NEW Y.M.C.A. HOSTEL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 585, 11 February 1929, Page 13

NEW Y.M.C.A. HOSTEL

The Minister of Education, tlie Hon. 11. Atmore, opened the Y.M.C.A. Boys’ Hostel in Allendale Road, Mount Albert, recently purchased by tlie Education Department for wards of the State, on Saturday afternoon. The large number present included Messrs. 11. R. Jenkins and G. C. Munns, M.P.’s. On behalf of the ratepayers, Mr. L. E. Rhodes, Mayor of Mount Albert, welcomed the Minister on his first official visit to the district.

Mr. C. J. Tunks. a director of the Y.M.C.A.. who presided, said the hostel was for boys who had shown themselves to be worthy of a secondary school education. In 1923 a venture with about ten boys had. been made at a home in Mount Eden, which had proved successful. The Y.M.C.A. had also been successful in managing the home. In 1925 a move was made to Mount Roskill. but in 1928 it was found that the hostel was too small so the building, which was about to be opened was purchased. There were 15 boys in residence in charge of the matron, Mrs. N. Robson. The hostel was very sumitable, especially regarding ‘ its surroundings and close proximity to the Mount Albert Grammar School, where most of the boys attended. Mr. Tunks said he wished to correct the rumour that the hostel was a junior probationary home. This was entirely wrong

Sir George Fowlds, who represented the Costley trustees, also emphasised the fact that the boys were selected as showing possibilities for secondary school education. All had good records at school and he welcomed them as an adjunct to the district.

The Minister said he realise/1 that his portfolio was most important and he would do anything in his power to make for better conditions for the boys and girls. He referred to the good fellowship existing between the bodies managing the home and said the arrangement was evidently very satisfactory. He gave an assurance of any help needed for the working of the home.

After a dedicatory prayer had been offered by the Rev. P. S. Smallfield the Minister declared the hostel open