Y.M.C.A.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19957, 18 June 1930, Page 7

Y.M.C.A.

meeting of directors.

The usual monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Christchurch Young Men's Christian Association was held last night. At the commencement of the meeting the president, Mr J. W. Hillary, moved that the Board express sympathy with the relatives of those who had lost their lives in the disastrous level crossing accident at Sockburn. The financial situation was discussed, and while satisfaction was expressed that £2IOO had been raised it was stated that unless the extra £9OO were received the whole question of the curtailment of the work would have to be considered. Special votes of thanks to the campaign workers and to the Press were passed. Mr W. Goss was appointed to speak on the work of the Y.M.C.A. at the "at home" to bo given by the Ladies' Auxiliary on Tuesday, July Bth. Reports from the general secretary and the departmental secretaries were received. The general secretary reported that the last month had been one of increasing activity. He stated that four Bible study groups were enrolled in the senior department. Arrangements had been made to help the various suburban churches in connexion with the services. In connexion with the educational work of the Association, the salesmanship class, public speaking, and debating clubs were all doing good work. The Optimists' Club had formed a concert party and would be giving their first, concert at Greendale. The orchestra had very good practices during the past month and a concert is to bo held in the Upper Sanatorium on Saturday, June 21st. The Parents' Association had formed 8 strong committee and were arranging a very interesting course of lectures for the winter months.

In connexion with the community work, the Association had helped a number of Flock House boys in their efforts to obtain work, and had advised other Flock House boys. He also reported that during the month the dormitory had been full, and a spirit of willingness to help in the general activities of the Association was being shown by a number of residents. Several residents were leading boys' groups, and several others acting as "big brothers." The boys' work director, Mr D. W. Koss, reported that the actual financial membership of the boys' division to the end of May was 465, being primary school boys 192, secondary school boys 132, employed boys 141. This was an advancement on the numbers last year, and of course would not in any way represent the total number of boys who come under the influence of the Association, which is between 600 and 650. There had been very fine attendances at all club meetings.

The physical director, Mr C. G. Pegg, stated in his report that the enrolment in the gymnasium classes was 832, being an advancement on the same period of last year, the total attendances at the gymnasium during the month being 2652. A number of outside clubs were being Instructed by the leaders.