BOYS' INSTITUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8367, 1 March 1913, Page 7

BOYS' INSTITUTE

NEW INSTRUCTOR WELCOMED. Over three hundred boys, with their parents and friends, met at the Boys’ Institute last evening to welcome the newly appointed instructor, Mr W, J* Bennett, of Canterbury. The Mayor, Mr D. McLaren presided, and said that'the/work done by the institute waa of untold benefit to the community. In his young days in Scotland he was a member of the institute, and lie looked back with gratitude for the service those in charge had rendered to him. He believed the Wellington Boys’ Institute was but the germ of a great organisation which must develop and prove of inestimable value to the future citizens of Wellington, and he assured Mr Bennett that if he could help in any way he would give his most willing assistance. He anticipated for Mr Bennett a very useful and prosperous career, and hoped ho would remain many years.

Mr D. Smith, chairman of the Students’ Christian Union, which body now undertakes'the religious' work of the institute, also welcomed Mr Bennett as a fellow-student, and urged the boys to make his task as pleasant and light as possible. Messrs Howitt and Blair also extended a welcome on behalf of the boys, and Mr G. A. Troup told the meeting something _of the work Mr Bennett had done in the past. Mr Bennett, after thanking all prosent for the welcome, said he anticipated much pleasure and benefit from his association with the Wellington Boys’ Institute. He had many plans, but he would not say what he i intended to do, as circumstances must largely determine that. He would endeavour to build up the _ institute in any way be found it lacking. He appealed to the boys for their co-opera-tion, as ho would need all the help he could get. During the evening Mr Charles Dick was presented with a handsomely bound volume of Buskin’s works. The Mayor eulogised the work Mr Dick had done on behalf of the institute, and thanked him for his services. Mr Dick, in reply, said he would not be in charge as in the past, hnt he wonld give every assistance to the institute in whatever capacity the new director might employ him.