Y.M.C.A. CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1975, 4 February 1914, Page 5

Y.M.C.A. CONFERENCE.

(By/Telesraph.-Press Asßoclation.l '• Auckland, February 3. At theY.M.C.A. Conference this Professor Picken, chairman, in an opening address, • emphasised -the romarkable success achieved since the previous sitting at Chnstchurch, at which place tho movement was practically inaugurated. "The total membership in the Dominion was 51001 The most -urgent matters for Consideration were the immediate future of social service in military camps, relief of Christ-' church and Wellington' from their heavy financial burden, organisation of foreign work under the present excellent executive at Diuiedin,- organisation of the Y.M.C.A. boys through church clubs and classes, training of honorary and salaried workers, standardisation, of membership, instruction in physical work, union of groups of young men and boys in the country with the Y.M.C.A. Associations as centres, and the financing of the National Committee's operations.

:_A discussion took place on "Rural Work." The subject was introduced by Mr. J. D. Hall, of Canterbury, who considered that there was justification for an extension of the association's work, so as to cater for tlio needs of country boys. The rural population in New Zealand was decreasing in proportion to tho city population, and .this was duo largely to the fact that no individual effort was put forth to make rural centres really ' attractive with, healthful recreation and moans of selfimprovement. The matter was keenly discussed, .and was referred for further consideration to a conference on rural work. i An address on "Impressions of- a World-wide Movement" was delivered by Mr. C. H. Poole, of Auckland. -