Y.M.C.A.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18231, 16 July 1921, Page 2

Y.M.C.A.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING What is described as the most successful annual gathering yet held took place at the Y.M.C.A. on Monday night last. The large gymnasium was taxed to its utmost capacity to seat the great gathering of young men and older friends of the association, who were entertained by the Ladies’ Auxiliary at tea. Mr. Hector Christie, president of the association, briefly welcomed those present. A hymn was sting, and everyone did justice to the good things provided. After tea, hearty cheers were given for the ladies for their great work. After a short adjournment the business meeting was held, 80 members remaining' for this most interesting meeting. There were also present Mr. W. A. Veitch, M.P., His Worship the Mayor (Mr. T. B. Williams), Mr. A. Varney (National Secretary for New Zealand Y.M.C.A.) and other well-wishers. The proceedings opened with a hymn and prayer, after which the president moved that a special message of appreciation be sent to past helpers and friends for services rendered to the movement. Annual Report.—This report dealt very fully with the many and varied activities of the Y.M.C.A., and was described as a most inspiring one, despite the depressing atmosphere prevailing generally. Many items on sectional work were very warmly applauded. From Bible classes to billiards, social evenings to Sunday afternoon meetings for men, and from athletics to Christmas camps and boys’ rallies and billeting visitors to the town, all phases of the work had their place. The president, in speaking to the report, said he felt great pleasure in moving the adoption of such a splendid resume of the association’s work. Mr. Christie expressed his regret at having, much against his wishes, to retire from office for a period. He trusted to be able to again associate himself actively at no very distant time. Financial Statement.—This statement gave a very full account of the associatio'h’s financial standing, there being not one outstanding account to any business firm, a very happy position in these trying times. Election of Officers.—The election of officers resulted in the following gentlemen taking office:—President, Mr. John McMillan; vice-presidents (3), Messrs. R. Brown, E. F. Liffiton, and R. W. Green; hon. treasurer, R. E. Cuthbertson; hon. secretary, Wm. Hall; directors, Messns. A. Atkins, W. Bell, A. C. Buist, W. H. Christie, S. M. Dixon, H. E. Hassall, J. J. Parkes, H. H. Richardson, W. F. Therkleson and C. R. F. Tilley. iMr. Varney..—Mr. Varney, representing the National Committee of the Y.M.C.A. of New Zealand, then spoke to the meeting telling of his special pleasure in revisiting Wanganui and the Y.M.C.A. here' because of his early association with its work. He congratulated the members upon the progress made, and touched upon the world-wide work of the Y.M.C.A. and of our own industrial work in New Zealand amongst the men in the hydro and railway construction camps, large freezing works, etc., and of the extension of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. to Samoa for work amongst the South Sea Islanders. Mr. Veitch here spoke of his visit to Samoa, and of the wonderful possibilities of work amongst the natives, urging the association to make use of the magnificent musical ability of the people. Mr. Veitch paid a splendid tribute to the work of the London Missionary Society in the South Seas, and felt that the work of the Y.M.C.A. correlated with that of the L.M.S. would do untold good. The Mayor, Mr. T. B. Williams, who was very warmly received, expressed his great pleasure at meeting so happy a gathering. He had listened with much interest to Mr. Veitch’s talk of the South Seas and the wonderful singing ability of the natives. He loved to hear singing, and from his own experience felt that singing banished care. He wished the association continued success in its work amongst the younger men and boys, and urged those present to “keep singing.” His Worship had struck a very happy vein, and upon* resuming his seat was accorded a very hearty ovation. The chairman then expressed the thanks of the entire membership to the general secretary, Mr. W. R. Taylor, for his efforts in successfuly leading the work, also to his assistant, Mr. Bennetts, and the custodian, Mr. R. Arthur, for the splendid loyalty he had shown to the association in numerous ways. A special motion of appreciation of the services of Mr. Christie, the retiring president, during his long and active connection with the work here, since its formation in fact, was moved by Mr. L. E. Bassett, and heartily carried, coupled with the name of Mr. Varney, who also had done in the early days a lion’s share of the work. RECORD OF YEAR’S WORK. The following statistics may prove of interest to readers:— Meetings of outside bodies, 74; attendance 1060. Meetings of Y.M.C.A. committees, 52; attendance 374. Adult United Bible Class meetings, 20; attendance 390. Boys’ Bible Class meetings, 17; attendance 340. Men’s Sunday meeting and strangers’ teas, 37; attendance 88 3. Boys' social evenings, 8; attendance 765. Senior social evenings, 15; attendance, 1700. Found board and residence and work for 20 men. Enquiries re board and residence, 103 men and 12 married couples. Number of men and boys billetted on .building (including cadets, Salvation Army bandsmen, and Wellington cricket team, and men in need of help) 357. Total meals provided for above, 3463. x Stranded men cared for, given billets, found work for, where possible, and given food free of all charge, 15. New Zealand Club luncheons to business men, 4—attendance 220. It is interesting to note that the Y.M.C.A. does not possess a single bed or blanket. The above work has been made possible through the kindly courtesy of the Hospital Board and, mainly, the Defence Department. Hostel. —A tentative plan has been drawn up for additions to the present building to accommodate about 19 young men. This will help to tide over the present difficulties, and until such time as the larger building scheme is possible. Conclusion.-—A very happy meeting concluded with the singing of the association hymn, “Blest Be the Tie .That Binds,” and the Benediction.