FATHER AND SON BANQUET

Otago Witness, Issue 3519, 23 August 1921, Page 51

FATHER AND SON BANQUET

A very pleasing function was held in tho boys’ division of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Friday. The aim of the gathering was to tighten the bond between father and son. From 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. the games room was a scene of father and son vieing with one another for supremacy in ping-pong, bagatelle, and the many games of the division. At 7.40 the fathers escorted their sous to the banqueting house. The proceedings opened with a selection by the if.M.C.A. orchestra, after which the chairman (Mr 11. P. Desmoulins) proposed the toast, of the Ring. He then briefly outlined the object of the gathering, and exhorted those present to enter into the frolic of the evening as was only fitting fox- such a gathering. One of the members, Jack Pearce, then proposed the toast to the “Dads,” and spoke on the subject, “What I would do if I wore a Dad.” He emphasised the point that the father should be the boy’s best pal. enter into the sport of the boy, help him in his difficulties, and in all things to bo absolute adviser and guide. Mr W. Fraser, one of the members of the directorate, proposed the toast of the “Boys,” b rtf-fly replying to the previous speaker. lie put himself in tile place of tho boy and outlined a policy he would adopt if he were 14, telling the boys that lie would enter right into every clean sport, develop his intellect accordingly, and also take a leading part in some Bible class or like activity. In all these matters he urged the boys present to let their minds run to ideals and their present pictures would one day turn to realities. The main speech of ihe evening was given bv the boys’ work director. Mr E. A. Nicol, on “Chums, Father and Son.” lie emphasised the fact that parents and sons should have a strong link of friendship, and this could be found in home attaching itself definitely with the church. He pointed oat that the dad must, be sympathetic to tho boy and be prepared to meet the boy-half-way in all hi? reasoning. Tie spoke to the boys and said that if they expected help from their father, they must help their fathers to help them. He also urged the parent to encourage, rather than discourage the ‘ gang” spirit in their sons, as it was perfectly natural to the boy. Mr R. Adair proposed the toast of Ihe “Mothers,” and called on ihosc present to ever remember “the greatest woman in tho world.” The toasts were interspersed with a song from Miss Nicol, of Christchurch, Messrs E. Hendry and Ernv Ruffell gave elocution cry items, and the orchestra rendered selections. At the conclusion of the banquet the chairman thanked the ladies for their help, and spoke eulogisticnlly of the work done by Mr Nicol in the boys’ division. Tt will be long distant before the 120 fathers and sons present- will forget the happy time together. and many- a parent and son have sworn afresh their lifelong vow- of friendship. TTso singing of “Auld Long Syne” concluded an enjoyable evening.