RECEPTION AT Y.M.C.A.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8480, 15 July 1913, Page 5

RECEPTION AT Y.M.C.A.

The president of the Y.M.C.A., Mr H. W. Kersley, and his wife invited the members and their friends to a reception held last night at the rooms of the association, in Willis street. It

was a bright and most successful function. Immediately upon entering the door the guests were welcomed, and the bright hall, gay with its newly decorated crimson walls and rich soft rugs, made an ideal reception room. Large bowls of wattle and tall palms were artistically arranged everywhere. A splendid programme of various items was arranged, the performers being Misses Fix, Mueller, Cecil Haines, Hobr, and Messrs Evans, Rankin, Gondie, and Richard Brown. At the conclusion of the programme, supper was served in the assembly room upstairs.

Short speeches were made during the evening by Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P., and at one time president of the Dunedin Y.M.C.A., and Mr Alex Jamieson, M.A., national secretary of the association. Both spoke in enthusiastic terms of the work done and of the necessity of increased membership to enable the influence of the men to be extended. Important branches carried out this year had been the social work at the various camps. For instance, the social service agent was in camp at Oringi and Trentham for three months, and had been warmly invited to attend the camp at Palmerston. General Godley and the officers had expressed their appreciation of the camp work. A large tent was fitted up as reading, writing, and bagatelle room. The immigration scheme. Old Countrymen’s Clnb, male choir, and other innovations had all sprung into existence lately, and there were numerous channels in which the excellent work might be extended. With this object in view, the members are “ont” to-day to increase the present membership by 200 members, and all their friends present last night wished them success. Amongst the many present were his Worship the Mayor, Professor Pioken, Messrs J. 6. W. Aitken, Webster, and a guest of honour was Mrs S. A. Williams, who has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the work. Miss Birch, secretary of the Y.W.C.A., and Mrs Lowe, of the Ladies’ Auxiliary were also present. Mrs Kersley wore a graceful gown of white satin draped with lace. Her sister also wore a pretty black and white gown.