Y.M.C.A.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 229, 28 September 1931, Page 8

Y.M.C.A.

THE ANNUAL MEETING REVIEW OF THE YEAR. “With a fine building, first-class equipment and the leadership available, finance has been the only real problem confronting the board of directors,” states the annual report of the Y.M.C.A., which will be presented at the annual meeting to-morrow night. “Balancing the budget of an organisation having no endowments, reserves, or investments, means that rigid economy must be practised. It must be remembered that departments such as the boys’ division can never be selfsupporting. The obvious necessity ox keeping the membership fees at the lowest possible limit to bo within tho reach of every boy and youth, places upon our citizens the obligation of according the institution every possible financial support if it is to function efficiently. “Facts and figures speak for themselves, as the following indicates:— Membership: Juniors, 169; seniors, 81; sustaining 92. Physical Classes: Ladies 28; girls 26; juniors 74. Grand total, 497. “Attendance, period January-June, 1931.—Social activities 520, gym. classes (3 months) 1861, educational activities 160, banquet 85, camps 42, visits , secondary industries 628, religious activities 910, aggregate attendances 4206 “Religious Work.—The great idea of Christian living is always an integral part of our programme. One cannot tabulate the results of this work, but undoubtedly much good is done by way of regular Bible study groups in our Boys’ Department, church parades, personal contact, and genuine example. “Boys’ Department.—This is one of the most important branches of our activities. Actual membership in this department is practically the same as last year, 175. There are, however, probably another 200 boys who regularly make use of the association, who for financial reasons are not actual members of the Boys’ Department, although they enjoy all the privileges of full members. “Some outstanding events of the boys’ programme this past year were the Mother and Son, and Father and Son Teas. Regular physical classes, visits of inspection to local works and places of interest, a visit to the Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. by a team of secondary school boys, and the Christmas and Easter camps. “Tho Boys’ Meccano Club, with a roll of 20 members, is one of tho most active clubs in the association. Under their leader, Mr. K. Jamieson, it has been meeting regularly for competitions, lectures, and visits to mechanical works. At the Winter Show a special stand was erected and their exhibition of working models received many favourable comments. “Physical.—This is the one branch of our work that is self-supporting. The membership in this department shows a steady increase over the past four years. During the season a picked team of gymnasts journeyed to Trentham to compete with all other associations in the New Zealand Gymnastic Championships. We gained fourth place. Mr. N. Falconer, the senior gym. leader, gained highest individual points for our team. “A very successful display was held at the close of the season in the Opera House, and showed/a very high standard of work. “During the year the Y.M.C.A. Scout Troop was reorganised under Scoutmaster Head, and starting with a roll df five members, the troop is now 19 strong, and promises to soon be one of the foremost troops in Wanganui. * 1 Ladies ’ Auxiliary.—ln practically all the work of the association we have the ever-ready co-operation of our ladies’ auxiliary. Their help at all times has made possible many of our functions without the expenditure of capita]. During tho year, jumble sales, cake stalls, musical afternoons, etc., have been done by these ladies to raise funds for the association’s work. For the relief of distress in Wanganui the ladies under their president, Mrs. Hair, instituted a co-operative scheme that was taken up whole-heartedly by the citizens, and resulted in hundreds of families being assisted with clothes and food. “Special thanks are due to the Press for their ready co-operation at all times, and to the National Secretary, Mr R. N. Brasted, for his valuable advice and assistance.”