Y.M.C.A. CONVENTION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 937, 3 October 1910, Page 9

Y.M.C.A. CONVENTION.

MESSAGE FROM WORLD'S COMMITTEE,.

QUESTION OF FINANCE,

Saturday's proceedings in connection with, the- convention under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Associations of Australasia was opened up by Mr. W. H. George (vice-president) on "Tho Financial Problems of the Australasian Associations.*'.

Mr. George emphasised the importanco of good bookkeeping, and Hint monthly statements should-be presented to show how "the association's financial position stands! He .also ' laid stress on the Finance Committeo realising its responsibility. No figureheads were needed, but. men who were willing to devote a portion of their time during each week to the advancement of the work generally. Then tho membership ought to contribute the largest amount o£ revenue. • Therefore a strong Membership; Committee should bo formed, and moot week by week.

An interesting and profitable discussion. followed Mr. George s remarks, after which: Mr. J. J. Virgo referred to financial solicitation, i There was no> begging to be done.. They stood' for a dignified work in the interests of the' most important section of the community. It was their duty to ask business men to judgo their work by results, which should prove its' worth by tho work accomplished. The association stood for the prevention of wrong, and business men would always contribute when they saw that the membership was a powerful agency, -v. '.'".''.'' " ' ■ :' , ■•■ Among the resolutions passed were the following: — . ■)■■ ' "That, the National Convention: of Y.M.C.A.'s of ■ Australia. and New ■ Zealand receive with great cordiality the messago'of the World's cabled from Geneva, namely, .Psalm 65, verses 5 to 8, and its great pleasure in the sense, of comradeship : that conies from such a message from the brethren from 'across the sea'.' Tho convention instructs the honorary national secretary, to convey to the World's Committee its deep: appreciation of the ;message,' and cordially : reciprocates - the sarhe." "The National Convention of the Y.M.C.A.'s'of Australia and New Zea.lahd learns'with great■;pleasure that_ the hon. national secretary,' Mr. J.-J. Virgo, is to be associated with the American campaign of 1911-12, rejoices in thehonour that such:an invitation confers both'en himself and the Australasian,; Associations, ' and that his twenty-five years of sterling service in association work has been;so signally 'recognised, extends to him its best wishes, for . success, and confers upon him full representative powers as :the chief-officer of tho ■ convention for. all ; official '.meetings and ■functions.".,' '" \-. '• ' " ~ :

—- ■* . OUTING AT DAY'S BAY;

■In the r-afternoon the delegates and friends of the association-, including: the president, Mr. J. G. W. Aitken. Jlr. W. H. George,'vice-president, and Mrs. M. A., Williams, ;to whom ;the. association owes so much, 'journeyed 'to Day's. Bay at the kind invitation of-Mr. : and Mrs. Kerstey, a, most enjoyable time being spent. The .day'sproceedings terminated at the asso-; ciation vToShis by a. devotional' meeHrig led .by the honorary secretary, Mr. ;'H. Hart. • ■ <. ■ . ; "THE NOBILITY OF WORK."

•ADDRESS IBY;MR. VIRGO.

•At 10 o'clock'yesterday.morning.about 40 residents of the association assembled for: a meeting Med by the late general secretary of 'the Gisborne,- Association (Mr. C. Webster). .... .-' :■ , .' ;slr. J. J. Virgo spoke to a crowded audience of men in the' Assembly Hall.in tho afternoon, taking'for his. subject "The Nobility, of Work." Ho said it was; %' noble disposition that incited' men' to work.. It was not wealth nor ancestry,but honourable conduct and the noble, disposition that made men great. The was idle,missed the great purpose and the beauty of .life. Self-reliance,' iridomitablo •■'■ ■energy,'_ and"' perseycranco were the.characteristic's of : man,, and; it made 'tho'.world'.better". He'also, related to.the physical work, -mental and moral work,'emphasising the; importance ( . of giving the. brain and muscle necessary exercise. -Christians were expected to represent 1 ' faithfully ..their. Master, .'and .He was tie'embodiment of activity, and work ' was nourishment to Him; Consequently He enjoined upon His disciples the spirit of untiring work;.and they in turn summoned others to liko activity. ~'. . '■'■ ■;Tho essential .preliminary of any true work for God (continued. Mr. Virgo); was the belief in Jesus Christ. The man who refused.to do.:this first failed to possess tho competency to do other work for men. But beginning.. on- '.-Christ's. ; terms, 'there was" no limitation to the possibilities of a-useful life.:-He held that indifference ,and riot infidelity was the curse of the age,;and he also urged his "hearers to render personal loving service to secure the Master's approval for' the faithful performance of duty .was -.the best test, of love; ;■ : ; '.. ..•':■-

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS,

Foreign work; enterprise will be a subject'for,decision at to-day's meeting. In the evening a public missionary meeting will be held. Tlio speakers will bo 'the Ttev. .'J. Hi. ' Idng, ,- secretary-elect to Hyderabad and Mr. JVWI W. B: Hughes.