Y.M.C.A. AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1940, Page 7

Y.M.C.A. AFFAIRS

ANNUAL MEETING HELD LAST NIGHT PROSPECTS FOR COMING YEAR. RESPONSIBILITY OF COMMUNITY The annual meeting of the Masterton Y.M.C.A. was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms last night. The president. Mr W. A. Clarke presided. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames H. E. Pither. and Welch. Messrs J. A. Kennedy. Tatton, Ross. J. H. Handyside and the Rev T. V. Pearson. The meeeting was opened with prayer and was closed with the Benediction by the Rev V. W. Joblin. In commenting on the annual report. Mr Clarke stated that the work of the Y.M.C.A. was being carried out on sound lines. He considered that prospects were bright for the coming year. Mr Clarke added that owing to ill-health he had tendered his resignation from the board. Messrs E. M. Hodder. G. Masters (retiring members of the board). J. H. Handyside. H. R. Keltie and the Rev V. W. Joblin were elected to the directorate. Only five nominations were received for the eight vacancies. In expressing regret at the small meeting, Mr Hodder stated that the absence of the public from the meeting apparently showed that everyone was satisfied with the way in which it was being run by the board. He pointed out that considerable time and effort had been put in to make the Y.M.C.A. the valuable asset it was to the community. "We are entitled to expect the citizens of Masterton and district, as they have done in the past, to take an interest in the affairs of the Y.M.C.A. by way of financial support." stated Mr Hodder in stressing the great difficulty, due to national requirements for war purposes, which would face the incoming board this year. “It is not going to be an easy job to finance the institution this year.” continued Mr Hodder. He pointed out that upwards of one-half of the £7OO maintenance charge had to be found by the community and district. "We have nothing to be ashamed of and have a perfect right to expect from the community the funds necessary to carry on the work," concluded Mr Hodder. Mr Hodder’s remarks were endorsed by the president, and Messrs E. J. Coleman and J. D. O’Connor.

"We are a modest lot of people,” stated Mr G. Masters in suggesting that the poor attendance at the meeting was due to the lack of enthusiasm on the part of the board.

"We would welcome constructive criticism.” stated Mr Clarke. He considered that the board had been very much alive in its activities, and that the people of Masterton had responded very well indeed to calls made on them in the ; past.