Our Illustrations.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 22, 27 May 1908, Page 4

Our Illustrations.

WELLINGTON Y.M.C.A. The dedication of the new building of the Wellington Y.M.C.A., in Willis-street, on May 17, was a most impressive ceremony, and it was participated in by many important people who, while not connected directly with the movement, have its welfare at heart. Among those on the platform were the Prime Minister and Lady Ward, the Mayor and Mrs. Hislop, the Hon. George Fowlds, Mrs. W. R. Williams (who has been such a good friend to the institution) and her daugh-ter-in-law, Mr. W. J. Williams. Mr. J. G. W. Aitken presided, and before calling on Mrs. W. R. Williams to open the building, briefly sketched the history of the Y.M.C.A. movement in Wellington. Twenty-five or thirty years ago there had been a Y.M.C.A., which had the late Mr. .Holdsworth at its head. It did a fairly Holdsworth at its head. It did a fairly vigorous work during the time it lived, but died from lack of interest on the part of the citizens. The new Y.M.C.A., which is now housed in such a magnificent building, began in September, 1902, as the result of a mission conducted here by Dr. Torrey and Mr. Alexander. The visit of Mr. Budge, of Montreal, had begun the campaign for this new building, and the first thing that made such a building possible was the magnificent gift of land from Mrs. Williams. The contract price for the building was £13.038. The actual cost, with extras and architects’ fees, came to another £l,OOO. The whole of the money was not yet paid, and £2,000 was required for the furnishing. The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. had undertaken the work of furnishing, and would be glad of contributions from any friends. There were forty bedrooms. Fifteen of these rooms were furnished: the rest required to be. The cost of furnishing a room was £l5. There were still sums amounting to £3,500, promised two years ago, to be collected, and in addition to this £3,400 had been promised by the young men themselves. This Association was going to do a great work for the young men of Wellington. He called upon Mrs. Williams to declare the building open. “In the name of God and to His glory,” said Mrs. Williams, “I declare the building now to be opened for the use of the boys and young men of the city.” Three hearty cheers were given by the audience. In the evening Mr. Aitkin, who is the president of the Institution, gave a young men’s reception which was very largly attended.