MR R. A. KENNER IS FAREWELLED BY BIG GATHERING AT Y.M.C.A.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18190, 24 June 1927, Page 12

MR R. A. KENNER IS FAREWELLED BY BIG GATHERING AT Y.M.C.A.

Fast evening the concert hall at the Y.M.C.A. was filled when Mr R. A. Kenner, secretary of the Y.M.C.A., was farewelled on the eve of his departure for Auckland. Mr A. R. Jordan was in the chair, and amongst those on the platform were I the guest of the evening (Mr Kenner), J Mrs Kenner. Air W. S. Green. Mr M El- - and the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer). Mr Jordan in explaining the object of the gathering announced a number of apologies for absence. He'welcomed Mr M’Eldowney, who was to succeed Mr Kenner, and he also bade farewell to Mr W. Spencer Green, physical in structor. who is about to leave for the United States. Mr Jordan expressed regret that Mr Kenner was leaving. He had been secretary in Christchurch for eight years, and in that time had seen the Y.M.C.A. grow. It could be proudly said that the membership exceeded 1100. Air Kenner’s w T ide evangelistic outlook appealed to the speaker, and he attributed to it largely the growth of the association. A secretary’s duties were multitudinous. The orchestra which had played was one of the bodies Mr Kenner was instrumental in instituting. He was also responsible for the institution of the Big Brother movement. The Optimists’ Club, with sunshine and service as their motto, was due to Mr Kenner, and others like it had been formed. The Walking Club was also brought about by Air Kenner, and he had taken an active part in that. The speaker also referred to the military camps activities of Mr Kenner. The military authorities had asked the speaker to convey to Air Kenner their thanks for work done by him. One of the most important works done by Air Kenner was writing up the history of the association in Christchurch, a w r ork which took twelve months to do. “The Alan,” a useful publication, was due to him. The speaker was sure that in journalism in Auckland Air Kenner would find a wide field. Air Jordan also referred to Airs Kenner, and said that Air Kenner would not have been able to do his -work but for her support, and she was entitled to appreciation. It was hoped that in Auckland they would be able to have more companionship than was possible when a man was a Y.AI.C.A. secretary. Air Kenner was leaving the association at high watermark and must be characterised as an ideal secretary. The speaker then asked Mr Kenner to accept a w’allet of notes.

“For They Are Jolly Good Fellows’ was lustily sung.

The Alayor said that he always associated Mr Kenner with three things—efficiency, geniality and catholicity. Mr Archer enlarged on the three characteristics referred to. * He added that possibly Air Kenner would be glad to get away from Christchurch as he had had a very big task in this city under a very great strain.

The Alayor also welcomed Air M’Eldowney, whom he had known for many years, and who, he felt sure, would do "his very utmost to advance the Y.M.C.A. The Rev N. L. D. Webster, representing the Council of Christian Congregations, and Archdeacon P. B. Haggitt, vicar cf Alerivale, with which Air Kenner has been associated, also spoke eulogistically of him. Alaster Gordon Innes expressed thanks to Air Kenner for his work in connection with the Boys’ Gordon Hall. He thanked Air Kenner and Air Green for the interest they had shown in the institution.

On rising to reply Arr Kenner was greeted with cheers. He expressed gratification that Airs Kenner had been included in the remarks made, and he was proud that the ideas and ideals of Airs Kenner had been a great help to him. He was going away_ with the memory of wonderful experiences—not difficulties as had been said—and those experiences would be a great joy to hirn. He wished to pay a tribute to all those who had assisted him in his work with the Y.AI.C.A. It was goiiig to help make him a stronger man in his new sphere, and, though he would be a good distance away, yet Christchurch would always be highly regard-

ed by himself and Airs Kenner. lie welcomed Air M’Eldowney and expressed the belief that the work of the Y.AI. would be carried on ably by him. It was the speaker’s prayer that greater success would yet come. Air Kenner also spoke feelingly of Air Green, and wished him success and happiness. In conclusion he expressed thanks to the president and Board of Directors for the assistance given him, and also for the expressions of goodwill &nd the gift made. . Mr D. E. Parton, chairman of the physical department of the Y.AI.C.A., stressed the necessity of having a specialist at the head of the department, and he believed that the Christchurch Y.AI.C.A. had had that in Air Spencer Green. He had organised the work and placed it in such a position that it could now be left to his assistants at any time when he might be away. The speaker referred to the indoor and outdoor work done by Air Green, and emphasised the part he had taken in building up character. He was exceedingly sorry Air Green was leaving. His connection with the Y.AI.C.A. had been long and honourable; he had added prestige to the association, and had always kept in view its high ideals. The speaker asked Air Green to accept a wallet of notes from the whole of the Y.AI.C.A. Air F. H. Sandall, on behalf of the Boys’ Club, also paid a tribute to the work of Air Green. He included in his appreciative references thanks to Airs Green, and he hoped they would both have great happiness in Air A. K. Anderson, of St Andrew’s j College, also spoke in praise of the work of Air Kenner and Air Green. Air Green was cheered on rising to reply. He expressed the thanks of himself and Airs Green for what had been said of them and for the gift made. He stated that he had been twenty years |in the work. Fifteen years of that had I been as a physical director with the 1 Y.AI.C.A., and half of that time had been spent in Christchurch. The physical department was the main door to the association, and he thought 90 per cent would pass through the door. Air Green spoke highly of the type of boy which had gone through his hands here, and said that if he got the same in the future he would be highlypleased. Air W. Goss, a director, expressed a welcome to Mr A. J. Al’Eldowney, Mr Kenner’s successor. They were all very sad at losing Air Kenner, but Air M’Eldownev was not regarded as a stranger. He had done wonderful work in Wan ganui, and the speaker thought the

board had done right in asking him to take Mr Kenner’s place. The speaker asked for the co-operation of all members for Mr M’Eldowney in his work. The Rev J. Robertson, chairman of the Christchurch Ministers’ Association, also welcomed Mr M’Eldowney. Mr M'Eldowney, in reply, said that while he had spent happy years in Wanganui, he was glad to be back in Christchurch. lle regretted that Mr Kenner was going away, and paid a tribute to the resigning secretary. lie was sorry also that Mr G,reen was leaving Christchurch. During the evening items were given by the Y.M.C.A. orchestra, Mr W. J. Spratt (song), Mr W. Mann (song) and Mr W. H. Ilindle (song). Supper was served after the formal