Wide Support For Youth Week Next September

Press, Volume C, Issue 29498, 27 April 1961, Page 12

Wide Support For Youth Week Next September

At least nine youth organisations will take part in the youth week display to be held in the Civic Theatre on September 11 and 13 Representatives of the organisations offered support at a meeting called by a sub-committee of the Christchurch Junior Council’s youth week committee last evening.

The opening of the display by the Mayor (Mr G Manning) will also mark the opening of the week. Mr J. W. Francis, who presided at the meeting, said local shop proprietors had. without exception, offered window space for displays when asked.

Other plans for the week include a possible outdoor display on Saturday, September 16. a dance in the evening, and a church service next day. “Bad Element”

Mr Francis said: "Unfortunately a lot of publicity is given to a certain bad element around the town although it is in the minority. “The object of youth week is to show the public examples of the activities of the majority of youth. ’’As you know.” Mr Francis said, “teen-agers today are as good, if not better, than they were 20 years ago ” Organisations at last evening’s meeting were the Canterbury battalion of the Boys' Brigade. Can-Am-Ju. the Canterbury Brass Band Association, the St. John Ambulance. the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Girl Guide Association, the Teachers' Training College, the Youna Men's

Christian Association, and Buckett’s Gymnasium. Mr J. O’Neill, representing the YMCA, said his organisation could put on a tableau depicting the exploration of space by man. Others offered displays of judo, acrobatics and trick cycling, and band items by young members of local bands.

Because of the number taking part and the likelihood of more organisations coming forward, time might be limited to about a quarter of an hour for each organisation, it was suggested.

“We are looking forward to having a bumper week.” Mr Francis said. He told the meeting the council did not want to make a profit out of the displays. Any profit would probably go to charity.