YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1340, 4 August 1877, Page 10

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The annual general meeting of the above Association was held in the Hall of the First Church on the 31st ult. There were about 60 persons pre&ent. Mr Thomas Dick, the President, occupied the chair, and after devotional services, called upon The Hon. Secbutaby (Mr J. G. Fraser)'to read the Reports of the Board of Management and the Devotional Committee. The year commenced with a membership of 212, and 17 subscribers. Notwithstanding the loss of 43 members in October, owing to the action taken by the Association re Rev. Mr Fitchett, the membership at the present time was 259, with 30 subscribers — a net increase of 47 members and 13 subscribers. Reference was made to the new General Secretary, Mr D. Wright, and to his successful work ; to the Association's Rooms, and the necessity for increased accommodation ; to the reading room, library, lectures and classes, meetings, picnic, and Evangelistic services in the Theatre. A very marked advance in the work has taken place during the year. The Hon. Treasures (Mr Jame3 Fulton) read the Financial Report, from which it appeared that the total receipts for the year amounted to L 592 4s lOd, and the expenditure to L 559 Os 3d. As a proportion of the money received was given for special objects, the general account shows a deficit of L61 16s Id. Mr J. A. Connell moved the adoption of the report. It was something different to anything done before — there was a. foundation of good work upon which the report was built. It must be gratifying tt> the members that, notwithstanding a temporary check, the membership had increased so largely during the past year. He spoke in high terms of the work of the new Secretary. He noticed also that the deficit spoken of in previous reports had practically disappeared. The spiritual work of the Association had not been lost sight of. The Board for the past year had had a large infusion of new blood, and they had certainly put the previous membera (of whom he was one) to shame. He was glad the good work had not been confined to Dunedin. The failure of prayer meetings need not alarm them — the members were all connected with Christian Churches, and their own places engaged much of their attsntion. The choir, too, were worthy of all praise for their services. Mr J. A. Tobrance (in the absence of the Rev. L. Mackie) seconded the adoption of the report. He had watched with great interest and pleasure the successive advances of the Association during the year. Although unable to take part in the work, it had his cordial sympathy. The report was unanimously adopted. Mr W. E. Sessions moved—" That it be a recommendation to the Board to reduce the annual subscription to subscribers from LI to 10s." It was hardly fair that tlie subscribers should be called upon to pay as much as the members.

The motion was seconded by Mr J. A. Connell.

A conversation ensued, during which it was thought doubtful whether, under the constitu.

tion of the Association, the rate of subscription could be altered. Eventually the motion was carried. The meeting then proceeded to elect the new Board of Management, with the following result :— Messrs J. Fulton, J. Douglas, A. Barr, Rev. J. Kirkland, A. S/ Paterson, J. M. Innes, A. Scoullar, and J. C. Gibb. The above members have power to add four gentlemen to their number by nomination. A notice of motion to alter clause 6 of Constitution was moved and carried, as follows:— " The Board of Management shall have power to admit any stranger wishing to be'eome a member or a subscriber on presenting satisfactory references from kindred associations, and subscribing to the Constitution." Votes of thanks to the outgoing Board, Chairman, choir, and officers of the First. Church, for use of Hall, &c, were passed. . < Tho proceedings were brought to a termination by prayer.