Y.M.C.A. PROGRESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11296, 23 August 1922, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. PROGRESS

YOUNGER MEN’S DEPT. MEMORABLE INNOVATION INAUGURATED LAST NIGHT. INTERESTS TO BE WIDENED. The establishment of a very commendable and much-needed innovation was witnessed last eveiling at the Welligton Y.M.C.A. building, when, under the chairmanship of Mr W. Eglin, a largely-attended social function took place to inaugurate the opening of the new younger men’s department. The programme, after opening with a grace by the chairman, followed by light refreshments, during the consumption of which the Y.M.C.A. orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr Renshaw, played several selections — was a long one and thoroughly enjoyed. The usual toasts were given, and other musical items included a duet by Miss Godier and Mr Irwin, a song by Mr J. Macfarlane, ventriloquism by Mr Bell, and a violin solo by Mr Mummie. THE OLDER POLICY.

In proposing the toast, “The Net* Young Men’s Department,” Mr W. Eglin spoke of the world-wide fame of the Y.M.C.A., whiclf, although long appreciated, was now greatly enhanced since the war, during the period of which the institution had been thrown open to the public broadcast. Now that the war was over, however, said Mr Eglin, a line and increasing membership had grown to be a necessity if the good teachings and the wonderful traditions of the institution were to be maintained. Also, to do this, it was generally admitted that young men had to be brought into line during more tender years than those of early manhood. It was in the boyhood and younger adolescent stages in which the Y.M.C.A. could be so instrumental in directing tbe activities of the rising generation into healthy physical, mental and moral channels. In days gone by, it was explained, the Y.M.C.A. membership usually embraced young fellows from 18 years old upwards; and a very large proportion used to be over 21 years of ago. As the institution grew, however, the necessity for taking info consideration the needs of the boys under 16 had to be reckoned with. THE NEW DEPARTMENT.

. To expect these very young members to be easily assimilated with those so many years older than themselves, or that there could be any common community of interests, was expecting a little too much. Special conditions must be met by special arrangements, and therefore the new “younger men’s department” had been inaugurated. Between the ages of 16 and 18 there were in the Y.M.C.A. over 200 members, and there wore 359 other members of mixed ages from 12 to 16, in addition to the very numerous adult membership. In order to give those younger members of from 16 to 18 some special interests, and to develop those interests along the best possible lines, the new “Younger Men’s Department” offered club and social comforts to those numerous juniors; and it was felt that those juniors in their older years could form a solid and, energeticdriving force whoso value could not be properly estimated. Later, it was hoped that special accommodation and special privileges could be given to other classes entitled to be segregated in age classes. 00-OPERATION NEEDED.

Speaking of the conditions of tho Y.M.O.A.’s younger days, Mr Eglin recalled how, in two rooms on Jervois quay, they had felt their activities were rather cramped. To-day, he said, there was a vast amount of work in their immense organisation, but the members must not think that work could be efficiently dealt with by a large staff of officers unless they were willing to co-operate an every possible way.

'He felt the present movement to h 6 one in the right direction. They had the hoys’ department at one end, tho seniors’ department at the other; but the vfference, the gulf, between them was too great. It had to bo bridged over by an intermediate department, and it was that intermediate department which would lend itself so much for service for the growing youth. Just as the river derived its strength from the brook, so the aggrandisement of the Y.M.C.A. depended upon the younger boys, who were now in tho years when a decision was called for, which must necessarily affect the whole of their futures.

In the younger men’s department formed that night, said the speaker, the seeds would he sown for many a future from which that night could be looked back at as the point of influence. But the young members must remember that their attitude, »r suocess was to be looked for, must be not alone what could be got out of it by them, but also how much of their own individuality they could put into it. Mr J. L. Hay, as the general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., is also entitled to considerable credit for the ambitious strides made during the recent past.