PROGRESS OF Y.M.C.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1933, Page 3

PROGRESS OF Y.M.C.A.

BRANCH AT NEW PLYMOUTH. ■ Good progress has been made by the recently-established Y.M.C.A. branch at New Plymouth. In its schemes both of mental and physical progress tho • / Y.M.C.A. has advanced beyond even; the most sanguine hopes of its sponsors. A hundred and fifty members are enrolled in the gymnasium classes controlled by Mr. J. Ledgerwood, who is responsible for the direction of Y.M.C.A. activities at New Plymouth. There are 32 members in the primary school boys’ class, 44 in the Saturday morning boys’ .' (between five and nine years of age) class, 20 in the Saturday morning girls’ (between six and 12 years of age) class, 15 in the parried women’s class, and .40 in the business and young men’s class. The men’s and the primary school classes have cultural; activities in conjunction < with their gymnasium work. There is , an economics class, while the New Ply- i mouth Little Theatre Players have now become an affiliated organisation of the /J Young Men’s and the Young Women’s Christian Associations. ' ; ';

Physical exercises and games are popular and Mr. Ledgerwood states that the classes are finding the hall toe cramped for comfort. The establishment of ap adequate gymnasium is becoming a necessity. Gymnasium equipment has been procured and will arrive next week from the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium at Hastings which was destroyed in the earthquake. With the assistance of the equipment Mr. Ledgerwood is hopeful of still further widening the activities of his classes.