RED SHIELD CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2002, 12 July 1919, Page 2

RED SHIELD CLUB.

TO BE OPENED LOCALLY. A meeting convened by Captain Collin, of the Salvation Army, -to discuss the advisability of opening an Instinte for youths and young men in Eoxton, was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday night. The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) presided over a fair attendance. Caplain Coffin slated that the Salvation Army had decided to open an institute in Eoxton for the use of youths and young men, and the present meeting was,-convened to put the proposal before the public, and to solicit their support. At a recent meeting convened by the organiser of the Y.M.C.A. the question of .forming a branch of that organisation in Eoxton was discussed, and it was decided (hat as the Salvation Army had already moved in the direction of establishing an institute, that they he given a clear field for six months, and if at the end of that period the project was not a success, then the Y.M.C.A. would again consider the matter. In view of this decision, Captain Coffin said he had leased the building recently occupied by Dr. Mandl for six months, with the right of a renewal for three years, and had convened this meeting to put the aims and objects before the public. It was proposed to run the institute on the same lines as the Salvation Army Red Shield Clubs in England. The Eoxton institution would be the first of its kind established in New Zealand. The institute would comprise a social hall, three games rooms (hobs, bagaetlle, chess, draughts, etc.), rending and writing rooms, and a room for the use of returned soldiers. So fax', upwards of 20 young fellows had signified their intention of joining the club. It was pi’oposed to charge oxxly a nominal membership fee,, say about five shillings per anxxuxn. The institute woxxld lie purely non-sectarian, and it was proposed should he managed by a hoard consisting of six members elected by the public, together with the officer in charge of the Salvation Army in Eoxton. It was estimated that the expenses in connection with the institute would amount to about£l2,permonth, andCommissioner Hoddex’ had made a donation of £SO towards same,' He estimated the cost of famishing I lux building would be about £l5O. Aftei' discussion, it was decided (hat a Red Shield Club be opened in Eoxton, and that it be controlled by a hoax'd of management of six citizens, together with. Captain Coffin. The membership foe was fixed at one shilling per mouth, returned sol■diei’s to have six months’ free membership. The question of ways and moans of raising the money necessary for furnishing the 'building was discussed, and it was decided to make a canvass for donations for same.

It is proposed to open the Club on (lie 30(h instant. The election of the board of management was then proceeded 'with, the following nominations being, received;—Messrs M. E. Perreau, 0. A. Tver, J. Chrvstall, E..Hoalev, F. D. Whibley, P. W. Brown, A. E. Wainwright, A. Morgan, and R, MeMurray. The-ballot resulted in the election of (he following;—Messrs Tver, .Whibley, Perreau. Chrvstall, Brown and Me Murray. 1

A meeting of the board of management was held subsequently, when Captain Coffin was elected chairman, Mr G. A. Tver secretary, and Mr P, W. Brown treasurer. A further meeting will be held next Wednesday evening, to adopt rules.