Levin Y.M.C.A.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 February 1913, Page 3

Levin Y.M.C.A.

ADDRESS BY ORGANISER

JAMESON

A large company of men, young and old. gathered at the A roijins mi Sunday afternoon to listen to the National Secretary, Mr A. .Jameson, as lie spoke on the subject "Central"! Give me Ono-mne-oiK 1 - tliree.'' Mr James Prouse. president of the Association, introduced the speaker, adding a few cordial words uf welcome. On opening his address Mr Jameson acknowledged the words of greeting, expressed his pleasure in meeting the A .M.O.A. ' f Levin once more, and congratulated the members on the successful opening of the campaign. He called attention to the fact that the revival of interest here was only a part of a great forward movement involv'Mg the associations of the entire dominion. The work at Wellington was especially encouraging, and one vei son for it would be made plain wheo Mr Variiey. the new general secretary at Wellington, spoke here at the fruit banquet, next Tuesday evening. Plunging into his subject Mr Jamcison showed by frequent illustrations that it was not enough

to use the year to make a Irving

it was given lor the making of a life a bigger and braver thing, one whicl

called for a aim and a conquer or's attitudo towards the hardest of one's conditions. The speaker then touched upon the responsibility of being a young Now Zealander, and reminded his hearers that the greatness of the present opportunity was the real measure of responsibility. There was the time now to study and profit intelligently by the history, literature and science of other countries. There was the opportunity to emphasise the worth >f the individual, and so war effectively upon social evils and build up a really great system of physical and moral training. But of a 11, this was the opportunity for showing to tho world that a religions life among the young men of New Zealand meant simply the application «f the teachings and example of Jesus Christ to the •veryday games and dubs and classes which were to take away lonline.ss and recklessness througfi the sheer force of brotherhood. M 1 Jameson said that he ,had frequently met gentlemen who claimed there was no place for the "V .M.O.A. in New Zealand. But then' idea ot need was measured by a tattor-.-d coat. As a matter of fact, tho great tragedies of life wore not among the Lazaruses, but among those wTio went away sorrowful becauso tliey had "great possessions," and the Dennises who liad "loved this present world." "No, it was because of tlio reasonably easy conditions of living in New Zealand; it was becauso of the need of a struggle to maintain tho spirit of sacrifice which was essential in a great state, that some institution was needed like the Y.M.O.A. which offered a means of helping "the other fellow" through a varied, united and determined brotherhood of scnvice." .Mr Jameson closed by warning the men of Levin against depending too much on tho "institution," and too little on the individual leadership which made for success. After all. it was: mnn-for-work, this of the Y.M.C.A. And the man or boy wlio was determined to be of service could grow abilities, make tools, find a field. The present task was a great one and worthy of the young men of Levin : but every such task well done would only prepare them fori a bigger, broader work in the Y.M.O.A. of I the years to come.

The Mayor is advertising a meeting to be held at the Borough Chambets (to-morrow) Tuesday to make arrangements for a send-off to Mi J. U. Hankins, who is leaving the town after many years residence here. Mr Hankins lias taken an interest in all local questions, am: Wias ono of the first-elccted councillors when the .Borough was forme:! in 190 G. He assisted during hitterm of office in arranging the gas and high-pressure water undertakings, both of which have proved f I great benefit to Levin. Independent of his municipal services, he has proved himself a good "sport," and lie has been a consistent supporter of every form of sport, and the various sports executives owe him debt of gratitude. His help will be greatly missed in tlio future. A large representative gathering filfouM be seen at this meeting, to assist in the proposed movement. The meeting is called for 7.30 T>.m. sharp, -•■n account of interested persons wisning to attend Another function to < o held on the earn© evening.