WORK FOR YOUTH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20586, 27 November 1936, Page 6

WORK FOR YOUTH

ACTIVITIES OF Y.M.C.A

NEW CLUB-ROOMS OPENED To mark the reorganisation of the work of the Y.M.C.A., to extend an official welcome to the new general secretary, Mr H. J. Harris, and to open the new club rooms, the Timaru Y.M.C.A. held a banquet in the club rooms in Canon Street last evening. The president of the Board of Directors, Mr W. G. Irwin presided over a good attendance. After the Loyal toast has been honoured, Mr Irwin outlined the changes which had taken place in the organisation. The work had been disorganised during the last few weeks by the difficulty of finding suitable premises. The hall previously occupied had been required, and it was necessary to look about for new club rooms. They had finally arranged for suitable rooms in Canon Street. While the rooms were being officially opened opportunity was being taken to welcome the new secretary, Mr H. J. Harris. Although he had been in Timaru three months he had not been officially welcomed. Mr Harris during his short residence in Timaru had done much to quicken the public interest in the association's work. “We trust that he will have a happy time with us here, and that the association will flourish under his care,” said Mr Irwin. “We are looking forward to a good Y.M.C.A. in Timaru, and on behalf of the directors and members I give you a hearty wel? come.” In replying, Mr Harris thanked the gathering for the welcome and appealed for the support of all. Belief In Future “I am one of those who believe that the Y.M.C.A. has a future even as it has a past,” said the principal speaker of the evening, Mr A. J. McEldowney, general secretary of the Christchurch Y.M.C.A. An association such as the Y.M.C.A. which had lived for 92 yeais could not pass from existence overnight, and by assisting to overcome the problems which confronted the world

the Y.M.C.A. would play an increasing part in community life. One of the greatest difficulties to-day was the way in which means of communication had expanded without a corresponding expansion in understanding which the resultant contacts should provide, The object of the Y.M.C.A. was to strengthen as it grew One of the earliest lessons the movement learned was that poor physique made for a poor moral tone. It was found that boys were not being attended to early enough in life. The Y.M.C.A. pioneered the work of training smaller boys. During the last few years the association had been able in some measure to bring hope to those young men who ordinarily would have been seeing the fulfilment of their ambitions but who were in reality driven on to the rocks of desperation. The Association had set out to show youth during this depressing period that it was wanted. It had been said that the Y.M.C.A. had started things and got tired of them. This was not so. The Association had pioneed work and when this work had increased ;n strength had handed it to authorities more competent to deal with it. The various movements which it had started such as health camps had been handed to organisations more competent to deal with it once it gained a foothold. The Y.M.C.A. was introducing an internal discipline which was quite distinct from the old Victorian idea of external discipline. Its object was to co-operate with the work of the churches. “We are here to open these rooms,” said Mr McEldowney, “but we must remember that our object is not confortable club rooms but service to the community.”

Financial Problems Addressing the gathering on the financial problems of the association, Mr W. M. Sexton said that the association had passed through a difficult time resulting in a curtailment of its normal functions. Two points of the proposed financial campaign required immediate attention. Considering the size of the town the membership roll was disappointing. It was proposed to make concessions to members who were responsible for the enrolment of five new members. Another problem was furnishing the rooms and an appeal for furnishings was to be made The Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, speaking of the future activities of the Y.M.C.A. in Timaru, said that the physical activities were easy to arrange. These were an essential part of the development. The greatest need he considered was provision for rural members. If the young men of the country were able to avail themselves of the club rooms, much would be done to strengthen the association. The Y.M.C.A. should develop itself as a clearing house for denominational differences. Greater co-operation between the Y.W.C.A, and the Y.M.C.A. should be aimed at because of the mutual problems confronting them. “If I am not mistaken there is greater desire for guidance in youth than at any time since the war,” said Mr Wilkinson. “There is a wonderful field for Christian endeavour in Timaru.” During the evening a short musical programme was presented. Messrs W. Burns, R. Baillie and R. Brown contributed instrumental numbers, while vocal solos were given by Mrs W. I. Tait and Mr A. Wheeler. Mr S. G. Robinson entertained with magic. A vote of thanks was passed to the artists.