TRINITY YOUNG MEN'S IN STITUTE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 July 1901, Page 2

TRINITY YOUNG MEN'S IN STITUTE.

OPENING GYMNASIUM AND SOCIAL HALL.

The T.Y.M.I.'s were in great form last evening. And no wonder, for to them it was an auspicious occasion. They foregathered with i\heir friends to celebrate fche achievement of their latest triumph— the opening of their recently-erected gymnasium and social hall. The Committee determined that the success of t>he social should not ba endangered by want of effort on their part, had left nothing to chance. Every detail had received consideration. Practically speaking, a triule programme bad been arranged. The T.Y.M.I, buildings are divided into three parns—the gymnasium, the club room, and the basement^—and in each of these auartments some form of entertainment was in

progress throughout the evening. For the

time being, the gymnasium^ large, lofty, and well lighted, was the concert room. A nea/.Hy arranged temporary stafe had been erected, from which a long, varied, and interesting programme of vocal and instrumental music and exhibitions of

gymnastic skill was given to an audience, many of whom were troubled at times to find "standing room only." We say at times, for the reason that the attractions proceeding in the other rooms naturally had the effect of keeping people moving. For instance, in the club room parlour games and phonographic selections were alternately in vogue, while in the roomy basement, specially furnished, like the conkept a "full house" continually amused, cert room, with seating accommodation, a

shadow pantomime and other novelties Prior to the commencement of the concert, the President of the T.Y.M.1., the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury, delivered a short and appropriate speech, in the course of which he congratulated the members upon the splendid progressive spirit displayed by the Institute. The T.Y.M.I.'s, he said, had long thought of a building such as that they were opening that evening, and they had now, thanks to the help of Messrs. F. M. Spurdle, W. G. Bassett, J. Stevenson, and J. Jones, the pleasure of knowing that their desires were gratified. These gentlemen had not waved the magic wand, but they had done what was better, they had given the Institute the benefit of their valuable advice, and had financed the undertaking. Mr. Dewsbury made, complimentary referftnres to all who had in any way assisted in the good work, specially mentioning' Messrs. John Jones and W. James, the Gas Company, and the contractors (Messrs. Spurdle and McLeod). In the course of his remarks Mr. Dewsbury expressed the hope that it would not be long ere the young 'women were as well provided for as the young men ; they must

have a T.Y.W.I. as well as a T.Y.M.I. In conclusion, Mr. Dewsbury read a letter from an admirer of the Institute, in which flattering reference was made to the first number of the "Gaaette," and to the genem! work and accomplishments of the Institute. The programme included selections by the T.Y.M.I. Orchestra, songs by Miss Gilbey (encored), and Messrs. R. Bond and J. Gilohrist; recitations by Mr. J. T. Hogan (encored); a haka danced by Messrs. L. Davis, Simon Kape, and F. McCulloch (encored).; phonographic selections provided by <:he representative of the London Phonograiph Company; a capital exhibition of fire clubs by Mr. F. Potter, instructor of T.Y.M.I.- gymnasium; and a clever exhibition of weight-lift-ing by Master Nixon. in which

tho youthful Samson manipulated a 72----lb. bar with his right arm, and elevated a 92-lb. bar with both arms. A plentiful supply of refreshments, generously supplied by (foe ladies, -was served in the adjoining school room, and altogether a thoroughly enjoyable eveningl was spent by the three hundred who attended.