Y.M.C.A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15097, 13 September 1912, Page 5

Y.M.C.A.

SUCCESSFUL SEASON'S WORK. The sixth report of tho season's work of tho Y.M.O.A. was submitted to tho directors at tho monthly meoting, and showed a total attendance for tho half-year of 30,155. The six months' receipts in connection with tho now building scherno amounted to £193417s 3d. Very rapid and satisfactory progress had been made with tho erection of the building, which would bo finished not later than March, 1913. An aggressive religious work had been conducted, especially in connection with the Sunday men's' meetings, at. which a total attendanco of 2903 had been recorded for tho six months. Tho Sunday strangers' tea had brought together 1069, and of theso 213 strangers had received their first w Jcomo at, the association. Tho social lifo of tho jussociation had consisted of tho daily luncheons, indoor games, and monthly socials, all of which had been largely patronised by menibors. Tho five monthly socials had far eclipsed thoso of tho previous year. Tho attendances had grown so largo that it had 'become necessary to invito tiio members in sections only. Th-o attendances at five socials had been 915, and many, young men had been introduced to new friends on their arrival as- strangers in Auckland. The ladies' auxiliary had dono good work in helping to provide strangers' teas. Tho new members added to the association had been 93. Although no employment secretary had been employed, no less than 269 men had applied to tho associa- ! tion with reforerico to employment. All had received the association's advice; many had received letters of introduction to business firms; not a few had gono to the country, and 67 had found work through the agency of tho Y.M.C.A. The education doparfcmont, over which Mr. J. H. Barker had been elected chairman, had done a useful work in the formation of a magazine club, public speaking club, and in providing individual instruction in commercial" training subjects. Mr. Ray Buttle kindly gave his services in teaching tho book-keeping class. The boys' department had grown to lx> quite an association in itself. It was being directed by Mr. 11. C. Fountain ajid a boys' cabinet. The membership was .160, and the three weekly meetings at the association ha.d been well attended. The boys had been helped by addresses from business men and visitors. The association had suffered tho loss of Mr. Gelst.on, tho lion, treasurer, who had removed to Christchurch The association had been most fortunate in securing tho services of Mr. Win. M. Barr ns hon. treasurer, and of Mr. S. Barry as lion, secretary. Mr. 11. M. Smeoton had consented to again lake a seat, on tho directorate, and a very cordial welcome was extended to him by members at tho monthly meeting of the board. Mr. Alex Jameson, M.A., had Iwen appointed the first national secretary of tho N Z,Y-M.C.A.'s, and his'work already commenced' was beginning to add now vigour to tli® various associations.