Y.M.C.A.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18545, 4 May 1922, Page 10

Y.M.C.A.

■ YOUNG MEN'S RALLY. A -most enjoyable function in the form of the opening rally of members of the Y.M.C.A. Younger Men’s Department was held in the Assembly Hall last night, Mr C. J. Darracolt (chairman of the department’s executive) presiding over an attendance of some VO voung men. The evening commenced with a delightful tea, and the tables, winch were decorated with chrysanthemums and autumn leaves"' were daintily set by members oi the Y.W.C.A. After the tea a “sing song was indulged en. the young men, led by Mi * - T. Drew, singing popular songs with much enthusiasm- Mr R. Don acted as accompanist.' ' During the evening Miss Molly Vickers (songs) and Miss R. Boecking (recitations) and Mr W. Creives (song) gave most enjoyable items, which were warmly applauded. , Mr C. J. Darracott, in extending a hearty welcome to the new president, Mr J. B. -Waters, and Colonel T. W. McDonald, referred to the growth of the Younger Men a Department, which commenced last year with 98 members, and'-now .had over 200 active members. Mr Darracott reviewed ' the work of the past year, dealing with the physical, spiritual, t and moral phases of the association’s activities. He congratulated the Younger Men’s Department on its council, which, together w-ith the directors, controlled its own affairs. In referring to the association’s worldwide work, the speaker suggested that, the Y.M.C.A. members could render practical assistance by contributing to the Russian Famine Fund. Mr G. Restieaux, chairman of the Younger Men’s Council, also expressed a hearty welcome to the new president, and said that the young men would do all in their power to assist Mr Waters and the directors.

Mr Waters,- in- reply, said that it was his first public appearance as president, and he was glad that the occasion was a younger men’s function, as the young men of the present were the men and citizens of Hie future. It depended pn the character training whether they’would 'become gqod citizens, and the association helped them to become men. in the true sense of the word. Everything depended on loyal co-operation. Each individual member got out of the association what he put into .it. Success did not come to those who worked for themselves alone, but to those who endeavoured to help others. He would do his utmost in the interest of the association and what it stands for.

Colonel M'Donald, before , commencing his address, entitled “A Man and His Country,” said that it. gave him much pleasure to ha able to speak and to see Mr Waters occupying the president’s chair. He hoped to see him. one day president of the dominion Y.M.C.A.' The Colonel then asked what was the connection ,of a man with his country. All people had more regard for the country they were bom in than for any other. It was not the geographical features of a country that hound inhabitants to it with unbreakable ties. The feeling of patriotism was difficult to interpret; it might be called an atmosphere which it was impossible to associate with any other country except our own. The present British Empire had its foundations laid hundreds of years ago, and its present magnitude was due to the noble, and heroio deeds performed in the past.. Patriotism, included everything that could make a country groat. The Union Jack was the outward symbol of British Empire, and it is for the citizens of to-day and of the future to carry on its noble traditions. Young men and women who wished to become good citi-’ zens had to undergo a severe self-examina-tion and prepare themselves for citizenship. The Y.M.C.A. did much to prepare the youth of the country for the responsibilities of citizenship. Colonel M'Donald referred to the esprit de corps which was an essential part of many organisations. If young men and women worked for the whole team, club, class, or organisation they might .sacrifice a little self-glory, but they played the greatest game of all.' Patriotism should be the great deciding factor in the life of the Empire. The Colonel referred to the qualities of selfsacrifice, honour, and discipline which were necessary to possess to become worthy citizens. The boys of to-day were the men of to-morrow, and, to them' the , older people looked to maintain the Empire. If they did not /possess these qualities it would be a sorry day for the Britislh Empire. He, however, was convinced that it was in safe hands. —(Applause.) 'Votes of thank* to the speaker, the chairman, the pciformcvs, and the Y.W.C.A.membevs were followed by the singing ,of the National Anthem.