THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1919. AN OPPORTUNE MOVEMENT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 20 June 1919, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1919. AN OPPORTUNE MOVEMENT.

I For some little time past a number of residents of Otaki have been somewhat exercised over the necessity of providing some means ot recreation, specially in the winter evenings, for our boys and young men. This matter was brought before the public through our editorial columns, and recently was taken up energetically by the Rev. F. Petrie, vicar of Otaki. and formed the subject of considerable discussion at the last meeting of the Ot.aki I.iter- ) ary and Debating Club. It would therefore seeth most opportune- —almost providential, in fact —that: at this particular juncture an effort should be made to resuscitate interest in the Y.M.C.A. throughout this district For years a vigorous branch of the Y.M.C.A. was in existence in Levin, but gradually lapsed. This branch has now been re-formed, and if is proposed to establish branches aNo at Otaki, Shannon and Foxtpn. with headfpiarters at Levin. Mr s. .T. Gilbert has been appointed by the provincial authorities as organising secretary for this district, covering the centres named, and is now -working most energetically in the direction indicated. The project has always met with considerable support, and there is every prospect of its being carried out su*cessfuliy. Mr Gilbert has called a meeting of all interested in the torination of a branch at Otaki, for Wednesday evening next, as advertised, an*, we confidently recommend all interested ill the welfare of our young men to attend that gathering. The Y.M.C.A. has made enormous strides during the past few years. It is an undenominational organisation that, has proved its worth in America and every part of the British Empire, doing magnificent work amontr all classes of young men, whom it seeks to entertain and benefit physically, mentally and morally. During the years of war the Y.M.C.A. proved otic of the very finest institutions. exerting a tremendous influence in a remarkable degree, its excellent organisation enabling it to do most effective work in a thorough, businesslike and acceptable manner among the soldiers, who are unanimous in their praise of the organisation, than which no institution has a better record or can show finer results. YYe heartily welcome the proposal to establish branches ar the various centres of this district. With the ending of the war our voting men are coating hack to us in large numbers, and no other body is so well fitted to grapple with the problems of the social life of these aad ..tfcir tarn as, the Y'AI.C.A.. which has the advent agge <sf its wonder- . fttl organisation ami its unique experii*nce of the past low years. ' Trie welfare of ntif boys and young l«*n N a

responsibility that devolve* upon us all. We ail have a duty so fulfil it? this respect. Therefore we would urge all local residents to give their wholehca/fed assistance to the present movement. We fcaoe tf see tt large and representative .gathering c.i {he Otaki Town Hull os Wednesday cvrai|ji«t ; jo meet Mr Gilbert asd * eke definite steps towards the cbEscinination ! of the i proposed sekesi*.