BOYS INSTITUTE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2422, 30 March 1915, Page 7

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual mooting of the Wellington Boys' Inslituto was hold last evening. Mr. 0. A. Troup presidod.

It was dccided that in future the institution should bo called tho Wellington Boys' Institute and tho a. A. Hhodes's Homo for Boys.

The annual report, which was adopted, stated .that during the year nioro diilicully than usual was found in collecting funds, duo no doubt to tho .numerous calls mado on the public on account of tho war. Tho incoino reached tho sum of £434 17s. lid., and tho expenditure £432 Gs. 4d. To enable the incomo -to meet tho expenditure t'ho sum of £100, which previously had been set asido from incomo to the Building Fund, had to be rotransferred. The M'Carthy Trustees again donated tlio sum of £100 to tho funds, which was a most welcomo contribution. During tho year tho sum of £1000 was paid over b,y the Trustees of the lato Mrs. S. A. Rhodes to tho Endowment Fund.

Regarding Sunday night meetings tlio committee said: "Wo aro indebted to very many iriends iu this connection, amongst whom are Mr. C. S. Falconer, Mr. Richard Brown, the Rev. J. Dawson, Mr. P. W. Btirbridge,' members of the Students' Christian Union, members of the Committee, and others. During part of the year while attendances were a little low, the above meeting was transformed into Bible Class, discussing 'Life Problems,' led by the director. This was a very helpful group moeting." ■ The report continued as follows:— "Orchestra.—This group of cheorful helpers, lod by Miss Rowe, is classed with the religious work, though they assist iu many other ways; were it not for tho orchestra, many cf our meetings would fall a little flat, and no doubt the attendances would fall off considerably.

''Educational Classes.—Under the direction of Mr. David Smith, a group or helpers attended to this department of work.. It is. very important, and is on© that must be encouraged and developed; though we should have liked to see a greater number taking advantage of the educational privileges, still we were pleased to see several face tho examiner for their proficiency certificate and with succoss.

"Library.—This has been a much used adjunct to the work of tho institute; but it would have been used to a far greater extent had we a larger assortment of new books to place oefore the boys; those who have been mombers for some time, having previously read most of our stock. This is a sphere in which some well-wisher can do us good service. A special effort will be made to provide an oxcelleut library for the new building. "Fife Band—During the year a fife baud was started, under the leadership of Mr. J. Brown, who took great trouble with the boys, who made good progress, though not yet quite proficient enough to make an appearance in public.

"Stamp Club.—Mr. A. W. Beale, an Institute Old Boy, was successful ia getting a number of Boys to commence collecting, and, to encourage this, several albums were given as prizes to the boys obtaining the best results. * 'Socials.—Occasional social evenings aro much looked forward to and enjoyed by the boys. One of the most enjoyable ones of the year was given by Mrs. Shirer to the attendants at tho Sunday night ifieeting. "Camps.—ln all boys' work, the place to really come into close touch with tho boy, and put some finishing touches oil to the year's work, is;at tho annual camp. On December 16, Mr. Bennott aud an enthusiastic party journeyed to Plimmerton for three weeks, a most exciting time was experienced, as ono night a species of typhoon struck them and caused them to strike camp, unfortunately seriously damaging some of their tents.

"Football.—A most enjoyable season was held by several teams, who always endeavoured to give a good account for themselves. The fourth grade (senior boys) bad a very successful season. Though they did not win their competition they were amongst the first tJiree out of fourteen teams. . •

"Cricket.—Three teams held together well during most of the season, though most of the time without the help of a director. The Juuior A's have done well, and stand in good position to annex tho premiership honours. "Swimming and Lifesaving. The institute is fortunate in having a pool (small though it is) on the premises; during tho year the director had classes iu swimming, and taught many boys to swim. Mr. G. Ncale was also most helpful in instructing about a seoro of boys in that most useful accomplish-ment—lifo-saving. We thank him; ho has been a good friend to tho institut-o in the past.

"Boxing.—Classes in the art of selfdefence were conducted by Mr. J. W. Hcenan, who did good service in teaching the boys how to scientifically take car© of themselves. At. the close of tho season competitions were held, and medals presented in tho different grades. ■"Athletics—The annual sports were hold on Labour Day, at Kelburn- Park; the cup winners being Harry Brown, Henry Hall, and Henry Hayvice. Thirtythree events were run through in the course of tlio day, upwards of 70 boys competing. . "Shooting.—Sergeant M'Manamy was fortunate'in securing the medal presented by Lady Godley for shooting. ''During tiho year the director has been ablo to place a number of excellent lads in positions with a future. It is felt that to secure for a boy just leaving school a position such as this is half the battle for the boy; employers liavo expressed pleasure at the way some of these boys liavo made progress." Officers were elected as follow:—Patron, His Excellency tho Earl of Liverpool; lion, president, Rev. J.- Gibb, D.D.; president, Mr. G. A. Troup; vicepresidents, Messrs. M. D. Menelaus, L. T. Watkiiis, and J. Hislop; treasurer, Mr. J. G. Smith; . auditor, Mr. R. Wilberfoss; hon. physician, Dr. Hogg; secretary, position left open;, lion, law advisers, Messrs. Gray and Jackson; committee, Messrs. It. Pearson, C. S. Mc-oro, J. M. Morice, D. Menzies, and Dr-. J. S. Maclaurin; Women's Committeo, Mesdames J. P. Luke, W. S. Moorchouse, and J. Hislop.