Y.M.C.A. HAD DIFFICULT YEAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18466, 18 May 1928, Page 5

Y.M.C.A. HAD DIFFICULT YEAR.

GOOD RESPONSE TO APPEAL FOR FUNDS.

The fifty-second annual report of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Christchurch states that the year just passed will be remembered as a year of change, particularly with regard to staff, and because of this it will also be remembered as a year when the voluntary leaders of the association stood loyally by , and rendered service that has been of incalculable value.

The membership stands at 567, but this total does not include about 200 who attend special classes-or who are in .suburban clubs. The report states that the development of a religious programme has been one -of the main features of the. year’s work. All groups in the Boys’ Department had definite Bible study, while the gymnasium leaders have greatly appreciated a senes of talks given by the Rev Gardner Miller.

It is stated that the educational work has been along the lines of establishing groups to help young men prepare for special vocations. A Salesmanship Circle was ably led by Mr Mark Rolis. while the Debating Club had a successful season. Lectures in connection with the various clubs hav£ been wide in scope and of intense interest to ail who heard them. The year 1927 would stand out in the history of the physical department of the Christchurch Y.M.C.A. When the season Was half through, Mr Spencer Green left for America, and for the remainder of the period the leaders carried on the work. ' The past financial year had been a hard one and this year a campaign was launched for funds. At the time the rcpftrt was published. £1.500 had been raised and the campaign had been extended for another week. Appreciative reference is made to the work of Mr R. A. Kenner, late secretary and to Mr Spencer Green. Confidence is expressed in the new secretary, Mr A. J. M’Eldowney and in Mr C- Pegg, physical director; and Mr C. Russ, membership secretary. The thanks of the association are extended to the many people and business firms that rendered service.