THE BOY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9622, 30 March 1917, Page 6

THE BOY

HIS TRAINING AND FUTURE YEAR’S "WORK OF ORE AT WELLINGTON INSTITUTION. Satisfaction at the work done in the past, and hopefulness of outlook for the work to ho done in the future, were the predominant notes in the speeches made at the annual meeting of the Roys’ Institute last night. Mr Justice Cooper presided over a fair-sized audience.

The chairman expressed his pleasure at being present. They were entering the twenty-fifth year of the existence of the institute, which was unsectarian and open to boys of all denominations. The boys who were members, that is, who attended regularly, amounted to nearly 500. tie was struck by the facilities for swimming and physical culture provided by the institute. The baths were splendid. At the present time there was greater need than over for the training of the young. The boy should be stimulated to do more and better work. A new era, which might be termed “The Boys’ Era,’’ was dawning. In view of the war, it was very necessary the boys should bo taught a sense of responsibility. It had been said that a good man died when a hoy went wrong. As the Director had said in his renort, the policy of the institute was to make the boy feel he was a helper in the fight—a partner in the work; that, while the institute helps him, he must help the institute. It was necessary to cultivate a sound mind in a sound body, and this was work in w r hich the institute took an important part. There were many temptations surrounding hoys in W ellingtbn, and the children of the working class had fow facilities for proper training. Those who had to deal with criminals knew that it was going wrong in youth that had led many to adopt a criminal career. It was necessary to recognise the importance of early training. 'He was glad to know there was a boarding establishment in connection with the institute. This helped to keep lads away from the temptations of city life. This establishment was only in its infancy. There tvere also continuation classes to enable boys to develop their education. The first man to receive the Victoria Cross in New Zealand was a member of the institute. It was a matter of congratulation that so many of the boys of the institute had done so well in life. He was glad to know that they sat in that budding free of debt and that they started the new year with a credit balance. (Cheers.) Mr G. A. Troup (president) said the year had been the best ever experienced. The work had not only been more extensive, but what was still better, it was more intensive. They had the satisfaction of knowing that they had made the boys better boys. Since Mr Ross had become director, ho (Mr troup) had seen the results of the work in tho lives, bearing, and character of the hoys who frequented the insti.utc. (Cheers.) They could say that they could take credit for doing the work they set out to do. Their ideal was Mo get hold of hoys and make men of them. The finances of tho institute had been growing rapidly, and he was glad to say that there was not a single penny of debt incurred, and they were in the happy position of having endowments worth many thousands of pounds. They had adopted a safe and progressive financial policy They had undertaken additional work from time to time. Ho explained that one of the reasons why the late Mrs 8. A. Rhodes took the institute under her patronage was because they had kept out of debt and were making the best use of their funds. > When they had trust funds given them they,had to see that they were properly spent. Miss McWhea, the official collector, was an ideal collector. (Cheers.) They could do with two other such collectors. He regretted to say that there was a prospect of losing the director, Mr F. Ross, who had enlisted. He yielded to none in his patriotism, hut he thought the Government and the nation made a mistake when it took such men as Mr Ross from the work they were doing and sent them to the front. In training tho Boys, Air Ross was doing more important work than he possibly could do at the front. He hoped the Efficiency Board would take up tho matter and enable them to retain Mr Ross’s services. It was difficult to find a man to do the work Mr Ross was doing. One or two schemes for enlarging the institute were being mooted by way of celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the institution nest year, such as a workshop and training farm. He thanked the supporters of tho institute for the help given. (Cheers.) Mr L. T. Watkins moved, and Air D- Douglas seconded, the adoption of tho report which was agreed to. Tho Ladies’ Auxiliary report stated that the first work done was the finding of ways and means to raise funds to equip the boarding establishment. The efforts had been very successful, and the establishment was complete in every detail, and the rooms ready for .occupation. The auxiliary had done a large amount of work in securing swimming and sports costumes, and also in connection with the concert and swimming carnival in September last. There was a balance in hand of £42 5s 8d in connection with the work of the auxiliary. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Patron, the Governor (Earl of Liverpool); hon. president, Rev. J. Gibb; president, Air G. A. Troup; vice-presidents, Dr J. S. AlacLaurin, Air J. Hislop, and, Air Lem. T. Watkins; hon. secretary, ,Alr G. E. Brown; hon. auditor, Alr'R. Wjlberfoss; hon. physician. Dr Hogg ; committee of management, Alesdames W. S. Aloorhouse, 3. AlcKerron, and J. P. Luke, Alessrs A. Martin.' A-Blair, M D. Alenelaus, D. R. AlcDonald, C. S Aloore, XL Pearson D. R. Alenzies, j! AI. Slorice, AV. Rash, and H. Leah. It was left to the committee to elect a treasurer.