Young Men's Christian Assotion.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2887, 17 May 1878, Page 2

Young Men's Christian Assotion.

A public meeting for the purpose of promoting a Young Men's Christian Association was held at the Cogregational Church, last evening. There was but a moderate attendance, and amongst those present we noticed:—The Hers. E. Laishley, S. J. Weill, J. T. Hinton; Messrs Eenshaw, Grigg, E. Hudson, McEoberts, Nodder, Purnell, Driver, Paterson, Bice, Mason, Coad, Home, Eipley, James, S. C. Mackie, Bright, Thompson, Sherlock jnr., E. Doidge, S. Meachem, Pascoe, Sherlock, sen., and a number of ladies.

Mr J. Eenshaw took the chair and called upon the choir to sing a hymn—"When Jesus Comes," after which the Eev. S. J. Neill engaged, in prayer. The Chairman said that the subject that had' brought them together was one of considerable importance, and one he hoped that would be fraught with blessings for the place. Young Men's Christian Associations followed the tendencies of the present age—cosmopolitan. Unity was strength, and they all knew that individual efforts were not so successful as joint efforts. This was recognised in all the modern affairs of the world, so that if the Association they wished to form was to

be successful it would have to be the result of united effort. In Uieir, own religious communities a great deal, of Christian work was done, but they required to have something further than that, something that would bring the young men of all denominations together. It seemed to him that if the Young Men's Christian Association was formed it would benefit the whole place. Young people were beset with temptations, and it was for the purpose of guiding them aright that this and similar societies were formed. Young men were not well looked after in one respect here, • and though they had their cricket clubs and football associations, there was nothing like a Young Men's Christian Association. If it was well taken up he had no doubt but that it would be a success. There > was a lengthy programme to go through, and he would not detain them. If the proceedings were as successful as the promoters hoped they would be, they would have inaugurated a movement that would be of great and lasting good to the place. The Key. J. T. Hinton said, as secretary of the provisional committee, he was to give tbeni an account of his stewardship. Dr Somerville as they all knew had given a special service for young men, on whom he had urged the necessity of forming a Young Men's Christian Association. About 30 persons had met the Doctor after his discourse, and the following was the brief notes of what he had said to them:—After again urging them to form an Association, he had said that anyone under 110 was a young man. The young men were the hope of the Colony, and would be the leaders by-and-bye. It was necessary to protect them from scepticism, and also to form a public opinion amongst them. They might hold Bible classes, lectures, &c, and they must have a good organisation, which to a society was what a back bone was to a man. Without a back bone a man was a protoplasm fit for nothing but to make men of. They also might lcok after the young men who were con ■ tinually passing through the town. If they did not they would be lured, and fall into habits of drinking, gambling and vice. They should also have a good secretary and a well-lighted meeting room. The speaker explained the cause of the delay there had been in calling a public meeting: they had been unable to get any information from Auckland, the fact being that the Young Men's Christian Association of Auckland were revising their own constitution. He had now the data required. Mr Hinton read the constitution of the Auckland Association, and then urged to some length the vrlue of combination in Christian efforts.

The Eev. J. Nixon said he was glad to take a prominent part in all institutions for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Thames, and he was one with the object that had brought them together. There were many Christian young men in the place with talent and ability, who only required something to bring them out. This a Young Men's Christian Association would do, and a vast amount of good would be done. He advocated the holding of religious services at the theatres, and after referring to the evils springing out of* the pernicious literature and Atheistic lectures, he promised to assist the Association by all means in his power. Choir—" I have a Saviour."

The Rev. S. J. Neill next addressed the meeting, and from the number of men who had wailed on Dr Somerviile and the number present to-night, he prognosticated its success. The rev. gentleman gave an instance of an Association with which he was connected that had died out five times, and now was one of the most flourishing in the United Kingdom. He was pleased to see the number of institutions for young men here, such as volunteer companies, Mechanics' Institute. They should lay their account not to interfere with those societies, but rather to work in harmony with them. Mr T. James moved, " That a Young Men's Christian Association be formed on the Thames," and in doing so gave some humorous reminiscences of a similar society with which he was connected with some 20 years ago. * Mr Pocock seconded the motion.

The Rev. R. Laishley addressed the meeting on the advisability of having the Association managed by young men. After a few further remarks from the Chairman the resolution was put and carried unanimously, and the public meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman and the Congregational Church., Carried on the motion of Mr H. Driver, junr. In response to a request of the Chairman, about 33 persons remain d behind, and were enrolled as members, and six as honorary members, and the meeting was adjourned till Thursday, the 23rd inst.