COMMUNITY WORK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1938, Page 9

COMMUNITY WORK

ACTIVITIES OF MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

WORK OF PAST YEAR REVIEWED. “SUCCESS GREATER THAN EVER.” “Speaking generally, the year has been one of greater success than ever,” stated the annual report of the Master-' ton Y.M.C.A., which was adopted at last night’s meeting. “All special functions,” the report added, “have passed previous years’ levels, in some cases by large percentages, and the tremendous success of the revived annual concert, as well as the building activity speak for themselves of the progress taking place. The Board of Directors has had a particularly busy year. Eleven regular meetings were held, and three special meetings. At practically all of these meetings, particularly the special ones, a great deal of time was devoted to the building proposals, which were only adopted when all the facts had received thorough consideration.” Having dealt with the fine administration work of the secretary, Mr A. E. Bate, the assistant secretary, Mr C. Greager, and voluntary helpers, the report went on to refer to the activities of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, who voted the sum of £24 to the Association at the end of the year. After considerable space was given to spiritual and social service activities of the Association the report stated: “In all of these activities, a full measure of success has attended the efforts of all concerned, and all in their ownl way met under ideal conditions, some of the needs of those taking part. In this way a real contribution to the happiness and development of our fellow men can be justly claimed “In the field of employment,” the report added, “the association has done a little to bring prospective employers and employees together, but during the past year very few boys have been without work. Our records show six farm, one garage, one shop position filled. In addition about 30 odd gardening jobs have been filled. Evidence of the popularity of the rooms for meeting purposes is seen by reason of the fact that over 75 different organisations used the rooms last year for nearly 400 gatherings—an average increase of over 60 per cent on the previous year.” The work and influence of the Optimist Club, Esperanto Club and the gymnasium facilities were comprehensively dealt with in the report. Referring to the gymnasium, the report stated: —“The maximum roll in the Gymnasium in any one month was 146, and the total enrollment was 184 (156 in 1936). Attendances in October, when special concert practices were being held were 704, compared with 312 in 1936, well over 100 per cent increase, and with the girls’ classes at the High School the figures came to 969.”

Touching on the buildings, the report stated: —"In our last annual report reference was made to the need for additional floor space, and the hope was expressed that something would be done in the near’ future. It is with real pleasure that we are able to report that definite progress has been made, and the alterations and additions are well on the way. These are to provide for a Hall 42 feet by 31; a lobby, an enlarged kitchen, two dressing rooms, a Secretarial Office, and a gymnasium apparatus room. The contract price was £1232.” The report concluded with expressions of thanks to all who had assisted during the year, particular mention being made of Mr R. M. Brasted, the National Secretary, the president (Mr G. R. Beecroft) and members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, the Borough Council, the Macarthy Trust, and the hon. auditor, Mr A. D. Low and hon. solicitor, Mr H. H. Daniell.