WORK AMONG YOUTH.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18076, 21 July 1930, Page 6

WORK AMONG YOUTH.

ACTIVITIES OF Y.M.C.A. BETTER YEAR REPORTED. INCREASED MEMBERSHIP. The beneficent community work c. the Hamilton branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association during the year is reviewed in the tenth annual report. Following are extracts:— The following directors were elected for the year:—Mr G. L. Mac Diarmid ('president), Dr. E. T. Rogers, Messrs R. Braithwaite,' E. P. Cowles, A. H. Coles, H. Gilling, T. A. Harris, W. Y. Kirkman, P. L. Millar, B. Madill, E. Purdom, L. M. Wallace, R. F. Ward, J. Yendell, R. Mason and H. Clark. It is with sincere regret that we record the resignations of Messrs R. Madill, L. M. Wallace, E. Purdom and T. A. Harris. A cabinet composed of active members of the association now in existence and is assisting and co-operating with the board. The directors wish to place on record their appreciation of the energy, zeal and loyalty displayed Dy Mr W. R. Eyre, who during the year has acted in a dual caapcity of general secretary and physical director. Mr Eyre’s task has been a difficult one, but he has faced it bravely and has had much success. In his work he has had the very capable and cheerful assistance of a band of voluntary workers who have given much time and attention to the activities of the institution. The membership of 319 at the end of June, 1930, was made up as follows: Junior 125, young men 32, seniors 52, sustaining 110.

Religious Work. During the year the association rooms have been used by various church organisations. In order to strengthen our religious work among young men we have instituted Sunday , afternoon meetings, which were held last winter but were discontinued during the summer. This winter they • are being held fortnightly, with an average attendance of 12. Among the boys this phase of our work has been operating successfully, when each Friday evening at club meetings 20 minutes are devoted,to Bible study. Mothers’ Day was celebrated on Sunday, May 12, 1929, when there was an attendance of 40 mothers and sons, and again on May 11, 1930, when 70 persons were present. The physical culture department is much stronger them it was last year, but there is yet room for improvement, especially in the senior men's class. The enrolments as on June 30, 1930, totalled 263, the sessions held were 430, and the attendances totalled 7614. The attendances for the past four months totalled 3273. The annual display was held in the Theatre Royal on July 12, 1929, and was a success in every way. During November last .we journeyed to Morrinsville, where we were unfortunate in having a wet night; and later to Newstead, where a very enjoyable evening was spent. The outdoor activities of the association included a junior hockey team, senior and junior cricket teams, swimming club and Soccer team. We were successful in winning senior and junior cricket trophies. , Our gymnasium basketball team played three games against Auckland, winning two and losing one. The inter-house basketball competition matches were again held on Tuesday evenings during last winter and proved most successful. They were being continued during- the present winter. Last -winter the winners of the first competition were; Ladies, Y.M.C.A, No. 1; men, Y.M.C.A. No. 1; and on the second competition, Ladies, Dairy No. 1; men, Waratahs. Boys’ Interest Aroused.

Reference is made to the work of the boys’ department. The primary boys participated in the “four square ’ programme, which included talks by business men and members of the Ministers’ Association. Three silver cups were received from the Herbert Smith Trust for competition. One for the best all-round club was won by the Ruapehu Club and that for the best all-round athlete was won by Athol Martin. A gold medal for- the » best all-round boy and a silver medal for the best gymnasium and club attendance were both won by Stanley Cable. The secondary boys formed a Hi-Y Club, the besf all-round boy in this section being Knowles Louden. Last summer there were 46 boys from the department in camp at Okete. Under the heading of community service mention is made of the Big Brdther movement and other facilities afforded during the year. Socials and billiard tournaments had taken place, and the Optimists’ Club had .performed splendid service, including an oldclothes collection. The directors placed on record their appreciation of the work of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. The report adds that the financial position of the institution has improved, but increased public support was necessary for its continued welfare. The Finances. The statement of receipts and expenditure for 16 months ended June 30, 1930, shows -an excess of expenditure of £l3B 15s lid.