A LIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE
ACTIVITIES OF Y.M.C.A.
COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING
Tkcre was it fair attendance at the annual goncral meeting of tlio Young Moil's Christian Association, held on Thursday evening in tho Y.M.C.A. building. The annual report was adopted. Mr Fell, commenting on the balance sheet, said it was regrettable that tho bank overdraft bad increased. It had certainly not, been a good year for appeals, but the Optimists' Clubs all over New Zealand had contributed in a welcome maimer.
iMr Dodds thought that if peoplo knew more about tho good work of the Association they would give more assistance to its funds. Mr Trathon considered that Mr Dodds bad struck a new note in regard to publicit v. He thpught that more reports ronld be sent to the "Mail" concerning the Association's activities. The balance sheet was adopted.
As only the requisite number of nominations liad been received, the five members of the board of directors were declared elected. These wore Messrs
Armstrong, Mabin, Dalglish, and Rowo, i and tho'Rev. Mr Wickham.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The following were elected as officers: President., Mr C. R. Fell; vice-presi-dents, Messrs Gould and Black; lion. treasurer, Mr Mabin ; lion, auditor, 'Mr Fletcher; and lion, secretary, loft to Hoard to decide.
GENERAL
Voles of thanks were passed to the national secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, for his personal backing of the work in. Nelson; to tho Optimists' Club of Now Zealand for their splendid act in contributing £S2 to tho Nelson Association at tho time of tho earthquake; and to the general socrotary, Mr liarkness, for his devotion to the work, and for bis full report of the association's work. Several speakers spoke in appreciation of the services of Mr liarkness. THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW The annual review of the activities of the Association was its follows: In presenting this report wo feel that the past year has in many ways been another record, in spite of tho fact that each year big progress has been made both in membership and in the rango of activities carried out. There is a new spirit in the Association which can only be compared with the finest in any of Hie Y.M.C.A.'s in other centres, and with this enthusiasm and interest,' combined with service from the membership, wc must continue to grow and becomo more vital in our work in the community. We are part of a. big world movement, vitally Christian in all dcnartments of its work, the Association has a part to play in the moulding of young manhood. The comprehensiveness of the activities of the world wide organisation cannot be gauged in any other way oxcept to say that whatever the needs of the communities in which it operates, the Association strives to meet them in. all departments of life, and it is getting through barriers of race, colour and creed, in almost every country, fostering an understanding, better living, education, and world brotherhood through Christ. This is our Mission, and we feel that there is no other permanent way of overcoming the wprld's problems and misunderstandings, therefore there is no more important piece of work to be done, and we do not hesitate to commend our Association as a world wide institution, and as a local work to you, for support and your sincerest sympathy and interest. The Directors have pleasure In presenting to members and friends the following report of our activities for tho past year:—
MEMBERSHIP
The men's membership is 204; , boys under 18 years, 76; making a total of 280 men and boys. Membor.sh.ip of special classes for ladies and girls, including tennis and basket-ball, 182. The total membership is therefore 462. These figures will indicate that the Association is a vital factor in the young life of the community. ' STAFF
Mr G. liarkness, General Secretary oi» Physical Director in our Association for the past three years, has personally directed and supervised the activities for the year.
FINANCE
The receipts if or the year total £431 7s sd~; payments £476 4s sd-.; outstanding accounts £124 15s 2d, and interest £93 10s. Promises collected since 31st March and credited to last year ,£35 7s 6d, showing a deficit on the year's working of £6l 13s 9d. Our total liabilities on the working account to date are £352 18s Bd. .
SPIRITUAL WORK
We cannot stress too much the im-' portance laid upon this department by our Association. There are still people who imagine that the Association is failing in this respect because it has widened tho margin of its activities. This is very far from true, and not only is tfhis so, but the other departments such as tho gymnasium are more and more b'eipg found to be "live wire" reeiuiting grounds for the spiritual work of the Association. At the recent Christchurch Conference it was definitely 1 placed' on record that this is the finding of all Association Officers and Voluntary Leaders everywhere. In this respect also tlie Association Oias a unique link with the young people who would otherwise not come within the scope of religious teaching. The aim and object of all our work is spiritual training, and every activity run in the Association is run with that aim in view, but at the same time wo realise that sound bodies and the right; idea of life generally are playing a Dig 1 part in true Christianity. In Nel. son as elsewhere we nave certain special religious activities each year. We have for the past three years conducted a senior study circle at which studies in the Life of Christ, from the World's Committee course, have been taken. In the Boys' Division regular Bible studies and religious tests are done weekly, but these svo given in the Boys' Work report lower down. Mother's Day Sunday afternoon is an annual event. When an Association visitor comes through we hold a special Sunday afternoon gathering, if ho is hero for the week-end. Each year also wo have a time of Consecration in the Association during,the International Week of Prayer. Studies come to us for this week from the World's Committee as with weekly studies referred 'to above. These .meetings are searching and helpful. Naturally these gatherings arc of an interdenominational order and it is at these times wo realise the privilege of combining our efforts in a common cause. Through this spirit of unity, we have a freer mixing of B.C. men of all denominations and in the Association they can give a united service to men and boys, in club leadership and other activities. In the Leader's Corps meetings of tho gymnasium class for young men, devotional periods wore held. 7
Y.M.C.A. CONFERENCE This year five of our members had a most enjoyable experience when they attended the Conferences at Christchurch. The first day was devoted to the Employed Officers Confe-ience, the next was the- Optimist's Clulit of New Zealand Conference, and t.he following two days tho general Convention of Delegates and Officers. It was felt that this year's conferences were the best yet, and the fact that some of our members were able to attend has been a great help to them, and through their vision of the great work being done, to our local Association too. Our religious development was one of the great subjects of Conference and it was definitely discovered that tho intensity of religious work in the whole movement throughout the Domirv ion was on the increase. PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT The Physical Department of the Association is one of the most practical equipments we have for appealing to young men and boys to improve themselves, and to aim higher in the standard they fix for living. It is a definitely constructive work, producing a typo
'of mombor giving full service in all departments of the Association's activities. Tho gymnasium and other physical activities lend themselves particularly to a real personal contact between the secretary and the members, and through this, valuable opportunities are presented for helping where help is needed, and gaining interest and insight, into tho activities of the hast year wo had an enrolment of 230 in tho nine gymnasium classes, with a total of 4,002 attendances for the season. Classes were hold for business men, younger men, employed ' boys, school boys over 12 years, school boys under 12' years, boxing, ladies, girls over 12 years, and girls under 12 years. Our annua! gymnastic display was held in tho Majestic Theatre, when over 160 members of tho classes took part, and the programme of all kinds of gymnastics, comedy, etc.,'.was received with groat enthusiasm. On the 29vh November a party i-f 60 display numbers journeyed to Motuclta to L"ve an entertainment at the Majestic Theatre there, and this also, was very nuicn appreciated Small displaycs were given by various squads at tho Children's Gala Day; and at the Hampden Street School Fair, Other activities of tho physical department are. basket ball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and a tramping and swimming club. Son e of these clubs Inyl a record year,, and arrangements have been nnulo to put the soccer and tramping ciubs on a stronger basis for the new season.
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL WORK
The Association carries on quite a system of social and educational work in connection with its various clubs. In tho Boys' Division the club period is used as an opportunity for talks on helpful topics, physical, citizenship, travel, etc. Tho Optimists Club is a very helpful source for educational talks from leading citizens and visitors to Nelson. This club is also a get-together for tho workers in tho senior department, where they can enjoy fellowship. The Hockey Club conducts lectures,,throughout tho season. The Entertainers Club was busy aasuin this year for some considerable iwßo before the display, preparing tho comedy side of that entertainment. A basket-ball tea and a big social were hfcld during the winter months, which; were both very well attended. The Optimists Club referred to above is becoming one of the most influential activities of the Association, throughout the Dominion. It might be likened in many respects to a. Junior Rotary Club, and is a social 1 and service club. Tho members of the Optimists Club are giving service in every department of tho Association's work. There are Optimists Clubs at twelve centres, and tho recent Conference gave an insight into tho quality and opportunities presented through this movement. Recently wc had a visit in Nelson from the Founder of the Optimists movement, Mr R. A. Kenner of Auckland, who is also the National President, and while here, tie presented our. Club with a Gavil to bo competed for from year to year by all the N.Z. Clubs, ours being the first possessors. The Young Men's Cabinet, is really a Junior Board of Governors. This Committee is the active head of tho Association, and for a number of years has given service in counselling the activities and by individual service. > Tho members of this Committee like those of the Optimist's Club are representing all departments of our work.
BOYS' WORK A *
Wo consider the Boys' Work one of our main departments. Here is the raw material for the building of practical Christian manhood. -The Association in Nelson carries on several distinct departments of work for boys, which may bo, classified as follows: 1. Group work in the building. 2. Big Brother. Movement. 3. Flock House Boys. 4. Assisting boys strange to town, out of work}' or in difficulties. Details of these four branches are as under:—
1. In the building we carry on the regular class work showun under a, b. and c. fa) Gymna'sium. s The gymnasium is a paying members' privilege; but in all cases considered wise these privileges are extended to under-privi-leged boys. Thus, boys from poor homes, little brothers in connection with the Big Brother Movement, and the like, are offered where they cannot afford 16[ pay for it, a chance to receive training'on splendid equipment which will give them a new outlook in life, and help to develop in them some of tho strength . and physique they have previously been denied. (b\ Competitive work is conducted to bring out in a boy a spirit of "team" not "self"; to make him eager to achieve new things, and to add something to. the play and sportsmanship side of life, (c) The club is designed to cover definite educational and spiritual development. In tho Club a hoy is given tests to do; he hears talk's on various subjects such as citizenship, health, etc.; he participates in Bible study and prayer; he carries out nine weekly tests—gymnasium, club, Church, Sunday School or Bible Class attendances • daily Bible reading and prayer; missions; playing in school teams; and extra educational subjects. These are all part of his duty to his club as well as (o himself.
2. The Big Brother movement is a world-wide institution. The Association realises that in this movement lies the chance to make a manly character instead of making a criminal. In a sentence, the Big Brother movement is the difference between possibly incriminating a lad and putting him down and out for life, and offering him a now chance to look up and see the bigger, better things that, life holds for him. With the co-operation and support of the Child Welfare Officer the Y.M.C.A is able to establish a friendly hold on these boys, and they enjoy the privileges we give. Through these measures wo are able to influence them in the right direction as well as extending our privileges in tho gymnasium and club work. Taking the average for the past fewyears wc handle annually some G 5 cf these boys in this community, and the majority are covered.by individual Big Brothers, "and the balance by the General Secretary. These Big Brothers are trustworthy senior members of tho Association, who extend the Hand of friendship to the boys and act as pals to them, guiding and advising them as needed.
3. Flock House boys aro sons of British seamen killed during the war. These boys go through a course of training at Flock House, and are then posted to positions all over the Dominion. Naturally they are- strangers hi a strange land once they leave Flock House, and in districts such as ours the boys passing through are glad of a home while they are in town, and of a friend to give advice. We have a number of those boys posted out in our district, which is n, big one, extending from Blenheim on the one side, to Motucka and the back country on the other, as far as they happen to bo posted. These boys keep in touch with us as Flock House Agents, and when any change is made or advice needed, they come to us. 4. In these days, for various reasons, boys are forced to travel from place to place, looking for work, etc. Some are out of cash, and the Association can lend a hand by providing for a bed or a meal We can, again, give advice and information with our knowledge of the local district. We have helped numbers of boys in this way, in getting them placed in positions, and finding suitable places for board. These hoys recognise the Association as a home away from home, and the staff and members as friends in a strange place. This is
our opportunity to,help, «'' (l wc :iro glad to do so, M£vmy way we.caii Where genuine help is needed. i f, SE%ICE
Under tliis heading wo would like to mention briefly other causes which have been ; associated)-with our yours work. ~ When the*;'earthquakes left the people up-country homeless and destitute, hundreds'of refugees were • forcer to come to Nelson, usi many others had (o go to oilier towns. For three weeks our building''Was used as (t huge clothing depot, and during that time all our regular activities were postponed. _ The Association was able to place itself and its secretary at the disposal of that wonderful committee workers who so valiantly laboured'to' see that the homeless were warmly clothed-and comforted. The Association's Clubs all over the Dominion made special efforts and contributed to the earthquake funds, and in addition, when the local Association through hard times became up against it, raised a second sum of money which was forwarded to help us out, and was for the good of the local community by providing for the work in their stead, and which saved our Association from havin" to give up the valuable work it is doing in Nelson. The Y.M.C.A. again van an efficient marquee at lapawera Military Camp. In this marquee equipment included reading, writing, games, music, and other kinds of materials. Entertainments, sing-songs, Sunday night service, and so on, were held. The men were very grateful for the provisions made for them by the Y.M.C.A. while they are in Camp. During the year the Nelson Rugby Representative team ..-used the gymnasium for special training for representative matches; individual athletes in different branches of -r.pft'rts have been given regular service in the gymnasium; and the Scouts had , games . nights in the gymnasium. A greater number of men than in any previous year have sought council from the Association when "in difficulties and on a good number of occasions beds and meals have, been found. A number of boys and men have also been helped into employment when there was anything offering. There are hundreds of little personal helps and attentions given by the secretary and members which come outside the-above, and which arc of great help to individuals lr so many ways. .„.
THANKS
The Association•.' wishes to express its sheerest thanks 'to '< the "Mail" Office for its helping hand in advertising our Associations affairs;, to Mr J. Tripney who has for the "past three years acteti as voluntary instructor in the Boxing Class ;■ to Mr. C.'rLeo and members of his orchestra : fori the 'splendid service they gave in connection with our displays at. Nelson and Motueka; to the friends who' assisted in so many ways with the gymnasium and other activities ; t« the members' of all classes, and others, .who havp hplp : ed .wit!} a number; of -acti the year; to everyone who 'lias 'assisted in any way, by finance or otherwise, we are deeply grateful:-*/-
AN APPEAL
.-.'To,our ! friehdsra'nd)xn'tizehs fl whb have read tliis report, and'feel 'that we. are contributing "a,'work of value to the community; we, wqukl- appeal foiN.assistan.ee to carry on the finances of this Associltiori'.' -We" would'point out that the As ; sociation. has been operatibg ; iirthis community for a number of years, and that the citizens themselves found the means for putting our ; /equipment ..here, and that it i's.in their. 1 own; interests to. see that the work gets the ■ support -it merits. This is not an extra" burden upon you), but will rep.'ry "you-many, times over for the .small investment. you] make in it. The yott'rtg people''themselves* are com tributing a veryJarge percentage of the budget' and -''sire* in every way to make the work as near selfsupporting ..asi ..possible,, but; each year it _ is necessary '-'for iis "to'i, get" the,remaining small perc'entlge from, the people who are : -intercstied in4Hiß proVrotio'n of Christian service amongst x thc, future citizens of i!; 'i[ '>V '.;;''' The 3q4d,.,.p| Work doing,, is naturally of'a nature which does not allow- f6iv;pulbt^ci^ r ; : our work before the/pujplic eye as.it..is possibjehfcijia'^ therefore we are often forgotten l when it. eomes-ta distribution of moneys'for good causes. To make this work possible at its best By extending our programme it is necessary for us! to ■':'. be surer of the income we are to get, and one of" t'he--moSt ; -;helpful ways this can be done is by permanent 'endowment where the interest is available each year towards the annual budget. We are also needing ready money where endowment cannot be supplied for putting our property into working order, purchasing of equipment, paying of overdraft 'and mortgages, etc. ".Those are all urgent needs and our work w,ill be hampered till this support is.forthcoming, and we trust that Christian folk, when wondering* how to help worth while causes will recognise -what their assistance could mean in this community task. We send hone of our money away at all, so that whatever is given goes for the good of Nelson alone, and there is no more gracious way of giving a hand in the extension of the Kingdom of God than to endeavour to .improve the conditions of our young people. This is the sole objective of our Institution, which endeavours to permeate its activities for young people with the "Christ" atmosphere. ' ~, ... , ,;.. :',
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 May 1930, Page 6
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3,444A LIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 May 1930, Page 6
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