YOUNG MEN AND BOYS' CLUB.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 59, 7 September 1897, Page 2

YOUNG MEN AND BOYS' CLUB.

(to the editor.) Sir,—l do not think either the tone ot the statements of my letter in reply to Mr £. Reade justify the attacks of Messrs Jones and Wood. With regard to the former gentleman, I made no complaint whatever (vide my letter), bat simply stated what I believe tbe minute book will show—viz., that Mr Harrison is tbe only clergyman who has been in the babitof attending committee meetings. With Mr Jones, therefore, I hare no sort of controversy. With regard to Mr Wood's letter, whose accuracy I by no means fidmit, I am sorry for the sake of what we both agree in that be should adopi; such a tone towards anyone. It is better that we sheuld say what we have to «»y with the utmost courtesy and consideration. I think be and tbe public generally are aware of the reasons why I hive not felt able to support the club either with my purse or time. I gave my reasons courteously and frankly to tbe commit* tee. I did not ask to be placed on the committee, nor have I used the club premises or property—except on one occasion, when I paid a small fee. I was made an ex officio member without my knowledge. I am not complaining of this in the leant, but simply mention it as one reason why I did not feel bound to work and pay for the club's support. When once lam satisfied that it ia doiDg good work I will subscribe with pleasure. It is a grief to me that lam not able to do so now. As for the remainder of Mr Wood's charge?, I have only to say that I never wished for a room to carry out my own ideas, and whilst I made various suggestions—as did other members of the committee— the only cmes that I pleaded for as being important were that boxing &nd smok» iug should be prohibited, and that an educational and religious element should be introduced in their stead I distinctly stated that I did not want to see tbe Club made into a church, and that I devired to see the gymnasium, reading room, games and music retained. Perhaps I was wrong in going before the committee and stating my views at all; but what object could I havo in view save the public good ? If Messrs Jonen and Wood think the Club is doing a larger amount of good than it is doing harm, they are quite right in maintaining it, but for one holding my opinion, — an opinion based on the testimony of respectable citizens and parents and ex members of tho Club, as wall as upon ray own observation, it would as certainly be wrong. It is a matter in which there are evidently two opinions, but it seems hardly rational, cot to say Christiau, that oue's conscientious inability to support the Club should be made the ground of so much animadversion. I respect Mr Wood's motives ill supporting, let him try to respect mice, and those who think with me, in, at present, declining to support. I am just starting for Wellington, and must now leave the controversy to others. I am, «kc., Frederick Stubbs.