THE Y.M.C.A. AND Y.W.C.A.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19738, 15 March 1926, Page 11

THE Y.M.C.A. AND Y.W.C.A.

AN APPEAL FOB <£4,000. THE ORGANISATIONS’ COMMUNITY SERVICE. An appeal is being .--ade to the citizens to-day for a sum of £4OOO for the purpose of enabling the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. to carry on their respective operations in Dunedin. The appeal on behalf of the former organisation possesses the special interest that arises from the fact that the present year is the “silver jubilee” year of the reconstructed Y.M.C.A. Actually, the organisation has upwards of 50 years’ history in our city. It was in 1874 that two enthusiastic _ Melbourne workers introduced the association to Dunedin. At that period the names of such citizens as Messrs A. S. Paterson, G. R. Hercus, Walter Gow, and Duncan Wright were associated with the movement. Other well-known names, some of which are Messrs Peter Barr, J. A. D. Adams, Robert Greig, Peter Hercus. Leonard Isitt, John Mackay, W Scorgie, J. M. Sutherland, William Taylor, Herbert Webb, and A. S. Adams appear in the later records. This association, however, came to an untimely end, and it wan on February 26, ■ 1 .1, ’ as the result of a visit from Mr Oates, of Glasgow, and Dr Grattan Guinness that the new association was formed under the honorary secretaryship of Mr K. Aslin. From that time onward, through the period of the building campaign, and of entry into the present splendid buildings in Moray place, the association has had a successful career. The m. -les of a number of prominent persons appear among those who were intimately associated with the work, these include Sir John Ross, Messrs D. Leslie, N. Paterson, Andrew Russell, A. Johnston Brown, H. K. Wilkinson. J. B. Waters Canon Curzon Siggcrs, the Hon. G. M. Thomson, and Cantam Sundstrum. The secretarial office has been held bv Messrs J. Macfarlane, Gordon Armour, G. W. W. B. Hughes, and V. T. Drew. The work of the Y.M.C.A. to-day largely revolves round the boy afld younger wan. With well-equipped games room and boys division, the work has grown wonderfully in volume. A system of clubs has been instituted, in which boys retain their normal school or business relationships. A programme has been devised also covering the all-round boy. A glimpse at lost year’s record gives some idea of the scope of this. Three hundred were enrolled in gymnasium classes, and there were 350 in membership; there were 25 organised clubs with 277 enrolled, 25 adult leaders being in charge of this work; 109 different boys took part in 20 team debates, 115 essays were written on Maori life, 80 boys learnt first aid, 183 boys gave evidence of observing health rules, including “no cigarettes, 183 bovs took a Bible study test. 109 bovs took part in swimming tests, and other activities included vocational guidance, an annual camp, father and son functions, etc. In senior work the Y.M.C.A.. with its hostel, gymnasum, social, educational, ana religious features has been by no means line, but it is on behalf of the boys that the appeal for funds is made. The financial side of all such work is always difficult, and the Y.M.C.A. has found that, m spite of the fact that it is governed by successful business men, the accumulation ol a £ISOO overdraft over a period of seven vears calls for special effort. In supporting this work citiezns will be following the injunction of Mr Frank Milner, rector of the Waitaki Boys’ High School, b ® recently exhorted that they should stand behind the fine that exist for the welfare of the young. The work of' the Dunedin Voung Women’s Christian Association was begun in 1878 in a room in Rattray street. There was a lunch room, where cups ot tea were served to business girls, and meetings for Bible study and prayer nere held regularly. From this beginning has slowlv and gradually evolved the ■widespread work of the present day, with its ideals of Christian citizenship and its programme of all-round . development ior women and girls. The interdenominational character of the work has made it possible for women to meet with, one common purpose, and its relation to other associations in Australasia and the wider international relationship with association work in other countries so diverse as China. Japan. North and South America, and Central Europe makes it increasingly a power working towards the realisation of world peace and friendship. The local association, working largely tor the girls of its own community, does not forget these wider interests, for it helps in developing similar work in India, China, and Japan. The total membership of the association is about 900, but of these nearly 500 are working girls, who are unable to pay heavy subscription fees, and vet give service to the community in many ways, often very unobtrusively, as the inmates of hospitals, homes for children and old people could testify. In the Girl Citizen and Senior Club movements opportunity is given for physical, mental, social, and spiritual development, and the members learn to take the responsibility for their own activities. Many of them develop powers of leadership which should he an asset to the community in which they will live as adults. During the time of the Exhibition the Y.W.C.A. has taken a considerable share in the provision of accommodation and care of women and girls visiting Dunedin. Emergency cubicles were arranged in the club buildings, and these have filled a very great need. Since the opening of the Exhibition as many as 970 women and girls, in addition to 49 permanent hoarders, have thus received accomodation. The association has helped in the display in the religious and ethical section of the Education Court, has maintained a lounge in the Secondary Industries Court, and has undertaken the management of the club for women and girls employed in the Exhibition. THE Y.M.C.A. IN TRAINING CAMPS. Sir, —I read with pleasure your leading article on the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday. May I add a word in urging that this organisation’s appeal for funds should not be overlooked. I was recently in camn at Matarae, and there found the Y.M.C.A. marquee under Mr Wilson a veritable haven in the midst of the bleakest surroundings. Since then I have had the privilege of a trip to Trentham for some specialised training, and again found this institution in charge of the social recreation of the camp. Enough can never be said of the wonderful service being rendered by Mr V. French, who is in charge. He constantly went out of his way to make our hours off duty pleasurable and profitable. May I emphasise the fact that, though a Dunedin boy, I have never been a member of the Y.M.C.A. This, however, made no difference in the treatment meted out, members and non-members at both places receiving the utmost hospitality and kindness. —I am, etc.. Student. Dunedin, March 13.