THE RED TRIANGLE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17945, 24 November 1932, Page 4

THE RED TRIANGLE

(To the Editor of the Herald.) Sir,--In making our annual appeal for assistance f-or the above institution, I no not think that any apology will bo looked for or deemed necessary either by yourself or the general public. Speaking on behalf of my board of directors and of the present membership, both girls and boys, I wish, as president, to emphasise what I honestly believe to be its practical usefulness, regarded moro especially from the standpoint of the growing girls and hoys of the age when school days are ending. Some regular occupation is vitally necessary both for their physical, mental and moral welfare, and so far as is possible for their financial support.. In the present desperately serious economic crisis such considerations as the above carry greatly added weight and importance. It is the critical time of their lives, and any possible assistance that can be given to obtain for them such Occupation should and must obtain the practical help of all right-minded men and women. My association, with this end in view, established a register at cur building by the Reel street bridge some considerable' time ago, and made it publicly known that all hoys wanting jobs could register with us, at no cost to themselves, and we undertook to do our best to help them. During the past year we have registered over 150 hoys and up to date have obtained satisfactory employment for 126. Wherever possible we have followed up and kept in touch with these hoys, and, with the exception of three or four at most, wo have found that they have given satisfaction, and that their employers have been, on the whole, fair ami considerate, and, in many cases, have shown unusual kindness and sympathy. Wo have had several repeat orders for additional hoys, a fact which speaks for itself The pay has of course been small —as it is hound to he in these times—hut a home lias been assured, good board provided, and healthy occupation of mind and body. This service has been absolutely free of expense both to boy and to employer, except the obvious cost of transport where neeessarv Tho register will he kept open permanently and the same free and willing help will he given to all concerned Apart from this special department of our work, but closely associated with it. our general activities are available for all regardless of creed or position, good conduct being the only corylition of membership. The gymnasium is fully equipped for all branches .of athletic training under competent volunteer in structors, directed by Mr IT. F. Forster, whose name alone is sufficient guarantee of tho quality and thoroughness of tho training given. Tho fees are most reasonable and within reach of all. Provision is made for all sorts of games such ns. badminton, basketball, and ping-pong. A miniature rifle rango is available at a very small fee. A wellstocked library and a wireless installation with loud-speaker, are included. A swimming club under the personal chargo of the general secretary, Mr. L. Aiidersoin, has been established, and already in tho class of hoys and girls from seven to 13 years there are from 60 to 70 members, and another class for senior pupils is rapidly increasing in membership. An optimists’ club of senior members holds fortnightly lunches at Findlay’s rooms, where addresses on interesting subjects are given by volunteer speak Cl'S.

Tho Boy Scouts, the Cubs, and similar organisations make tho Y.M.O.A. their headquarters, and as ago permits aro drafted into Y.M.C.A. membership Tho religions and more serious side of tho work is of tho greatest import ance, and Bible classes, prayer groups and study groups are organised and slowly increasing in membership. Tho vuluo of this work cannot be over-esti-mated, and is of tho deepest use iu forming character. Other minor activities also have their place, all with tho solo object of interesting tho boys and helping them on tho way t-o bo useful and valuable citizens.

I make no apology for, at somo length, putting these facts before the public. tVe aro trying to do what wo believe to be a useful work that will prove its worth by ultimate results. Times aro bad and money is "scarce, but with all my heart I ask all who read this halting summary of our efforts, to consider before turning away, if it is not. worth such financial assistance—however small—as they can givo us, even if it involves a little practical self-denial.

On Saturday next, tho 26th, we aro carrying out a housc-to-houso canvas all over tho town and suburbs, and also collectors will be in the streets. We will welcome any help, however small or big. Wo specially appeal to all country settlers and residents who may see some usefulness in our work, and whom wo shall bo unable to reach personally, to forward whatever they incline to give us direct to Mr. L. Anderson, tho general secretary, or to myself. Wo ask all to give due weight lo the fact that our work docs go, though perhaps a very small distance, to help the solution of the enormous problem of unemployment. A raffle of a dolls’ house is also being held, the tickets being only Is (on view in Mr. F. Hall’s shop next the Majestic), and all proceeds with no expense attached go towards the same object. Wo cannot interview everybody as wo would wish. Tho pressing need is there, and was never of greater importance than

now. Wo. think we have the right to your sympathy. Will you show it. by vour practical help?—Yours, etc. ' HOWARD KEN WAY, President. For the Y.M.C.A- directors.and members.