RECREATION AT MANGAHAO.

Shannon News, 21 June 1921, Page 3

RECREATION AT MANGAHAO.

OPENING OF Y.M.C.A? HUTMENT

Only those who were brave enough to visit the scene of the Mangahao hydro-electric works in the earlier stages have any idea of the discomforts to which the unlucky worker had to submit, and until the advent o'? the Y.M.C.A. little or nothing was done to make the life livable. The initial efforts were made by a few concert parties from Levin, and then followed a more permanent sendee when the National Committee of the Y.M.C.A. sent Mr Morton, who soon made himself indispensible to the welfare of the men. Recognising the great value of such work, the Public Works Department decided on the erection of a hutment at the Arapeti for the use of the Y.M.C.A. secretary, and a commodious and comfortable building, the first of its kind in New Zealand was completed last week, and opened in the presence of a large gathering by the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister for Public Works, on Friday evening. The arrangements for the function were made by the present Y.M.C.A. officer stationed at Mangahao, Mr Paterson Campbell, and a small committee of ladies who are living at the works. Visitors from Shannon, Levin, Palmerston North, Wellington and blastings were present, among them being Hon. C. M. Luke, Mr H. W. Kersley (representing the Y.M.-C.A. Board of Directors, Wellington), Messrs. F. W. Furkert and Dinnie (of the Public Works Department), G. W. Hughes, A. Varney and C. R. Edmonds (of the Y.M.C.A., Wellington), E. il. Crabb (chairman of the HydroElectric League), R. Harding (representing the Y.M.C.A., Hawke’s Bay district) arid D. W. Matheson (Mayor of Levin). The hut is capable of seating at least 200 men, and has a billiard table, piano, library and a cinema v plant, for the showing of a tri-weekly picture programme provided by the Y.M.C.A.’s own cinema circuit, and no doubt it is going to be‘ of inestimable benefit to the men, women apd children in becoming tne centre of social, educational and religions activity.

The chair was taken at the function by Mr H. W. Kersley, who, in his opening remarks, said everyone knew what the organisation had done in the camps and at the front. They were now endeavouring to reach the industrial camps, and make life brighter and happier for the men employed in them. Their building had •been erected with that object, and the speaker hoped that it would truly fulfil its purpose. He then asked the Hon. J. G. Coates to open the building.

The” Minister, who was greeted enthusiastically, expressed his thanks for the invitation to be present that evening. He Avished to say that the Public Works Department, as a Department, recognised the good work that the Y.M.C.A. Avas doing, and thoroughly appreciated it. In some parts of New Zealand, where similar huts had been erected, a committee appointed by the Workers’ Union, in conjunction Avith the Y.M.C.A. secretary, handled all matters in connec lion Avith social work, and had absolute control. The speaker, too, realised that the influence of the Y.M.C.A. Avas all for good and he"would do all lie could to help it along. When those outside knew what the Avork ot .the organisation amongst the men in the backblocks was so much appreciated, they Avoid'd assist also. He hoped that the hut Avould be a service, convenience and comfort to the men and Avomen who Avere going to use it in the future, for Avhom the enjoyment of ordinary social activities and delights Avas impossible. With regard to the men’s living huts, the engineers had seen to it that conditions had improved! would improve. He remembered the time Avhen tents were the only accommodation ever thought of on such Avorks, bid the Avar bad taught them how to build comfortable living quarters quickly and easily. He had much pleasure fin declaring the hut open for the use of thb people at. Mangahao. (Applause.)

Hon. C.'M. Luke reminded the chairman that Mr Morton’s appearance at Mangahao was not the first evidence of the interest of the Y.M.C.A. in those living there, and they were indebted to the parties from Levin and surrounding districts which had come to entertain them from time to time. The Y.M.C.A. authorities were deeply interested in the men, and more especially in the women and children at the works. They had claims upon the people in the centres, whose duty it was to endeavour to brighten their lonely lives. What the Y.M.C.A. had done in the past was au earnest of what it could do and intended to do in the centres of industry. Messrs. F. W. Furkert (engineer-in-chief), J. McNamara (representing the New Zealand Workers’ Union), and C. R. Edmonds (industrial secretary of the Y.M.C.A., Wellington) also spoke. Speaking as pfesillent of Palmerston North Hydro-Electric League, Mr E. 11. Crabb said the Y.M.C.A. was to be congratulated for its enterprise, and the Department wa/ also for

realising its value. He knew that no words could sufficiently praise the courage ol' the pioneer women of New Zealand, who had not received a tithe of the credit to which they were entitled. The women who had come there to look after their men were worthy of" all Tuey could do for them, and the hut would prove a veritable God-send in helping to dispel the monotony of after-working hours. Its existence proved that amid all the restlessness and dissatisfaction that was abroad, there was also a spirit of helpfulness. From that point of view alone the Y.M.C.A. was doing magnificent work. A musical programme was contributed to by Miss Massey (Wellington), Messrs S. J. Gilbert and D. W. Matheson (Levin), and L. Bowen. Mr Bowen also made x an efficient accompanist. Choruses were also sung. Afterwards supper, prepared by the iadies, was partaken of, and the floor was then cleared for dancing.