A FINE ACHIEVEMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2739, 6 April 1916, Page 9

A FINE ACHIEVEMENT

POSITION OF BOYS'. INSTITUTE

INTERESTING SPEECHES

• Mr. G. F. C. Campbell occupied the chair at the annual meeting' of the Boys' Institute and S. A. Rlioilos Home for Boys, hold on Tuosday even- ! ing. In proposing the adoption of the annual report (a precis of which has already been published), the chairman said that as far as the financial position of the institute was concerned, there need bo no need for alarm, as it seomeel to bo very satisfactory indeed. Although up till Decembor 31 the expenditure had exceeded the income, the prospects since then had greatly improved, and there would be no necessity to appeal for voluntary subscriptions. Without taking into consideration the legacy, the new building account showed that there were practically no liabilities. "Up till December 31, £10,834 had been received (including £9080 lis. brought forward from tlio previous year), and the statement of liabilities and assets was satisfactory, in that there were., no liabilities, and the position had much improved since December 31. 1 The property in Arthur Street was a considerable asset. Speaking generally from a cursory view of the accounts the future of the institute seemed assured from a finanoial point of view. The policy of tbe institute with regard to the youtbs affected appeared to be in the direction of giving a sound religious, educational, physical, and social training. _ Everyone must recognise that religion in such an institution must be the groundwork for any other form of _ One of the planks in the policy of the institute was to inculcate in the young people their duty to God and their country.. If it was education, there was the library and the reading-room, which should contain that which should help as a" basis to character. Coming to tlio physical department, there was cricket, football, military, swimming, arid games. Most of them had in their own experience come to know the value of physical training and its beneficial effect on youths if well directed. Speak-, ing as one who had had a good deal to do with military matters, he. would throw out a suggestion to the committee. His experience had proved that there were two necessary olement?—one was to encourage the spirit of competition, and the other was> what he might term exhibition. Competition induced efficiency, and .exhibition —lie used the term for want of a better onewar- the opportunity for the boys to show tbe progress made to their own friends and relatives. As for football— as an old footballer he could say that of all sports none went further in che direction of the formation of character. Self-control, strength, nnity, and tho spirit of cameTaderio was always fostered in a good football team. He was glad to see that tho institute fostered Cadet training. It was not only essential from a miliary point of view, but compulsory service in that direction inculcated in youth a knowledge of their duty to God. tlieir King and country all that spells patriotism! Referring to the roll of honour, lib suggested that tbe Institute vrotild be setting a good, oxamplo by erecting a slab with the names of those Institute members who had served their country and died for it. This. constant reminder _of past comrades who had served their country faithfully and lost their ' lives would b-> tho means of keeping,their memories alive, and serve as a good example to others. He well remembered Captain Hardham when he first became a gunher In his (the speaker's) old company, and it was probable that it was in the ' Boys' Institute that hs Ttceivetl his first inspiration . to. join the service. Captain Hardham's military career had commenced with _ the training obtained in the old institute on the reolaimed land long since passed away. Mr. Campbell gavo a full meed of praise to the ladies who worked so honestly and zealously for the institute. They well deserved such praise from those who were only looking on. He

moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr. A. Hewitt, and passed without discussion. The Rhodes Endowment.

In returning thanks for his re-elec-tion, the president (Mr. 6. Troup) hoped that ho 'was''not becoming rnsty in the position. In referring to the work of the institute he said that the matter of boarding the boys had not yet been touched, but he hoped that would v coma lioxt year. They had thought it unwi6o to move until they received the whole of tlio endowment from the trustees of the lato Mi;s. Rhodes. Tho bulk of that estate would, he had been, assured, be realised at ari early date—before twelve months had elapsed, they would hand over the whole of. it. The finances of tho institute were in a very satisfac. Tory ijosition, and considerable credit was due to the committee for having steered a safe course right from the start. There had been no "wild eat" policy, and they had always seen that the money was well in hand before commencing any new. work. It was that which had gained for them the confidoiice of the public, and was largely responsible, he felt, sure, for their getting the money from the late Mrs. Rhodes. It weighed with her that they were always careful. Never once had they been in debt from the start, and they

had entered the new building without

being » penny in debt. When theymet next year thoy would be meeting under very happy circumstances. They had started the institute with but £8 in the locker—to-day they were worth between £24,000 and £25,000 in property and endowments. fTlie last year had been a trying one. They had had on entering tho new building to face increasing expenditure and decreasing revenue, but they had more than met all their liabilities, and were able to carry forward a little advance, and things promised very well for. the future. Wanted—A Farm! Mention had been made of the institute possessing a farm. Farming was tho backbone of the country, and would be for many years to come, and if they could secure a farm to enable, item to'train the boys to be qwners of their own farms, or farm-workers, they ■would bo accomplishing a great work. So if there was any generous and bighearted farmer without children, let him remember the Boys' Institute in his • will. They would make good use of a farm by turning out good farmers. Mr. Troup concluded his remarks by eulogising the work of their latest and host director, Mr. Boss, who, he said, if given health and strength, would yet' do most excellent work for the boys of the city. The work of the Ladies' Auxiliary was also remembered.