WORK OF Y.M.C.A.

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22512, 21 September 1938, Page 18

WORK OF Y.M.C.A.

SERVICES FOR PUBLIC WORKS CAMPS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN IN CHRISTCHURCH Mr C. S. Falconer, chairman of the national executive of the Young I fen's Christian Association of New Zealand, was present at the monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Young Men's Chrrrtian Association' of Christchurch last evening. He reported on the work of the Young Men's Christian Association throughout New Zealand. In 30 Public "Works camps, the Young Men's Christian Association was providing recreational, educational, and postal facilities for the men and their families. Services and Sunday schools, Protestant and Roman Catholic, were held in the Young Men's Christian Association buildings. Bequests had been received from Irv vercargill and Blenheim to have Young Men's Christian Associations opened at those centres. Mr D. E. Parton, president, was in the chair. The general secretary reported on the competitions in first aid, which had been held recently in Wellington, amongst teams representing the various cadet ambulance divisions. A senior and a junior, team represented the Christchurch Young Men's Christian Association division, the senior team winning the New Zealand championship and the Sir Alfred Robin Memorial Shield for the third time in succession. It also won the Wellington district championship. The junior team was third in the junior championship. An older boys' conference and leadership training course were in process of organisation for older boys assisting in the carrying out of the extension work programme. The »bnference was to be held at the Young Men's Christian Association boys' camp at Wainui during Labour weekend. Several directors agreed to assist in transporting the boys to and from camp. The departmental reports reviewed the activities of a busy month. Club work and studies by members of the Boys' Gordon Hall had continued to be effective, and attendances had been excellent in spite of epidemics. A comprehensive programme of visits to secondary industries, football tournaments, and other sports was held through the two weeks of the school holidays.