PROSPECTS BRIGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1938, Page 2

PROSPECTS BRIGHT

COMMUNITY VALUE OF Y.M.C.A. STRESSED INFLUENCE OF ASSOCIATION EXTENDING. WORK OF SECRETARY PRAISED. “We think it is true to say that never has the Masterton Y.M.C.A. occupied such an influential place in the community and never have the prospects for still greater extension been brighter,” stated the General Secretary, Mr. A. E. Bate, at . the annual meeting of the Y.M.C.A. last night. The chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. W. A. Clarke, presided over a good attendance. In his annual report, extracts of which appear in other columns, Mr. Bate reviewed the work of the past year. After having referred to the business transacted at the recent Y.M.C.A. convention in Wellington, Mr. Clarke went on to deal with the improvements effected to the association buildings during the year. The extensions carried out were most necessary in view of the rapid growth of the activities of the association during the past two or three years. Mr. Bate reported that a loss of £46 6s 8d had been made on the year’s working.

While the financial position of the association might not be as bright as last year, Mr. Clarke said that he thought that on the whole it was very satisfactory. Now that the Y.M.C.A. was on the map he did not anticipate much difficulty in obtaining financial support. He looked to the future with confidence and considered that if they provided a service they would receive the'funds necessary to carry on.

The following were elected to the directorate: Messrs' E. G. Coddington, W. A. Clarke, E. J. Coleman, W. R. Nicol, E. Lyttle, P. G. Ramsay, J. D. Ross, A. Tatton. Others on the directorate vzho were not due to retire are: —Messrs G. Masters, C. Jones, E. M. Hodder, G. R. Beecroft, J. A. Kennedy, H. L. Pearce, and F. L. Price. Mr G. Masters referred with pleasure to the most comprehensive report on the year’s activities and the many branches of the association’s work submitted by Mi’. Bate. But for the wonderful annual reports prepared by Mr. Bate, he did not think many people would know much about the Y.M.C.A. Mr. E. M. Hodder moved that very sincere appreciation of the work done, particularly during the past year, by Mr. Bate be placed on record. It was quite obvious that Mr. Bate had a wonderful grip ( of the Y.M.C.A. work and they were particularly fortunate to have as secretary a man of such capabilities and enthusiasm. Mr. Bate had made the working of the Y.M.C.A. a one man job and the whole of the activities emanated from his brain and enthusiasm. The public of Masterton fully appreciated the sterling character, ability and enthusiasm of Mr. Bate.

In seconding the motion, Mr. J. A. Kennedy said to Mr. Bate it was not a job but a hobby. He was undoubtedly the right man in the right place. The motion was carried by acclamation.

Votes of thanks' wee passed to the Ladies’ Auxiliary for providing supper, the retiring directors and the assistant secretary.