FATHERS & SONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1940, Page 7

FATHERS & SONS

Y.M.C.A. GATHERING HELD LAST NIGHT ATTENDANCE OF OVER hundred. HAPPY SPIRIT PREVAILS. The annual Father and Son Banquet under the auspices of the Masterton Y.M.C.A. was held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms last night and proved one of the most successful functions of its kind yet held. The Women's Auxiliary, directors of the association, and many others all worked hard to make the gathering a success. Well over one hundred boys and their fathers attended. Mi’ E. M. Hodder, chairman of the Board of Directors, presided, and associated with him was Mr F. Cody. The proceedings- commenced with a welcome by Mr Hodder, followed by Grace, the Loyal Toast and the National Anthem. In proposing the toast of the "Y.M.C.A.,” John Blackwood made a particularly appropriate speech, referring to the valuable work of the association among the youth of the community. Mr R. Gilbert gave a vocal solo which met with much applause. He later song "There Will Always be an England,” in which all joined in. The item was so popular with the boys that it was repeated. The toast of "Our Dads” was proposed by Dave Parsons, and responded to by Dr N. H. Prior, and the toast "Our Sons” was proposed by Mr G. Masters and responded to by Dick Esler. ’ An item, "Traffic Song” and “Chips,” led by Mr C. W. Gaze (secretary) proved very popular, in addition to being highly instructive. “God Defend New Zealand” was also a popular item. Mr F. Cody, associate chairman, expressed thanks to the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A.. the board of directors, Mr W. White (deputy-Mayor), Mrs W. G. Perry (pianiste), Mr Gaze and all who had assisted in the preparation of the banquet. Mi’ White briefly addressed those present, dealing with the privileges of youth of today. He contrasted the life of the New Zealand youth with that of the children in the large cities of the world. Mr White recounted many experiences of life in England and expressed the opinion that the Nazis could never beat England. He urged the boys to have faith in the King and in the King of Kings. “I wish to congratulate the Masterton Rotary Club, whose motto I understand is 'Service’,” said Mr White, “in coming here tonight and fathering those children who do not have the same opportunities to attend such functions owing to their indisposition. I know that they are a power of good in the community.” Cheers were given for Mr Gaze, for the able manner in which he had organised the function, for the Ladies’ Auxiliary, for Mr Hodder and for all who had assisted in the function. The singing of the National Anthem brought the gathering to a close.