Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3084, 15 May 1917, Page 8

Y.M.C.A.

♦ WELLINGTON CONFERENCE. At a conference of the Wellington Y.M.C.A I ., held last week to discuss tho association's various activities and suggest fresh' lines of policy, there was an attendance of over forty, tjie president (Mr. W. H. George) occupying the chair. The proceedings were opened with devotions led by the Hon. J. G. W. litken, M.L.C. The physical department was reported upon by Mr. J. D. Eves (lion, secretary) showing that 224 msjnhcJ'S were receiving physical training. The opening this season showed record interest. Mr. H. C. South, referred to tho good work dope in Dnnedin in hojpfrig .hoys to avoid tho "blind alley" jobs, and securing suitable- openings for them. Soeml work formed the subject of Mr.,A. E. Smith's remarks. As assistant general secretary he said the : need in this'- direction was forced upon him every day, and there was ample work i for members willinc to assist in. this [direction.' Tho returned soldiers' problem was dealt, with by Messrs. H. AV. Kersley and C. M. Luke, who said the association's ideal was 1o help the koldiers when they returned just as it. has done iu trainine camps, on troopships, in hase eamns and at tho battlo front. Mr. D. J. T!. Seymour, general secretary New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, advocated the association dealing with tho..m«i as individuals and not as a body, and h<* hoped that his association and the Y.M.C.A. could work together. The educational work of the association was reviowed by Mr. R-. Brown, who suggested the appointment of a teacher of elocution, and referred to tlw great success of the. Literary and Deh'itinir Societv in '•'lst years. Mr. J. Caiighley, M.A., (.bought that this department should have a. wider snhere than that of a literary and debating society. Popular lectures on scientific, geographical and historical subjects .might he given' 'as an inccntjvo to fnrthor study by I lie young men of the City. llr. E. 0. Brownell (national secretary. V.M.C.A.) spokn on 'tho question of membership, and it was unanimously resolved to enter upon a campaign to double the membership. The Houso Committee- report was Riven by Mr. W. Ettlin, who stated that the utmost capacity of the building was being used every week in accommodating; soldiers 'mm the camps.