It was only by generous public subscription that the erection of the present fine building in Moray place was rendered possible, and although the enthusiasm then engendered in connection with the operations of the association was somewhat beyond what could be normally sustained, it would seem in view of the statements made at the annual meeting with reference to the finances of the association, that there is a distinct need for the manifestation by the public of a greater measure of practical interest in the organisation than is now being shown.
In his clear review of the position, the treasurer explained that, while the income required by the association to carry on its present operations is at least £3000 a year, its revenue in round figures does not exceed £2400 a year.
In other words, so far from paying its way, the association is facing a deficiency of about £600 per annum.
No doubt it is desirable that the balance sheet should afford evidence that the association is not a money-making concern, but it must be equally desirable that it should show it to be practically self-supporting.
Some of the departments may be relied on to show a profit, while others will always involve a monetary loss, even although they may have a fine balance to their credit in the matter of valuable social and educational work accomplished.
The expenses of conducting and maintaining an extensive institution such as the association possesses in this city are necessarily heavy, and calculated always to demand a careful consideration of ways and means.
But it is distinctly unfortunate that the need to pinch and to adopt a policy of cheese-paring should have been forced upon the management in the manner described at the annual meeting, and even then that it should have been found impossible to make both ends meet.
Without doubt the best way to overcome the difficulty of finance is that which has been suggested - namely, to strengthen the membership of the association.
It is rather surprising that in a town of the size of Dunedin an institution offering the advantages that are provided in the premises of the Y. M. C. A. should not have a membership of more than five hundred.
The direction is made clear in which many citizens, doubtless thoroughly interested in the work of the association, can easily lend it a measure of practical support which, partly perhaps from lack of knowledge of the position, they have not hitherto extended it.
To the attention of the public generally may be commended the words of Mr Sargood in reference to the value of the work from the stand-point of the community done by the association, and to the need for the co-operation of the citizens in giving that work the sustained impetus necessary for its continued success.
• The Post and Telegraph Department is advertising for applicants for the position of officer-in-charge of chauffeurs, in the Chief Post Office, Wellington.
This is an unusual proceeding, as most positions of control are filled by officers within the department, but owing to the extraordinary development in the use of motors by the department, an expert in the mechanism and use of motor lorries and motor cycles is now required. - ODT, 1.4.1914.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
