Y.M.C.A. BOYS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1939, Page 4

Y.M.C.A. BOYS

VISITORS FROM WELLINGTON. COMPETITORS IN MASTERTON. Under the leadership of Mr Geo Briggs, Boys’ Work Director, a party of eleven senior boys from the Wellington Y.M.C.A. visited Masterton during the weekend to compete with boys of the local Association in games and other activities. The visitors were the guests of the Masterton Y.M.C.A. Optimists’ Club. Two keen games of indoor basketball were played, the score being 22/18 in the first game and 24/15- in the second, in favour of the Wellington teams in each case. Mr D. Leet acted as referee in both games. In table tennis, the visiting boys secured an overwhelming win. some really firstclass play being in evidence. Mr lan Coleman was in charge of this part of the programme. The billiard tournament was in the hands of Mr E. J. Coleman and this resulted in a draw. A Scripture reading contest was held and the Rev F. J. Parker, who judged the event, awarded a total of 186 points to Wellington and 195 to Masterton. Mr Parker made interesting comments on the individual performances and gave helpful advice to the readers. An interesting feature of the programme was a debate on the subject "That Mechanisation is Killing Initiative.” In this the honours went to Masterton by a very narrow margin, the points being 144 and 140 to the respective teams. Mr Ted Esler acted as chairman and Mr Don McCurdy, the adjudicator, gave some very helpful advice to the contestants at the conclusion of the debate. Most of the events took place on Saturday evening and the programme was preceded by an excellent tea provided by the Optimists’ Club. Mr E. J. Coleman, vice-president of the Y.M.C.A., and Mr Murray Finlayson, vice-president of the Optimists Club, welcomed the Wellington party to Masterton and Mr L. Anderson suitably replied on behalf of the visitors. A motor run into the country had been planned, but this had to be cancelled on account of the restriction on petrol supplies. Instead, a visit was paid to the Fish Hatcheries and to Messrs C. E. Daniell's Timber Factory, great interest being shown in the activities at both places. • The visiting boys were J. Thomas, J. Moncrieff, N. Miles. K. James, RHalcrow, B. Cody, L. Anderson I. Cooze. J. Edwards, G. Albert and O. Smith. The Masterton Y.M.C.A. was represented by E. Bellis, E. Welch, E. Jaspers, J. Pauling, R. Slatter, C. Lyttle, L. Cretney, A. Carmine, D. Ranston, R. Selby and W. Reynolds. The visitors returned to Wellington by railcar on Sunday evening.