Y.M.C.A. CENTENARY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 223, 17 June 1944, Page 8

Y.M.C.A. CENTENARY

Celebration In Wellington

WORK EULOGISED

‘■The work of the Y.M.C.A. has reached into every phase of the life of the community.” said the Aetrng-Prime Minister, Mr. Sullivan, speaking at a luncheon in Wellington yesterday in celebration of the centenary of the foundation of the movement. “The best ideals of the founder, George Williams, have found expression in the work and activities of the daughter organization out here in the South Pacific. ‘•Great as is the material development of the movement, greater still has been its work on the spiritual side. I have great faith tha such work is of immense importance to everyone who comes under its influence. It is not a matter merely of the religious side itself, but of the effect on the inner being of the. citizen because of the wider understanding and guidance that comes to him through his association with such institutions as the Y.M.C.A.” Mr. .Sullivan said that in travelling through the Dominion he hud seen instances of its work, particularly in works camps cut off from the ordinary amenities of city life where the only recreation was that provided by the Y.M.C.A. Many men had spoken in high tribute to its benefits.

“I am grateful, and the Government is grateful,” said Mr. Sullivan, “for the immense services the association has given to the Dominion. Great as those achievements have been, the best I can wish is that you will have greater opportunity in the future.” The luncheon was given by the National Council of tie Y.M.C.A’s of New Zealand, and amtmg those present were, in addition to the Acting-Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, the Acting-Chief of Staff of the New Zealand Forces, Brigadier W. G. Gentry, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Commodore Sir Atwell Lake, Air Commodore A. de T. Neville, the Bishop of Wellington, Rt. Rev. 11. St. Barbe Holland, the chairman of the Inter-Church Council, Rev. J. T. Macky, the Rev. Asbleigh Fetch, the mayor of Wellington, Mr. Appleton, Brigadier H. E. Avery, Brigadier A. E. Conway, the secretary of the National Patriotic Fund Board, Mr. Hayden, and the secretary of the Wellington Provincial Patriotic Committee, Hon V. Ward. In welcoming the guests, the president of the national council, Mr. C. R. Edmond. spoke of the great co-operation the Y.M.C.A. had received from the governments of the Dominion and, both in the last war and the present, from the chiefs of the fighting services. It had also been a pleasure to have the Church Army working with them overseas. “We have, I believe, been satisfactory spenders for the National Patriotic Fund Board —whether we have spent satisfactorily is another question,” be said. “The acid test has always been whether what we proposed to do was going to benefit the services. The Y.M.C.A.,however, is a peace organization. We are only fighting now because we want to bring peace. The national council will place itself at the disposal of the Government to help in the rehabilitation of the men of the forces after the war. It feels it has a specialized contribution to make in helping the growing youth of the Dominion.” The thanks of the services for the work of the organization both in the field and at the home camps was expressed by Brigadier Gentry and Air Commodore Neville on behalf of their respective services.

ROYAL MESSAGE Tribute To Work Of Y.M.C.A.

Messages from His Majesty the King and from the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, were read at the Y.M.C.A. centenary luncheon 'in Wellington yesterday. The King’s message, directed to the Briish Council of the Y.M.C.A’s, read :• “I learn with interest aud pleasure that the Y.M.C.A. is about to celebrate the centenary of its foundation. As its patron I join its leaders and members in thankfulness to Almighty God for the world-wide services to youth which it has been able to render during the past 100 years. The record of what the Y.M.C.A, has achieved in the past and most notably in times of war justifies a confident belief that it will have a worthy and important part in the future rebuilding of national and international life.” Tile Governor-General’s message was :

“The celebration this month of the 106th anniversary of the foundation of the Young Men’s Christian Association is a milestone which stands out prominently in the Christian world. With the passing of years, the influence of the association on the youth of many nations is mol'e and more evident, and the debt of gratitude which is owed to its founder, .George Williams, is increasingly great. “At present, representatives of the Y.M.C.A. are rendering everywhere magnificent service to our men, both in the battle areas and on the home front where, in addition, despite many difficulties, their practical and stimulating work continues. As your patron in New Zealand, I congratulate all branches on the progress made during the last 100 years and ou the great work they are doing today.

“In the days ahead, when our enemies are defeated, when our men are back again with us, and when youth is uncertain what path to follow, there will be wonderful opportunities for your organization. I have no doubt this challenge will be accepted with enthusiasm. May the influence of the Y.M.C.A. grow stronger, and may the high standard of its achievements be maintained.”