THE Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1082, 22 March 1911, Page 6

THE Y.M.C.A.

OPENING OF THE 1911 SEASON/ A MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN. Supporters of the- Young Men's Christian Association rallied in force at the association's building last night on the occasion of the opening of the 1911 season Which also covered the opening of the hew billiard room containing two fullsissd tables. The visitors, who included General Godley and Captain Spencer Smith, were shown over the building, threading their way as best they could through the crowded rooms and corridors. A feature of the evening was the number of speeches made at different times during the proceedings. There were speeches in the billiard room, in the gymnasium, and in the social hall. At 8.15 Mr. Wm. Allan, one Df the Board of Directors, formally declared the new billiard-ropm open and took the- opportunity of welcoming the association's new gymnastic instructor, Mr. C. N. Howard. In conclusion he called on twn expert billiard players to give an exhibition game of billiards on ono of the tables. During the course, of an interesting display in the gymnasium Mr. C. li. Smith, another of the Board of Directors, also welcomed Mr. Heward and wished him success with his classes. Tho instructor had the nucleus of a very fine class am! he (Mr. Smith) was sure the efforts of the instructor would be backed by members of the Y.M.C.A., who would work harmoniously with him. He trusted that Mr. Heward's efforts would make the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium the leading gymnasium in the city. Mr. Smith also welcomed General Godley who had already expressed his sympathy with the work of the Y.M.C.A., and who showed it by his presence there that evening. Three cheers were given for Mr. HcwaTd,.who responded by giving a clever, exhibition of clubswinging. A speech by Mr. 1.1. W. Kersley, first vice-president, followed, the speaker apologising for tho absence of the president, Mr. Balcombe Brown, on account of illness. Mr. JF. N. Holmes gave an outline of a membership campaign which is about to bo instituted and urged all members to help in tho direction indicated. Tho idea, Mr. Holmes explained, was to increasD the membership by 500 in , a given time. It was hoped to make tho association of further service to the young men of the.city and greater attractions had been added to the rooms of late. A notice posted in the vestibule of the building announced that if members were successful in adding the additional 500 members the Board of Directors would" undertake to secure ,£IOOO in donations during the next eighteen months. As a matter of fact one member of the board hss already promised .£IOO towards this latter fund. During the evening supper was provided in the social hall and a number of vocal items were given and numerous selections wero played by tho 'Wesley Orchestra.