Successful Launching Of Jaycee Movement At Taupo

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 286, 1 August 1957, Page 5

Successful Launching Of Jaycee Movement At Taupo

TAUPO Jayeee was launched suceessfully with a membership oi' 35 at a meeting which was a model of good organisation and crisp, short speeehes. Mr II. W. Yaile, regional governor from Cambridge, presided at a gathering in the supper room of the Memorial Hall, which was almost packed to capaeity. Tlie proceedings were tainui down 011 a tape-recorder placed below the speakers' tahle.

Among visitors were Messrs J. 1). Howhind, presideiit of Putaruru Jayeee, I). Macdonald, of Hamilton, E. Holt, assistant regional governor, of Rotorua, Brian Mooney, regional secretary, A. Dorsey, of Hunterville, who brought greetirigs from tlie national executive, together with representatives of the Te Kuiti, Cambridge, Hamilton, Te Arolia, Taihape, Thames, Matamata, Putaruru, Rotorua and Tokoroa Jayeee groups. Loeal guest speakers were Messrs G. W. Foote (Rotary) and II. Philpott (Ghaniber of Commerce).

Commiinity Servlce Mr Howland said that Jayeee was a young -man's organisation — a service organisation — with two main ideals ; to serve the commiinity, and to develop themselves. The movement in New Zealand started 25 years ago and had grown to no fewer than 70 different brahches with an approximate memberslilp of 4000 young men. It had enjoyed a. terriflc impetus since the close of tlielast war.

Jayeee, be said was the tliird largest service organisation in the world, and the largest young meii's organisation. It was to be found in 80 couiitries, and was rapidly spreading ; it had 400,000 members. 'it is like Rotary International," lie said. "Its members understand bettei the man in the other eountry, and get to know him on a fellowship and seivice basls. We are alde to make oui ! ideals work." Mr Yaile said there were no fewer

than 16 Chambers in the Waikato region alone. Mr Dougal Macdonald, of Hamiiton, explained the administration which would be required at Taupo, and ended with tlie words : "The more you put into it, tlie more you get out of it," Two Cabinet Ministers Mr Foote, who apologised for the absence of the Mayor, said he thouglit Taupo would do weii to have Jayeee start hei-e. "Tlie more organisations there are foriued in this plaee to help us catch up, the better it will be ; and the more youth, the better we ean catch up," he said.

He said the strength of the Jayeee movement undoubtedly depend- ; ed upon the ability and activity of members. He hoped sineerely that it would have strong j backing from Ihe Kotary Club. Mr A. Dorsey, speaking for the AYellington executive, said tliat two former JayCees were now Cabinet Ministers — Messrs Halstead and Dean Eyre — and in tlie United States Mr Riehard Nixon, Auce-presklent, was once a leading member of Jayeee in America some yeai's ago. The following were elected to ' the local board (eommittee) : Messrs P. Staines, I). Stretton, Trevor Cato, N. I). Tilley, W. Lemberg, AY. Davies, T. Sutcliffe, B. Gibbs. Mr Staines was elected president, Alr Lemberg vicepresident, and Alr Tilley a national director.

Less Uphill Job Mr Philpott said lie was impressed : with the enthusiasm so evident at the meeting, and by the number who had travelled long distances to be present. He welcoined Jayeee to the organisations already at Taupo doing their best to help the town and the community forward.i "I am sure that with Taupo Jaycees tc help, the job will be less uphill," he said. "Jayeee has a great opportunity here, for Taupo is growing like a mushroom.

"It is your opportunity of exercising your community spirit . . . to co-operate also with the head of our civic life, the borough couucil. Let us not be afraid to criticise i when it is needed, but in the main let us get together and work together, to make this town a better oue." Alr Yaile said that the formation of Taupo Jayeee completed the link from oue end of the eountry to the other. After greetings had been expressed by members of visiting groups, supper was served.