Y.M.C.A. WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23512, 24 November 1939, Page 10

Y.M.C.A. WORK

ACTIVITIES REVIEWED EXPANSION DURING YEAR SERVICE TO MEN IN CAMPS An expansion in the work: carried out in many fields during the year was shown in the annual report of the Auckland Young Men's Christian Association presented "at the 84th annual meeting last night. In spite of certain adverse conditions, said the president, Mr. J. Tyler,. membership had increased, standing at 1551 at tho end of the year. New branches had been opened in Grey Lynn and Epsom, and work had been carried out in constructional and military camps. In the sphere of adult education, groups had been established for the study of music, dramatics, photography, public speaking and art appreciation. Deficit on Year's Working Owing to unforseen rising costs, and a lack of income from certain sources, the financial year had ended with a deficit of £352, stated the honorary treasurer, Mr. F. P. Ennor. This loss, lie said, had been more than counterbalanced by the extension in the work of the association. Mr. Ennor also referred to" the success of the Coronation appeal, which had resulted in a reduction of the mortgage account . by £1950. "This is an institution which deserves to prosper," snid the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, in extending his congratulations to the Y.M.C.A. on its work , during the year. The, association and its officers, he said, had done much to raise the spiritual tone of the city and had helped to counteract the pessimistic 6pirit which tended to develop during times of stress such as tho present. Important Place In Community "At a time when moral values seemed to be on the decline," said the president-elect, Mr. W. Calder Mackay, "the Y.M.C.A. should have an increasingly important place in the life of a community." In his opinion the boys' section was worthy of the greatest and he hoped that, during the coming year, that branch of the association's activities would be extended in the suburbs. Although there was room for specialised clubs, the Christian side of the work was most important. The work of the Y.M.C.A. in military camps was described by the general secretary, Mr. Vernon T. Drew, who said that, on the outbreak of war, the association gave servico to the men during their training at the camps. Y.M.C.A. work was planned at Ngaruawahia and Papakura, and a private billeting scheme was initiated for soldiers on leave in Auckland. There would be further developments as the year progressed. ' - , The following officers were elected for the coming year:—President, Mr. W. Calder Maekayj vice-presidents, Messrs. H. B. Burnett, C. A. Whitney, J. Tyler; honorary treasurer, Mr. F. P. Ennor; assistant-honorary treasurer, Mr. J. V. Macky; directors, Messrs. W. D. M. Glaister, G. Malcolm, D. Henry, A. Schultze, H. Hunter; honorary solicitor, Mr. J. B. Johnston; auditor, Mr. V. Kirk.