TOWN ASSETS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13339, 30 March 1911, Page 4

TOWN ASSETS.

M ancanui has reached a period in it? progressive career when attention hasfOr the time open transferred from <‘brickandroorfar assets to that greatest of civic possessions, the “human asset.” This has been caused by the birth in our midst of a.citizens’ movement to establish an institution which claims to be engaged in the building of young manhood; and, apart front'other reasons, we are indebted to the development for the transference of our attentions from the purely material to. the ethical side of city-building. Indeed, we cannot too often emphasise the necessity of building a city by up-building its citizenship, and any movement which has for its task a contribution along these linps must appeal to all classes, We have po purpose here of justifying the Young Mens’ Christian Association. As we have on another occasion remarked it has already justified its existence the whole world over. Our attention is directed to the scheme which has been projected and is announced in another column—a campaign for funds to provide ana equip an adequate building for the young men of Wanganui. To raise <£‘6ooo in 10 da vs Is not only a bold scheme, but a vast undertaking. However, we are immediately reminded that such an enterprise is not novel to the Y.M.OIA. movement. for already in other centres of the Dominion—recently in Invercargill—such campaigns have not only been launched but brought to a happy consummation by the hearty appreciation and cooperation of tho citizens. We fear no contradiction-in stating that the public spirit of the, residents of Wanganui and the surrounding districts compare favourably with that of any of these centres. This bos already been evidenced by, the gifts made, in the-inter-csts >.f the community, the manifest; pride of the citizens in their town, and tha plea for ,i suitable site on which this “manhood factory” is to be erected. The request for a site offers an unique opportunity for a further public service. _ However large .£6OOO may appear to be, its “immensity" is dwarfed by the rich return from the investment. The movement has such a community interest', does so much to breed strong bone men by ministering to heart, mind and body that wc do not hesitate to commend this enterprise where the, possibilities are so great and the assays so abundantly rich.