YOUNG MEN'S CLUB FOR TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1186, 3 June 1884, Page 2

YOUNG MEN'S CLUB FOR TEMUKA.

TO THE EDITO*. Sir, —The thanks of the community are undoubtedly due to you for drawing attention to the lawlessness prevailing in the township. The state of things so forcibly pointed out in the leading articles of your paper is much to be deplored ; but it must be borne in mind that the practical jokes, horse-play, etc., indulged in by the "larrikins," if merely their misguided manner of relieving the pent up and natural energy of youth, which seeks a safety valve in recreation of some sort. " Let it be granted," then, that " larrikinism " if mainly owing to the want of some rational amusement after the" day'e. work is done. I propose to supply this desideratum by the formation of a " Young Men's Club," composed of all -—' denominations. The young men might select their own president, vice-presidents, etc., and manage their affairs entirely themselves, countenanced and supported by, not only the gentlemen, but by the ladies of the district. My idea is, that they should hire a suitable building and fit it up as a place to bold meetings of every description, e,g,, Liecturei (scientific and otherwise), Music, Theatricals, etc. ; here gymnastics, boxing, fencing, etc., might be freely indulged in ; here also all fixturai for athletic games, such as cricket, football, tennis, etc., might be arranged, by subcomraitteas specially appointed i r <«ch game, Last Saturday I received a letter fr<>in Mr Postlethwaite, M.H.R., containing the following neble and generous offer : —" I think your suggestion of a 'Young Men's Club'a very good one, and should you be able to start such an institution I shall be very pleased to give £5, and an annual subscription of £l, as long as it is conducted in a Christian spirit." I take this opportunity of publicly thanking Mr Postlethwaite for his kindly interest in ' our district, and trust that the leading men of Temuka will follow the example thus set by an outsider, and one, moreover, who suffered indignity at the hands of Temuka larrikins. I am in communication with the Secretary of the " Young Men's Club " in Christchurch, and hope to have their rules and regulations, etc., in time for the public meeting, which i have convened for Thursdav next. —I am, etc., Thos. A, HxMiiiTOir. The Parsonage, Temuka, • 2nd June, 1884.