Y.M.C.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 30 April 1927, Page 6

Y.M.C.A.

ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the animal report of the Tiniaru Y.M.C.A. which is to be presented at the. annual meeting:--The report stated that the year commenced with 400 on the roll, including all classes of members. The activities in all branches had shown improvement upon the results of previous years and a very fino group of young men had been associated with the movement.

The financing of the Association was still a problem which caused the directors much concern. Each year, the expenditure exceeded the ordinary income by several hundred pounds. During the past year, a determined effort had been made to overcome this position, first- by endeavouring to enlist the financial support of more of tho men of tho community, and, secondly, by reducing the expenditure in every way possible. Tho staff had been reduced to a Caretaker, and the General Secretary, wliilo the position of physical instructor was being generously undertaken by Mr K. Moflatt, in his spare time, in practically voluntary capacity. This had placed the work upon a satisfactory basis in tho meantime, but it was lioped that it would be possible to give more attention to the boys’ work in the near future. The canvass being conducted by the Directors, for animal subscribers, was meeting with satisfactory response, and it was felt that to enrol a largo number at a small subscription was tho onlv satisfactory method of permanently financing the work. While a number of subscriptions had already been promised and not paid in, they hail been treated in the. same, manner as is customary with all outstanding membership subscriptions, and not shown among the assets on tho balance sheet.

Boys’ division.- —This Department is regarded as the most important feature of the Association’s work, and caters for boys between the ages of 11 and 16 years. Some 60 boys were on the roll, and these met in small groups led by voluntary workers from the younger men of the membership. An endeavour was made to interest the boys in their own development along all four sides of their nature, Bible study groups, educational work, social games and gymnastic exercises being featured on the programme The Tennis Club had had an active season. Teams entered in the South Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association’s competitions won both the B and C grade banners. Friendly games had been played with the Afcadowbnnk Club, of Oatnnru, and the Highficld Club, Timaru. The Club had also held most successful handicap and championship tournaments. A large male membership had boon in evidence' this year. The Amateur Athletic Club concluded another successful season. Greater interest was being taken in the Club by the runners, this no doubt, being due to the fact that owing to the generosity of the business people, several cups and other trophies are available for competition. Aleetings were hold at regular intervals throughout _ the season, and attracted runners iroin Ashburton. and AVaimate. The Nicol Cup for competition between teams from Ashburton and 'Timaru Clubs, was competed for at this meeting, and Ashburton were again successful. A team also represented the- Club at the Country Club’s Championship meeting .at Ashburton in Alarch, and every member of the foam succeeded in winning points in their respective events. Out of four centres competing lor aggregate honours, rhe team from South Canterbury finished second to Ashburton. A large number of runners also competed at'an evening meeting at A\ annate, run under the auspices of this Club, and as a result of tins meeting, a strong Amateur Club is about to be formed in AVaimate. The Club was growing in membership and popularity, and had excellent prospects. 'The Football Club iiad taken a step forward, and entered a team in the South Canterbury I union Grade competitions for the first time ‘in its history. The team gave a very creditable account of itself, and the, playeis had a most enioyablc season s play. ‘Members of the Club paid a visit to Dunedin at the close of the season, and net the Dunedin A.AI.C.A. bo\ -> in a friendly game. A scries of Sunday afternoon follow - shin meetings and teas were held durjnV the venr. The Miniature Ri«e Club had again drawn the enthusiasts in this line of sport, and some very profitable matches were got oil friencllv matches with other clubs ah ' beiim arranged. Classes were conducted in the gymnasium for hoys, men and voum>' women, and were well patronised and at the end of the season, a display was held in the Theatre Royal. Manv avenues of service to the community have been open during the vear The directing of new annals and visitors to lodgings, the' enter-tam-ing of visiting sailors and ot.iu,, t o manv calls for various kind, of mfo - mntion and advice were amemg little things that a A.ARC.A. seen, tarv was constantly meeting. The Board desired to express Ms thanks to the many voluntary workers who had assisted in making the voiL possible, and to those who had gener- , lv helped financially, to those who have donated trophies etc., the club competitions, to All AN. H. nai on (honorary solicitor), to the Imiaru Ministers’ Association, and the National Committee thiough its national secretary, who had been ever ready to assist.