Y.M.C.A’S SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 831, 27 November 1929, Page 11

Y.M.C.A’S SERVICE

PAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

A DIRECTOR’S GIFT

Gratification at the success that attended the activities of the Auckland branch of the Y.M.C.A. was expressed by the president, Mr. C. H. Furness, addressing a large assemblage of members at the 74th annual meeting last evening. The president, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, congratulated the general secretary, Mr. Vernon T. Drew, upon the interesting nature of the report and expressed thanks to the directors and officers of the association for their assistance during the year. The extent of the movement was referred to by Mr. Furness, who said the Auckland branch was one of 10,000 operating in 36 different countries, and having a membership of 2,000,000. The organisation was first started in London S 5 years ago, and was established in this city 75 years ago. There had been a proposal to eliminate the “C” from the title, but, in his opinion, the spiritual association was an all-important factor, and- he hoped that the day would never come when the “C” would be left out of the name.

A good deal of anxiety had been experienced by the directors during the year in finding the £1,500 required for the renovation of the interior of the building, he said, but this had been largely relieved when one of the directors unostentatiously made a gift of £SOO to the association. The donor desired to remain anonymous, but the association was deeply indebted to him.

Appreciation of the staff’s work was expressed by Mr. W. R. Ellingham, who seconded the motion. The association was holding its own with a membership of 1,661, he considered. After divisional officers had addressed the meeting on the work of various sections, the report and balance sheet were adopted. MORE MONEY REQUIRED The treasurer, Mr. R. H. Horsley, said that owing to the withholding of the association’s appeal during the year on account of the demands of the earthquake relief funds, the finances of the association had been strained, but it was hoped that the leeway would be made up during the coming 12 months, when an effort would be made to raise £2,000. The overdraft at present was £5,997. Officers were elected as follow: President, Mr. C. PI. Furness; vicepresidents, Mr. W. R. Ellingham, Mr. H. G. Fountain and Mr. James Ambury; lion, treasurer, Mr. R. H. Horsley; hon. secretary, Mr. Gordon Smith; hon. solicitor, Mr. J.' B. Johnston; auditor, Mr. B. L. Bagnall; directors, Sir George Richardson, Mr. A. T. Dow, Mr. A. C. Whitney, Mr. J. Tyler and Mr. B. B. Hooper. With the exception of Mr. Ambury, who was elevated from the directorate to vice-president and the new appointment of Mr. Smith as hon. secretary, the officers were all re-elected. Votes of thanks for their services during the year were passed to the following: The president, vice-presi-dents, Mr. W. Ellingham, chairman of the Finance Committee, Mr. Horsley, treasurer, Mr. Johnston, solicitor, and Mr. Bagnall,' auditor.

Thanks were also extended to the members of the Women’s Auxiliary, the auxiliary of the Boys’ Division and the volunteer workers of the association, special reference being made to the retiring president and secretary of the auxiliary, Mrs. Wainwright, and Miss M. Rhodes, for many years’ special service. Another vote of thanks was accorded to the staff for its loyalty and co-operation.