Y.M.C.A. IN AMERICA.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18404, 10 June 1925, Page 6

Y.M.C.A. IN AMERICA.

MR R. A. KBNNER'S OBSERVATIONS.

Full of optimism as to the future of the Y.M.O.A. movement, Mr R. A. Kenner. general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. in the Dominion, who. has been abroad for tho past 12 months, returned to Christchurch. yesterday morning, and in tho course of a brief chat, gave a representative of "The Press'' some particulars regarding his observations. .

Mr Kenner visited several Associations in the United States, and came into contact with leading men of the movement from all parts of the world.. He found that nowhere else was the influence of the movement so strong as in the United States and Canada, this being due, in his opinion, to the close co-operation between the Y.M.C.A.. tho churches, and the business community. One "of tho most noticeable features of the movement was the manner in which business men participated in its activities. The Association was also assisting in bringing about a better understanding between tho employer and the employed, by means of an extensive industrial programme. In other words, the work ' that the Y.M.C.A. had engaged in during the war period was now being carried out in industrial centres. ' Mr Kenner was privileged to attend four important conferences in different parts of the United States, including the animai gatherine of the inter-na-tional committee, which was attended l>v leaders of the movement from many p'arts of the world. Among those who were present on that occas'o 1 ! were Dr. Yui (China), Mr K. T. Paul (India)..Mr Saito (Japan), and representatives from Latin America and European and Asiatic countries. The movement -in Japan was largely supported from the United States and by Christian business men in Japan itself, and the position was similar with respect to India. Tho development of the work m America was along the lines of community work in co-operation with the churches and schools and-making, use 1 of whatever facilities there were in connexion with them. He believed similar work could be carried out m New Zealand and'he hoped it wouldbe possible to confer with representatives of the churches and discuss with them plans for the extension of such work. » .. -One of tho great trends of the movement to-day, said Mr Kenner, was to endeavour more and more to assist in leading thinking among ij'oung men and boys, not only along tho lines of the fundamental Sleals of the Association, but also' along tho lines of international understanding. He saw many splendid Y.M.O.A. buildings in Ameriqa., and visited many Associations which had a larger membership than any in New Zealand,-but now'here did he find that those associated with the movement were of a higher calibre.than the young men and boys in New .Zealand. The true Americans Mr Kanner found to he kindly, hospitable, and generous in all their instincts. They were of an enquiring turn of mind, had a. keen sense, of humour and were, quick in repartee. They \vere athirst for information concerning any other country, and they encouraged their children, to ask questions. It seemed fo'be tho English wav that children should bo seen arid not heard, but the Americans realised the value of assisting youngsters in! the'direction 6f . giving them information they desired, and, this-.to Mr Kenner's mind, was an;effective way of developing a child's personality. J New Zealand was not unknown ,in tho United States', hut the Americans had the vaguest ideas a& to where .'itwas situated. It had a great reputation among tEem, however, for its advanced aegislation for the improvement of economic and social conditions., _ One of'the features of American life that struck Mr. Kenner was. the tremendous- -number of wireless, outfits there were in that country. In practically every house he entered he ;saw a, radi'o set and ivas/able, to/'lisfeti-in...' WJiile in Cleveland he was attached to the staff of the local VOI.C-.A., and' one • evening-., he ~ had the ; satisfaction of speaking to - an audience- of about 250,000' people per radio, 'on ' New,' Zealand. " Radiowas , . also , used, extensively. in churches to broadcast ■ sermons. By this means thousands were reached who otherwise would not hear a preacher. "I feel," said Mr Kenner, "that the churches must keep up- with the advance of science if they, are to reach the people." -