Y.M.C.A.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3123, 20 January 1911, Page 6

Y.M.C.A.

GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS A general meeting of members of the Y.M.C.A. was held in the Association’s rooms last evening. Mr. F. S. Malcolm, president, opened the meeting with a brief financial statement, comparing the revenue and expenses of last year with those of the preceding year. They were, he said, in immediate need of £l5O. Dr. W. P. Porter then proceeded to outline a scheme bv which the Association could rid itself of its debts. His proposition was to hold an “Imperial Bazaar,” which would have stalls representing every colony and trade. There would also he elocutionary and vocal competitions, and the bazaar could probable be made to last over four or five days.

The meeting expressed its satisfaction with the project, and it was remarked in the discussion that the Association should raise £SOO by the venture. Mr. J. R. Kirk suggested that, as Snell money would not be available for some months, they should enter into a membership campaign, which would overcome their present difficulties. Mr. T. E. Tone.ycliffe said that one of the members had suggested 'that they should dispense with their secretary. This would be an unwise step, because their membership would inevitably decrease, and they would he, before long, holding their meetings in some church vestry. The secretary lia'c not as yet had a chance to demonstrate what he

could do, and Hie time to talk of that project would be at the annual meeting at the end of the financial year. The fact that Gisborne was a pastoral district and the farmers did not have reason to take such a vital interest in the doings of the Association as the business men, was detrimental to its interests. If they could interest the influential men of' this district, their position would be ass'ured. Mr. Morris, the secretary, said that in the- past the Association had been, a one-man show. This state of affairs would have to be remedied. If lie,could not- reckon on the whole-hearted support of the members, lie could not reckon on success. If the men were to aspire to a union of brotherhood, then there would be no difficulty in achieving success.

On the motion, of Mr. F. S. Malcolm it was decided to adjourn the meeting for a month to allow members time to consider suggestions to be presented. During the evening Mr. 11. Brownlee sang a song, and Mr. Brooke gave a recitation.

Supper was provided by members of the ladies’ auxiliary.