MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1941, Page 5

MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

ANNUAL MEETING LAST . NIGHT APPEAL FOR PHYSICAL INSTRUCTORS. PAYMENT OF RENT & RATES. The annual meeting of the Masterton Y.M.C.A. was held in the association’s rooms last night. Mi- E. M. Hodder presided over a fair attendance of the public. The meeting ■ commenced with the singing of the hymn “Our Native Land.” and the general secretary. Mr C. W. Gaze, led the gathering in prayer. Mr Hodder observed at the outset that although 400 invitations to attend the meeting had been sent out the poor attendance present would indicate that the public of Masterton was quite content with the way the Y.M.C.A. was being conducted. He urged those not in a habit of doing so to pay a visit to the rooms and see the work that was being done. "It is not very often that we have the opportunity of expressing our thanks publicly, and in person, to the Ladies’ Auxiliary for the wonderful help they give to this institution,” said Mr Hodder. He welcomed those members present to the meeting. “Their work is carried on behind the scenes, yet it is work without which this association could not get along. They are a definite and a proved part of the association’s life."

Referring to the physical culture classes and the voluntary assistance given by instructors and instructresses, Mr Hodder said that due to the war the directors felt it would be increasingly difficult to secure satisfactory instructors. "We make an appeal for further assistance in that direction. There must be adults in the community who would enjoy giving that type of service to the youth of Masterton.” he added. A means of assisting the work of the association was also open to supporters. By paying for a year's subscription lo a magazine for the reading table a valuable contribution would be made.

"One of the very fine activities carried out and one on which the directors are very keen is the annual camp,” said Mr Hodder. “All would like to sec a greater attendance at future camps."

Mr J. A. Kennedy gave a most interesting talk on the recent camp at Greytown. He congratulated Mr Gaze on his important work in that connection.

Commenting on the balance sheet, Mr Hodder said that he was pleased that the public had soon fit to condone the work- of the society by its contributions during the year. The Y.M.C.A. had been treated very generously by the public although in the past it had not always received such hearty support. The money expended was closely controlled.

Mr Hodder mentioned that rates, rent and insurance was the heaviest item on the expenses sheet. The Association paid full rates and rent and received no rebates of any description. The matter had been taken up with the Borough Council and the Trust Lands Trust. "I have said it before, and 1 say it again, that it is my personal opinion that the association should not bo called upon to pay rent and rates." Mr Hodder added that on the other hand the Borough Council and the Trust had made grants for which they were thankful. The directors would still be more thankful, however, if the grants were for the total amounts paid in by the associalion.

Messrs G. Masters and E. J. Coleman also spoke briefly on the balance sheet.

Mr Masters paid a tribute lo the work of Mr A. C. Tatton, stating that it could be said without fear of contradiction that he was the greatest