FUTURE BUILDING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 March 1939, Page 8

FUTURE BUILDING

ACTIVITIES OF MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. WIDE SCOPE OF WORK. “Building for the Future,” is the title given to the 34th annual report of the Masterton Y.M.C.A., to be presents ed at the annual meeting of the Association tonight. In its opening passages the report states: “We have entitled our report for the year ending February 28, 1939 ‘Building for the Future,' as a review of the period impresses us by reason of the extensive building activity in a two-fold sense which has characterised the year. In a very true sense top, it can be maintained that this building has been ‘for the future? In one direction it has represented an acutely needed enlargement of the association's facilities in a form and to an extent whicn should prove fully adequate for a great many years to come. But that, though regarded as absolutely essential, is purely material. There is another form of ‘building for the future’ which is peculiarly the association's job—and to which we have addressed ourselves as faithfully as possible during the past year. This has been in the form of the development and strengthening of character which is ‘building for the future’ in good citizenship.” The report goes on to pay a tribute to the work of the directors and of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, and to refer in detail to the many activities of the Association, classified under spiritual, intellectual, physical and social service. “A tremendous need of today is the practical interpretation of ’ spiritual things to the minds of modern youth,” the report states. This cannot be done by abstract teaching merely, but by the presentation of practical ways of living and doing things by linking them up to the spiritual. We feel that work with individuals rather than with groups counts for much in these matters and the timely word and practical advice which it has been pur privilege to give at times, has meant a good deal more than all the lectures and talks, though these latter have definitely provided the background.” Reference is made to the holding of interdenominational meetings, to the Week of Prayer, specialised educational work, Optimist plub, gymnasium and physical culture wprk, indoor basketball, swimming tests, social activities, winter sports club, billigrd com? petitions, specjal service and many, other community enterprises. As the result of additions and improvements to the Y.M.C.A. buildings effected during (he year the association had the finest equipment of any provincial Y.M.C,A. in New Zealand. /“In addition to the splendid response to the appeal for the building completion funds,” the report states, “the association was the recipient in of several splendid gifts. From the Macarthy Trustees £5O was received; £lO more than in the previous year. The Mastertpn Trust Lands Trustees again, came forward to help us, their grant being £lO with a possible increase before the end of their financial year. (An additional £lO has been received subsequently). The Ladies’ Auxiliary increased their gift by £1 to £25 for the year. To these donors we extend our sincere thanks. The gratitude of the directors was again called forth by the helpful action of the Masterton Borough Council in remitting half the rates for the current year. The sum thus saved Amounted to £24 6s.

The public response to Mr L. B. Maunsell’s endeavour to establish a memorial to our late beloved president, Mr H. M. Peacock, was very gratifying. Over £llO was subscribed in this way. including the money received in lieu of wreaths and this is to be devoted to the furnishing of the new hall and a suitable inscription tablet. In this connection we are grateful to Mrs Peacock for the gift of a splendid framed portrait of Mr Peacock for hanging in the hall. Thanks aye accorded to all who assisted the Association during the year. The- report is signed bv the president. Mi- W. A. Clarke and the retiring general secretary, My A. E. Bate.