Y.M.C.A.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18420, 29 June 1925, Page 14

Y.M.C.A.

MOTHER AND SON BANQUET: The annual "Mother and Son" ban quet, under the auspices of the Y.M.G.A., was held on Saturday evening. The gathering proved a popular one, there being well over two hundred persons present. The first part of the evening was occupied with a reception and games, followed by supper in the gymnasium. Mr R. A. Kenner presided.

In proposing the "Land of Our Birth," Mr Kenner spoke of his recent trip, and said the lands he had visited only served to increase his love of New Zealand. The people of New Zealand had to be thankful for many things, the beauty of the country and the lack of domestic trouble. The land of their birth was indeed a favoured country. He then presented the trophies won by the respective clubs. In the secondary schools' class, .J. Eogers received the banner on behalf of the Huias Club, of which he was the leader. The prinii».ry schools' pennant was won by the Kiwi Club, and was accepted by Stan. Kirk.

After the song "Mother o' Mine," by Mr Bradshaw, the toast was proposed by Brian Collins, who said he included in the toast all mothers, whether absent or present. In an appropriate speech he expressed his appreciation of all that was done by the mother of a, family, and how a boy loved his mother, who saw to his every need.

Mrs T. E. Taylor, in replying, thanked the proposer, and said that every mother present, appreciated the splendid spirit which reigned at such gatherings. She went on to stress the value of sport, if properly conducted, in a boy's development. "If you play the game, you get something helpful to you in life," went on the speaker. As games were conducted by our schools and clubs, such as those of the Y.M.C.A., they taught individual control, and also how to work in a team. They also helped to build character, and to take away all smallness and meanness in our way of living. Mrs Taylor went on to stress the value of high and noble thought, and urged all to tryto cultivate lofty ideals and right methods op thinking. The boys must remember that they were going to have their part to play in life, and should prepare themselves in the best manner possible to take their place in world affairs. She urged all to read the Bible and the best poets and novelists, and also to go to church frequently. She quoted tho poet Henley aa an example of a man who, though physically an invalid, had a rioblc and pure mind. The spirit which was found in his soug "Invictus" was the one to be followed. She followed this with a word of ad vice to the mothers, and urged them ail fo do their part in helping the children to become worthy men and women. One of the great evils of tho day was the liquor traffic, which was doing much harm to the young pdople of the race. Mrs Taylor was presented with a handsome bouquet, and resumed her scat amidst aprdause and the strains of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." At the end of the proceedings, Mr G. M. MeKenzie, the boys' work director, thanked Mrs Taylor for her address, and said the object of such a gathering was to engender a spirit such as that which she had in mind. There was only one mother the whole world over.

_ During the evening musical and vocal items were contributed by Mr Bradsliaw,: Mr Flewellyn, and Mr .1. L Rogers. Popular choruses and selections by the Y.M.C.A. orchestra, under Mr Macleodsmith, were also a feature or the evening.