TEMUKA YOUNG MEN'S CLUB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1251, 11 October 1884, Page 2

TEMUKA YOUNG MEN'S CLUB.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —While the above institution is an object of scrutiny, criticism, jealousy, correspondence, and debate, but, above all these, i)t general admiration, kindly permit me to say a word or two on the matter. We all are perfectly aware that all reformations which have taken alacf in this fallen and wicked world of ours has met with opposition, misunderstanding and active hostility in some shape or form. That this hostility has in a gre»t many instances been overruled for good is? unquestionable. But notwithstanding all this, we are not to do evil that good may come ; yet we cannot overlook the fact that criticism, if kindly offered, is a ufceful check, giving people to understand thst the eye of the world, and that a jealous eye, is upon them. Anyone taking an active part in this institution for the young*. lads of Teinuka cannot but be struck will) the facts I have asserted —that with all the hostile array the Y.M.C, is a credit to its promoter, and is proving a blessing to the communitv and giving the young men a tone and gentlemanly bearing, which hitherto tbey had not the rapans of acquiring. To say that the Club-room is always quiet would be an error which I would not wish to convey, and by pll means I would not wish to # see positive quietness. Young men will be young men, and it is quite as essential for them to be noisy at times ' as it is at other times to sleep. To crush their youthful hilarity and merriment, while it is innocent, would be in my mind to crush the very vitality which it is desirable to promote. On Thursday, 16th inst, the subject of the essay which will be read and commented on will be " Sympathy." This is a clear case of sympathy with the young—the promotiom of this institution by a noble, self-denying, God-fearing man, who does not cavil or talk tbout difficulties, but grapples with the diffiulty and actually overcomes it. Instead of crying, " There is a lion in the way, I will be slain in the streets." He boldly beards the lion, imagipary or real, and makes him subservient to his indomitable will. The subject (sympathy) will be an appropriate subject, because the sympathetic relations existing between the President and the young men is mutual, Tbey look to him almost as to a fathw,

and he certainly exercises a paternal care and authority over them : yet with mildness, coupled with strictness of discipline, inspiring their eeteem and affection without the least class distinction of nationality, creed or otherwise. No wonder the President is calm and undisturbed, haying the knowledge and assurance within himself that notwithstanding what other people may say or think he is of doing what is noble and right. There are always two aides to a question, and the President of the Club has got firm hold ot the right side, and I am much mistaken if he is not just the man to keep it. In conclusion, sir, I would denounce those most emphatically who would '• cough at a fly and swallow a camel "—who find ftult with innocent amusement and healthy recreation—especially gentlemen who are supposed to guide people in •the way in which they should go (which is especially appropriate to the young), but nevertheless would not touch any of the burden imposed on them with their little finger, except to find fault ; yet would have no remorsa of conscience in going to the house of feasting and drinking to the toast of some imaginary jolly good fellow—"for he's a jolly good felloooo." I may state, in cotclusion, that the benefits of the Club were manifest at the late elections. Compare the bear-garden exhibition when our late representative was speaking and when Messrs Cox and Rolleston were on the platform, and the public may judge and see the difference, —I am, etc., Sympathy.