YOUNG MEN’S CLUBS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1260, 1 November 1884, Page 1

YOUNG MEN’S CLUBS.

The following appears in Church Bells :—“ It is a gratifying sight to see men in a high position taking an interest in things whieh concern very closely the well-being ot the rising generation. We refer to the fact of the Lord Mayor granting the use of the Mansion House,

and also presiding at a recent meeting of the Church of England Young Men’s Society, for the purpose of raising a fund in order to establish a Club and;’Home in the city of London. The need for some such uTstifution is apparent to any one who will give a little attention to the subject. We discuss the question as to how we shall reclaim and keep hold of our young men at Church Conferences ; but all this discussion and talk are of little avail if all ends in talk and nothing more ; and, therefore we trust that the sum asked for will be readily subscribed, and that the proposed Club will soon be an accomplished fact. The object of the Society is to improve the moral and spiritual tone of young men and lads and to protect them from evil influences, and it is for this that it is appealing for help to secure some eligible building for the purpose of a Club and Home. We well remember some weighty words spoken by the late Archbishop of Canterbury with regard to this work, and of the snares which beset young men coming to live in London ; and as lime goes en we trust that churchmen of all shades, of opinion will see that it is a matter which ought not to be set on one side. If we look after the rising generation and give them proper ideas of their duty both to the Church and the Nation, we need not fear for the future. And not only with regard to the metropolis is it necessary that there should be some Club for young men, but it Is equally necessary in the provinces. Every town and country village of any size should have its club room, where the young may resort after the day’s work is done. It cannot be denied but that in many places these Clubs have been started and great success has attended the efforts which have been made. The cosy room, bright with pictures ; the tables covered with the local newspapers ; the library shelves well stored with good and useful books ; the bagatelle board, the chessmen, the draughts—to say nothing of the lectures; debates, entertainments and social teas —have had their influence, and we would that there should be in every parish some such institution, and if only people will make a move in this matter we shall soon see a greater influence for good exerted’ among our young men and lads, the bone and sinew of the future men of our nation. And we would urge that these clubs where started, should be in some .cential position, with cheerful surroundings. We may also add that if these c'ubs are to be a real success, they must be on a broad basis without pai tisanship or hittternoss. “ Unity, peace, and concord” should be their motto and their aim.