A Y.M.C.A. IN NELSON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 32, 7 February 1919, Page 6

A Y.M.C.A. IN NELSON.

I (To the Edijjr.) , ■ Sir, —I was much, struck with your reference to certain proposals made by Major 'Robinson, of the local Ifefence Office, regarding the establishment of a Y.M.O.A. in Nelson. There is, undoubtedly, an outstanding need for such as institution, run on good broad lines. I, too, have seen something of i the w.ork of the Y.M.O.A. while on loneign service, and have learnt to have a great iad mi ration for the splendid work that was done. Should not Nelson ■have a club for the growing lads of this city, quite a number of whom appear to spend much of Jiheir time aim , l( lessly about the streets? An attractive * club fitted with billiard! tables, writing rooms, nea,ding rooms, and a refreshment room, where lads could spend -their lunch hour, or spend a profitable hour in the evening, where they ccinld get light refreshments at a nominal cost., would be of inestimable benefit to the lads. The matter should' certainly be kept steadily before the notice of the Y.M.C.A. Executive in Wellington, Two most important ieme are: (1) The appointment of a young, energetic, capable secretary, preferably a man who ha® seen service in the present war. 2. The appointment of a suitable caretaker. A married man for preference, whose wife could take charge of the refreshment room, and instil into the atmosphere of the club the attractions of a comfortable home away from home. There must be many well-to-do residents in this district who have the interest of the rising generation, and the future welfare of the province sufficiently at heart to come forward with the necessary financial assistance. The xnotlearient is not ia new one, as I un derstand, there is a section of land in the city, together with a sum of money already set aside, for the purpose. To those imbued with a high sense of citizenship the idea must appeal strongly, and-it is to be very much hoped that some of our leading citizens will take the matter up. I am, etc., CITIZEN.