New Britain herald., 1915-01-19
[. I. BARNES MAKES
 REPORT TO BOARD
Monthly Meeting Of Directors of '. N. C. A. Held Last NiQht.


 c. H. Barnes, general secretary of the Y. M. c. A., made his monthly report last night at the meeting of the board of directors, as follows: 'To the Board of Directors:
 "Gentlemen: The attendance of 1900 at the annual New Years open house was further demonstration of the interest of the people of New Britain in their Y. M C. A. From early afternoon until late a night the social committee was busy entertain ing guests. All departments were open to inspection and the equipment was shown off to good advantage by young men who nightly use it. A very lively exhibition was given by the physical department which showed how we'll men and boys are trained in the gymnasium. The program was completed by the singing of the double quartet from our minstrel troupe and by the tumbling of Messrs. Holden and Bacon and the baton swinging of Clarence Walker, who very kindly
 
 were then served by committee of ladies headed by Mrs. Charles P. Mer- win, to whom great credit is due for the success of this important feature of the day. In the evening a very en- tertaining program was given by the Knickerbocker quartet of New York, assisted by Malcolm Shakleford, humorist. Seven hundred people en- joyed this entertainment, which was followed by dancing. Many people expressed their opinion that this was one of the best New Years programs that the association has given in many years.
 Physical Department.
 That the association activities are numerous is borne out by the records of the physical department. MT. An drew reports that sixty-seven gym nasium classes were held with an at tendance of 1422. The attendance of men surpassed the records of the corresponding month of the past five years. In addition to the class work there is much individual exercise given, such as boxing, wrestling, inning. and hand ball. The busi- ness mems class has reached a size hoped for, but not attained in the last half dozen years. The percentage of boys in gymnasium classes, based on the mem bership of the boys depart nent, is higher than that of any other association in the state. The bowling alleys are very popular as is shown by 1286 games rolled there. The second bowling tournament is now under way. It is estimated that the shower baths were used 2,S50 times. The Bible class, under the auspices of this department, known as the Right Living club" and led by L. P. Slade v as. addressed by pr. F. w. Peck, Dr. C. M. Cooley, and by the physical di- rector. Thirty-four men are enrolled in this club, which meets weekly.
 Educational Department.
 Further evidence of the increasing usefulness of the association is fur nished by the report of A. o. Wash burn. who points out that 300 men and boys are enrolled in educational classes and clubs, which is a net gain of sixty over last years records. The first term ended December Is, and the new term began January 4. Especial attention is paid to the qual- ity of the instruction given. Much
 
 teachers and by the educational direc- tor. The attendance of the students is carefully watched and the men are encouraged to make their record as near perfect as possible.
 The students progress Is also checked up by talks with their em- ployers, who have the best means of judging the practical results of the instruction given to their men. Many splendid tributes to the association come from these men. Many words of appreciation also come from the students, as they see their daily work becoming more efficient as the rt:- suits of their study. One man se- cured a $350 order for his company by practicing a suggestion he received in the salesmanship class. Another man took a large order that he felt that he would not have secured except for the instruction he had received. A third man made a substantial sum in com missions outside his regular work. These facts reflect credit TO MT. Jennings, the teacher of this course, for his able leadership.
 Additional courses are added from time to time as the needs demand. Thus class in English was begun last Thursday in the Russian church. W. B. Beebe, a student in the Hart ford school of Missions, secured Mrs. Labaree, is in charge of this class, for which there is no charge.
 Another new course in poultry raising is being given by Professor JODeS in connection With the eXten-