Norwich bulletin., 1913-05-15

 that we have today splendldly equipped gymnasium for an associa- tion of our size. The records show that nearly 12,00O persons have made use of the physical department during the year.
 Building.
 The house committee has given most careful attention to a number of per l picking problems. We realize more than ever the need of a new building, one that is adapted to the work of the association at the present time, and with our largely increased membership this need becomes more apparent eY- cry day There have been many diff culties that the house committee has had to overcome, and the new year finds us in need of repairs and im- provements in many parts of our building.
 Dormitory.
 Fifty-three different men have been in our dornitories as regular tenants during the past year. while 45 others have been transient guests.
 Boys.
 Our boys department has been de- cidedly active part of the association Something has been conducted almost every week. and as a result the boys have been held to a high ideal or ny ing, higher, perhaps. than in any sim1- lar period of our history. We are looking forward to very great work during the coming year Two hum dred and ten paid members are re- corded in this department at the present time.
 Womens Auxiliary.
 AS in past years. I desire to express my appreciation of the Women's aux Hilary and the assistance they have rendered us Their labors have re- s11IT :r1 gJl-a -a1 if,jl1 p furnishings of our parlOr, dormitOries and Kitchen service Whenever they have been called upon to assist in the matter of suppers they have most cheerfully responded. Without their assistance much of the success of our work could not have been accom- pHshed.
 Finance.
 It is a pleasure for me to call your attention again to the treasurer's re- port showing that another year has been closed without debt, making the eighth consecutive year that we have accomplished this result. Our only indebtedness is the mortgage of S10,000 which has been carried since the building was erected in 1896. While it is gratifying to report increased eff ficienCy and a largely growing work these conditions bring 10 us added re responsibilities. Our membership fees are low, and yet the larger our work the more our expense must necessarily be. 1t has been many years since the association has received an endowment from friends who have died, and 1 wish it were possible for us to bring this matter to the attention of those who have money to distribute in this way and call to their attention the great need for greater work among the men and boys of Norwich.
 Our association is real factor in 
 been made, but l can assure you that the board of managers is giving much time and thought to the direction of the work, and the reports which have been read to you tonight indicate that the association was never in a better condition of doing a more efficient service for the community than at the present time.
 I desire to express my personal ap- preciation of the work of the .chairmen and members of the various commit tees who have made possible the re- suits accomplished, and to further ex- press my appreciation of the splendid cooperation of the local press. The publicity that they have given to our work has been of the greatest value to use in extending our influence into many homes which would otherwise not have known of our activities.
 Our force of paid officers has been most faithful in the departments they represent, and it is with much regret that I announce the retirement of our general secretary, MT. Starkey, and our physical director MT. Pease. on June l. We shall wish them both great success in their new fields and bid them hearty godspeed.
 I desire also to thank the members of the association for the cordial sup port they have given and to ask espe- cially at this time a continuance of S,, our city at the present time may make certain portions of our work more diff ficuIt. but I firmly believe that we can count upon the interest and loyalty of every member of this organization to make it's work in the year to come even better than it has been in the past.
 Net Membership Gain of 155.
 The report of the membership com mittee was given by General Secre- tary Starkey, and showed a present mem bership of 210 boys. GAP men, a total of 852. This is a net increase over last year of 155 About 500 have been users of the privilege of the as sociation whil the others hold mem bership as evidence of their interest and endorsement of the work of the association.
 The report of the religious work committee was given by Chairman Herbert W. Gallup, which showed & total of 150 meetings held with a, to- tai attendance of 7,611.
 Other Department Reports.
 The report of George Powers of the social work committee was read by General Secretary Starkey. and show ed total of 29 social events held with a total attendance of 9,19O John B. Stanton gave an interesting report of yvnF nf he NFy Starkey read the report of F. w Les ter on the educational work H. H. Pettts reported for the physical work committee and Herbert E. Cary for the house committee. Secretary Starkey read a report on the work ot the Women's Auxiliary prepared by Mrs. F J. Working.
 Total Receipts of St1,739,t5.
 The report of Treasurer Lewis R. Church showed total receipts of $11.- 739.15 during the year and expenses of $11,7S5.03, showing a balance for the year of $4.11. Last year was closed with a balance of 75 cents.