MOTHERS AND SONS.

Wairarapa Age, 15 June 1927, Page 5

MOTHERS AND SONS.

TEA AT Y.M.C.A. A HAPPY’ FUNCTION. What was decribed. as the most successful function for many years took place at the YJU.C.A. last night when about 13u mothers and sons gathered together for tea. The Social Hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and an overflow of boys whose mothers were unable to be present was accommodated in an adjacent room for the tea. As might be expected the good things provided by the Ladies’ Auxiliary received the full attention of the boys especially, until the time for commencing the programme arrived. On behalf of the Y.M.C.A., Mr G. W. Moricc, M.A., B.Sc., extended a hearty welcome to the Mayoress (Mrs T. Jordan) who occupied the chair, to the many helpers and especially to tho mothers. He said the Y.M.CA. aimed to help the parents in the training of the boys, and he felt sure that those parents who were taking advantage of the association’s facilities valued tho service rendered in no small way. At no time in recent years had so many boys been associated with the Masterton Y.M.C.A. They were glad to have them and to help in building up true citizens. In an item entitled “A Toast to Mother,” eight boys recited in verse an appreciation of mother, after which Masterton Joffre Cameron proposed the toast of the evening in a very able way for so youthful a speaker. He called all the boys to honour their mother, and by their lives and actions do her credit. The toast being called for all the boys rose and honoured mother according to the old custom. The verses by the boys were responded to by Mrs S. J. Smith, who recited a very suitable piece, entitled “A Mother to her Son.” The toast was replied to by Councillor Mrs S. Fletcher, who graciously thanked the boys on behalf of the mothers for their very splendid toast. She hoped that thoughts of mother would always inspire them to noble deeds of kindness to all things whether great or small, whether human or animal. At this stage in the proceedings the boys removed the white buttonholes that had been provided and pinned them on their mothers, while at the same time the Mayoress was the recipient of a beautiful bouquet. The Rev. J. Cocker, in his address to the boys si lie of the seven ancient wonders and of seven modern wonders, but, he added, the greatest wonder of all was a boy. He was wonderfully made, for example, and the speaker made a strong plea to every b'oy to guard and respect his body. Referring to mother, Mr Cocker made mention of the wise King Solomon, who had a second throne, placed alongside his own, on which he placed his own mother. Every boy sould place his mother on the throne of his heart and life. She was the best woman in the world—and every true boy would gladly admit it. Mrs A. Young, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, returned thanks to all who had so willingly assisted to make the tea so successful, especially the Mayoress (Mrs T. Jordan), Mrs S. Fletcher and the Rev. J. Cocker. Among the items, all of which, were enthusiastically received, was a solo by Mrs A. S. Rigg, a recitation by Master Raymond Churchill, a violin solo by Master lan McLean and a solo by Master Foster Wellington. Mrs H. M. Morton acted as accompanist. Mr A. E. Bate, in a few closing remarks, asked for the co-operation of the mothers in the programme being run in connection with the boys’ department. Every member of the Y.M.C.A. boys’ department, among other things, was required to perform regular service in the home, to observe certain health habits and fulfil other tests of a devotional character. He asked the mothers to encourage the fulfilment of these tests so that their boys would reap the greatest all-round benefit from the programme. An eminently successful and happy function was then closed with the National Anthem.