The Waikato Times SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1937. FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20183, 1 May 1937, Page 6

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1937. FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE

An effort is being made by those who realise the importance of the work, to place the financial affairs of the Young Men’s Christian Association in Hamilton on a sound footing. There is a substantial debt on the property, about £4OOO, and interest, plus rates, constitutes a constant problem. The matter has been carefully considered by business and professional men in Hamilton, and as a result a plan has been evolved to ensure that the institution shall be able to continue its valuable work. That value is not questioned by anyone. In these days much is heard of the proper use of leisure, especially as the working week has been reduced in many instances, and the most vital aspect to the community is that the young people should have the facilities to derive the maximum benefits. There are no institutions so well fitted to assist in that respect as the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. They encourage the young people to strive to reach the standard of a sound mind in a sound body, and afford opportunities that must make for the development of the individual. The collection of funds to liquidate the capital liabilities is being undertaken by Mr D. V. Bryant, conditionally on others interested securing sufficient sustaining members to bring in an annual income of £SOO. The attainment of the two objectives would free the Y.M.C.A. of its present burden of debt and ensure the finance for the continuance of its work for the benefit of the young people. It is only necessary to think what a serious gap there would be in the social conditions of many lads and young men if there were no such institution available and the importance of this work becomes crystal clear. The opportunity to spend some of their leisure time in this clean, healthy, happy environment is a real boon to very many, for the objective is an all-round development that makes for good citizenship. The need for assistance is urgent and a keen civic spirit is by no means confined to material things. Here is something that aims at assisting the young people of the town and district, and that makes it a civic investment. Hamilton would be very # much the poorer if it were deprived of the institution. The town will be the better as these activities extend to influence the lives of more and more young people. The goal set is not impossible for a town of this standing, and, with an assured income, the Y.M.C.A. would be able to play an ever larger part in assisting, physically, mentally and spiritually the young people. It is a good cause and that should be sufficient to ensure willing support.