Y.M.C.A.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9544, 16 July 1909, Page 5

Y.M.C.A.

PUBLIC WELCOME TO MR ALFRED SNOWBALL.

The Town Hall was well filled last evening, the occasion being an entertainment under the auspices of the. Masterton Y.M.C.A., organised for the purpose of extending a public welcome to the new General Secretary of the institution, Mr Alfred Snowball, and his family. The first part of the programme consisted of a most interesting and instructive display, given by ths physical culture classes of Mr R. O. Jarrett, instructor to the Y.M.C.A., showing the advance made by the classes during the first term. Over sixty pupils occupied the stage, and the auiience ware treated to an exhibition of physic il culture that came as a most agreeable surprise. The pupils ara trained, according to the well-known Sandow system of physical culture, and their performances last evening reflect the greatest credit on MrJarrett's capabilities as an instructor The Boy Scouts gave an exhibition of physical drill under Scout-master Collier, and ambulance work on active service lines under the supervision of Mr A. Donald, and breathing exercises, which testified to the rapid and excellent progress made by this department of the Association Bince its inception. Th 9 display by the general body of the junior and senior pupils comprised interesting evolutions including pyramids, towers, walls, tumbling, ana general drill. *Mr Jarrett concluded the first part with a brilliant exhibition of "fire club

swinging." The second half of the programme was devoted to addresses of welcome to the new secretary.

Tha chair was occupied by the Mayor, Mr P. L. Rollings, and a number of prominent suppoitera of the Y.M.C.A. also occupied seats on the stage.

The Chairman explained the object of the gathering, and congratulated Mr Jarrett on the splendid exhibition of physical culture that evening. Referring to the recent criticisms on the institution he said the Y.M.C.A. wae accomplishing good work, and the exhibition that evening was an evidence of what was being done. He was against the proposal for the Association to start a refreshment bar. There was plenty of scope to extend the Association if the people of the district would supply the means to do it. They were doing splendid work, and would continue to do so. Tt was the obvious duty of the people of Masterton to lend their support if the Association was to progress along right lines. As President of the Association he extended a hearty welcome to Mr Snowball, their new General Secretary (applause) and

his family. The speaker concluded with an appeal to those present to , assist and co-operate with their new ~ Secretary. f Mr H. N. Holmes. Secretary of the Wellington Y.M.C.A. also extended - a cordial welcome to Mr Snowball. ' The Association, he said exercised an influence that brought out the best . qualities in every young man. Not ; only was he developed from a physical point of view, but. alsi mentally ■ and morally. Ha referred to the great question of national defence, . and said that he agreed with those • authorities who stated that it was ■ necessary by physical culture to de- , vel )p a better type of man. The man who had been trained physically, , mentally and morally, was one who I . by his manliness would save the na- ; tion in the event of a crisis, and in this direction the Y.M.C.A. throughout the Empire was doincr a noble work. In conclusion, he ex- I pressed the hope that the public of Masterfon would rally round the new Secretary and give him every assistance. Mr Jas. McGregor said they had been accused by some people of failing to take advantage of the closing of the hotels, and of not provid ing a suitable substitute for the occup a tion of the yotng men of the town. The Y.M.C.A. had that afternoon sketched out a new programme, and if it were carried it was going to cost th6m £SOO for the first year. He severely criticised those who had adversely commented on the religious side of tho Association. If they were going to carry out their new programme they would have to raise a large sum of money, but be- ) sides this they must have the absolute co-operation and sympathy of the public. If the young men wanted to make progress intellectually aid physically they must be in earnest. < The Y.M.C.A. Management was anxious that the young men should j go out into the world equipped with the best weapons to enable them to lead an honourable and straight life. , He extended a heariy welcoma to , their new Secretary. - t Mr Snowball, who was greeted . with applause, thanked all thosa who had extended to him such a hearty welcome. He would, like to answer some of the criticisms recently made regarding the Association,and it seemed ad if some of the critics were under a misapprehension, It was not fair to throw stones at those who had so nobly suppored '* the institution. It was not true that ' a young man could only enter the Association through a Bible Class. Q Provided a man was of a good mora * character he would be welcomed in the institution. He would like to see the billiard table introduced in the Y.M.C.A. If the spiritual part of their work was remove! they were doomed to disaster. A young man who wanted to advance In the world must realise the importance of intellectual improvement, and their educational classes, and debating societies were evidence of this. Regarding the plysieal clashes those c present had thnt evening seen what the institution was capable of doing. The Y.M.C.A. was the centre of " things social, and a great power for good. The institution was worthy of " their support. The problem of providing adequate provision at their own rooms required serious con- s sideration. Ha appealed to parents to send their sons to the Y.M.C.A., and they would develop and train them for a life of usefuless. During the evening a song, "Star- n ha," wa3 sung by Miss McGregor, s and a quartette rendered. "Hu'l, j Soiling Mm," and "Sweet aid iLow. !-° Ihe Masterton Orchestral Society j A played several careful]/ seieettd items. Mr Inns played the accompaniments. c