ADVANCED MOVEMENT AT ST. JOHN’S.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5029, 29 July 1903, Page 6

ADVANCED MOVEMENT AT ST. JOHN’S.

A RESORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. CONCERT AND CONVERSAZIONE. With the object of providing for the welfare of a number of young people in Wellington, who form t>art of the “boardinghouse population” of th-e city. St. John's congregation has erected a handsome suite of sixteen rooms adjoining tho church property. Several of these rooms will be used in connection with the Sunday school work. One room has been fitted up as a parlour for the young men, and another for the young women. These two rooms have been handsomely furnished by the young people themselves, and are equipped with writing material, magazines, papers, etc. Rules and regulations are being drawn up for the control of these apartments, and it is expected they will be open every night. Facilities for recreation have not been neglected, for a splendid gymnasium room has been provided and fully equipped with appliances. Adjoining this room is a shower bath and a lavatory. Tho idea of erecting this new building originated three years ago. A quarter of an acre of land was purchased from Mr Hunter for .£3OO. The building was sub* s,oquoutly erected at a cost of .£ISOO. exclusive of furniture. A concert and conversazione was held m the schoolroom, Diroa street, last evening for the purpose of opening the new rooms, and at the same time raising funds for wiping off a part of the debt. Mr J. G. \V. Ailken, M.H.R., gave tv snort sketch of Dio object in erecting the new building, and then declared the rooms open. Tho hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags, etc. Several! stalls were- arranged with dainty gemds, and the ladies in charge of them did excellent business. Side entertain*inciiis uero also arranged. They proved a source of amusement, ami v/crc well patronised. During the evening an excellent concert was given. A squad cf members of tile Wellington Physical iraming School gave an exhibition of club-swinging; Mrs Burke and Mr A Muchcll contributed songs; Mr T ilcWnanue! gave a bagpipe solo; and Mr \V. Young a recitation. The entertainment will be repeated to-night. •