be a great success, enjoyed by all present, and in the eyes of tho energetic committee, very successful financially. The net proceeds of the function will give something to work on for the annual banquet. During tho evening trophies and awards for swimming, and life saving were presented by Mr. W. Collier, president of the Manawatu Life Saving Society. Special mention was made of the fine work done in the interests of swimming and life saving by Mr. Boy Haddon, secretary of the Y.M.C.A. Club, and also of the Manawatu Centre. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Haddon for his untiring work. Another willing worker for the association, Mr. M. Dymock, was presented by Mr. T. E. Hodder, on behalf of the Board of Directors, with a leather suitCaso as a token of appreciation of his assistance at the boys’ camp at Pohangina. It came as a, great blow to us to learn that Mr. D. T. Allan is leaving shortly for Wanganui. We have lost ono of our keCnest board members in Mr. Allan and he will be sadly missed from our ranks. The Ladies’ Auxiliary also loses ono of its willing workers in Airs. Allan. We should like Mr. and Mrs. Allan, to know that they depart from our midst with the best wishes.for future prosperity and happiness from every member of the association. As a result of a meeting held last month, a Eugby football club has been formed in the association for the -first time since it started in Palmerston North as a Y.M.C.A. The formation of a third grade team will no doubt lead to representation in other grades in the near future. Several practices have been held, and a friendly match with Old Boys was played recently, Old Boys winning by the narrow margin of 9 —3 after a hard and close game. It is very gratifying to see such largo classes on the floor this season, at times the gymnasium being taxed to capacity. Ono of tho most enthusiastic classes is the business men’s, which is much stronger numerically this year. That is not to say. it is weaker in other respects—-in fact, some of the members would make a'bold bid at outlasting- some of the senior members—and they are keen, too.

It has been decided that tho senior basketball competitions shall commence on Alay 12, by which date the six teams will be chosen. It is the Intention of the association this year to promote a competition amongst the trades and professions, and to this end a committee has been set up to go into the matter. A competition such as this should stimulate outside interest in the game. In order to raise funds for tho purchase of material tho Football Club intends holding a jumble* sale bn the 'afternoon of April 26, and stalls and amusements in the evening of the same day. Support for this cause will be of groat help, and also any donations of clothing, books, etc., will bo appreciated for tho stalls. Roy Haddon is at present spending his annual holidays in Auckland, Dave Allan, son of “D.T.,” left us to go to Dunedin, where he hopes to gain his dental exams, to the university there. Best of luck to him! t . At tho 10th. National Convention, held in Christchurch in Alarch, a very good report of detailed work dono by the Y.M.C.A. ’3 in New Zealand was presented to members attending. We think a few facts placed before our readers will give some idea of the work done. Physical work is undoubtedly of great credit to tho association and a very high standard is kept up and very often improved upon, and it is interesting to note that, nearly 19,250 people attended the displays given in New Zealand, while 2545 individuals took part ill them. On tbo athletic field the figures Were: Football, 4-24 players; Cricket, 164 players; tennis, 285 players, while other branches of sport woro also well represented. Boys’ work, Bible study clubs, business boys’ and Cheerio clubs, camps, etc., are also part of the association’s work. The Optimist Club movement has also gained a great hold in New Zealand, and there are now 11 clubs with a total membership of 384. Co-operation With the Child Welfare Department has resulted in the Big Brother' movement, which undertakes the work of helping boys placed under supervision by the Children’s Courts. During the year the movement dealt With 427 boys, 211 Big Brothers having been engaged in this task. Two illustrations of success are worthy of quotation. The first. Was the case of a Sriiall boy who, owing to lax home conditions, came before the Court and was placed under the care Of the Big Brother movement, but for two years continually disappointed all those endeavouring to help him. After groat and careful perseverance and many re-trials this lad has turned out one of the most useful members Of his department and shows great promise for' the future. The second case Was a boy, three years ago a “little brother,” now an active worker ift the boys’ department and aetiiig as a Big Brother to a littlo chap too small to attend.the department’s activities. Recently a Big Brother and a little brother built a fov moving picture machine together. Tho little chap is much loss of a problem now than when first introduced to his Big Brother some time ago. This shows how friendship and interest can do so much to help tho little brothers. The work in military camps presents one of tho best opportunities for service which our organisation faces. During the year 89 camps were catered for in 26 different centres, and provision was made for the social and recreational needs of Over 20,000 trainees. The importance of this fine work 1b recognised by the military authorities. It is interesting to note that the local association is fourth on the membership list, and is beaten only by Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. In the physical department W 0 are at the top of the list, outside of the main centres—truly a credit to the efforts of all ‘those who have the interests of the association at heart.