The Waikato Independent Incorporating “The Cambridge Gazette.” THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1922. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2550, 25 May 1922, Page 4

The Waikato Independent Incorporating “The Cambridge Gazette.” THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1922. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Cambridge ” , i Y.M.C.A. Readers will have noticed by reports of recent Board meetings that the Cambridge Ir.M.C.A.l r .M.C.A. is in a very unsatisfactory and precarious position. The membership has dwindled down very considerably, finances are crippled, and, worst of all, the institution is largely failing in its proper functions, having developed into little more than a gymnasium and billiard saloon. The main cause of this regrettable condition of affairs is the lack of control and interest by officers and the general public. Wo say this with due respect to the efforts of members of the board of control who admitted, at a recent meeting, that they were unable to give the time and attention that is required just now to bring the institution up to the standard required. All of the members of the board are busy men, the majority being connected with quite a number of organisations that take up the greater part of their time, and find it absolutely impossible to give that constant attention to Y.M.C.A. affairs that is required, in the absence of a permanent secretary or manager. It may be said, why do such busy men take up responsibilities which they cannot discharge faithfully and well? The answer is that they are mostly forced into office, and are constrained to undertake more than they can properly attend to, rather than see the organisation “go to the wall.” In view of the grave position of affairs, the Board of Governors is now seriously considering curtailing the activities o.f the Y.M.C.A., or closing it down altogether—these matters are to be definitely decided at a meeting to be held on Saturday evening next. The Y.M.C.A. has been in existence for many years in Cambridge, and has done magnificent work —more particularly during the • war period. There is still ample scope for such an organisation, and it is much to be regretted that there is a probability of the work being allowed to drop altogether, which step seems inevitable, unless the public take the matter up and show an active interest and an inclination to assist.