Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES.

Wairarapa Age, 9 August 1929, Page 5

Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS. ENCOURAGING REPORTS. The usual monthly meeting of the Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors was held last evening, when the General Secretary (Mr. A. E. Bate) presented a very encouraging report of the association’s activities. There had been a revival of interest in the social side of the senior department and the boys’ and gymnasium departments both reported real progress. The Optimist Club was still growing in membership and good luncheons had been held. The Esperanto group and the Winter Sports Club were also in good heart and attendances were keeping up well. The third of the popular social evenings was held in July and it was a pronounced success. Eleven visits were paid by Flock House Boys in Judy and 61 interviews were recorded in connection with Child Welfare work. There were also numerous inquiries and requests for assistance. In the Physical Department the gymnasium rolls were revised and after allowing for a number of resignations, there was a net Increase of 28 in all clashes. The number on the class rolls at the end of July, including the orphanages was 293, as compared with 175 in 1928, and the total attendances for the month were 1103 as compared with 1049 in June and 465 in July 1928. With the exception of one class the work was being well maintained and a high standard of efficiency was being attained. On the hockey field neither of the association’s two teams had been defeated during the month and the A team held the topmost place in tho competi tier. ladder. A special feature in the Gymnasium in July was a series of Indoor Athletic Tests among the members of the boys’ department. About 32 boys ranging in siges from 12 to 17 inclusive took part in the tests, the results of which are to be forwarded to the Y.M.C.A, Headquarters in connection with a New Zealand wide contest. Membership figures showed an increase of four op June and now stood nt In addition over 200 men women and children took part in Y.M.C.A. activities who wore not able to be members for various reasons. In presenting the report of the Physical Committee the general secretary announced that it was proposed to i-tage a display in the Opera House at the end of October on a date’ to be finalised later. A letter was received from the National Secretary congratulating the Association on its community work, which he considered to be the best in the secondary centres in New Zealand. An appeal was also received on behalf of the Nelson Association which was in a bad way owing to the earthquake conditions. The association had placed its building and secretary at the disposal of the relief committee after the main disaster • and as a result all association work had come io a temporary standstill. This meant a serious lack of finance, with the prospect of having to close down. A small committee was appointed to organise an effort to help the Nelson Association through the present difficulty. The General Secretary reported ion the efforts of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to raise funds for a new piano. Already some money was in hand from the socials and the jumble sale and it was also proposed to have a cake and recipe afternoon next Tuesday and a further social evening on August 24. The suggestion that a Mother and Daughter function be held for gymnasium members received the support of the meeting. The President, Mr. C. A. Hendry, intimated that owing to his pending departure from Masterton, he was compelled to resign the presidency and wished the association every success. Members spoke in appreciative terms of Mr. Hendry’s service to the Y.M.C.A. in Masterton wished him continued good fortune. It was decided to postpone the election of the new president until next meeting.