MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1940, Page 6

MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS PROMISES OF SUPPORT. MEETING OF CITIZENS LAST NIGHT. A well attended meeting of citizens was held in the Y.M.C.A. last night to consider ways and means of helping the association through the present difficult times. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr T. Jordan) the chair was taken by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr W. White, who outlined the work that the Y.M.C.A. was doing in Masterton. Mr White made special reference to the work of the Ladies' Auxiliary and also congratulated many of those present who had given more than 20 years’ service. He stated that the council was very sympathetic towards the movement, even though at times it was unable toi help financially.

Mr White then introduced Mr Hodder who apologised for the absence of the National Secretary, Mr Braested.

Mr C. S. Falconer, chairman of the National Council, sent a telegram expressing his best wishes for a successful meeting. It was more urgent today than ever before, he said, that the work of the association should be continued one hundred per cent and on a firm basis, as the welfare of youth was a sacred charge of the community. Mr Hodder explained that it was necessary to budget for an expenditure of £7OO. There was only one paid officer, the secretary. Every other officer and instructor gave his or her services free and the thanks of the association were due to these ladies and gentlemen. Mr Hodder set out the principal items of expenditure and income as follow: —

Receipts: Subscriptions, £118; associate members. £6O; gymnastic display, £l5; grants and donations, £140; rentals, £75; legacy from the late Mr Guild, £100; deficit, £201; total £709. Expenditure: Secretary. £312; cleaning. £66; heating. £6O; rates, £46; rei*t and insurance. £25; sundries, £200: total, £709.

He pointed out the very low amount for advertising and repairs and maintenance. The advertising was at a ridiculously low figure and the association was very grateful to the local Press for the very generous treatment it always received. The repairs and maintenance items was only £5 and this figure was achieved because of the help they received from the members both young and old. It was pointed out that every child or adult paid a subscription for the use of the institution. «' Tn one or two cases the subscription was reduced but in no case was the subscription done away with. This enabled the youngsters to feel that they had earned their right to be present. Mr Hodder pointed out that every year there was a gap to be bridged of from two to three hundred pounds, and in spite of the difficult times, it was necessary that the work should go on. Mr Hodder - pointed out that the Y.M.C.A. was available for the children of soldiers who had gone overseas. Throughout New Zealand, of course, the Y.M.C.A. was open to all soldiers.

The speaker then went on to outline the method by which lhe campaign was to be conducted. The suggestion was that there should be a week's campaign starting on Monday. July 1. It was expected that the ladies would organise a street day appeal. Some of the younger members were undertaking a copper - trail. Different branches of the physical departments wore also doing their part. The greatest part of the work would be tire personal appeal. Mr Esler suggested that it should be possible to raise £1 a head from the three hundred people. Mr F. Peterson thought that the rates and rent should be remitted but Councillor White pointed out that while the building was let rates had to be paid. Mr J. Coleman expressed his willingness to help and hoped that it should be possible to find the required £5OO.

All in the room offered their services in whatever way those services could be best used. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Whitc for the very able manner in which he carried out his duties as chairman.