The Father and Son movement

The Father and Son movement is one that is proving a very profitable feature in many countries of the world. The idea was commenced in America a few years ago, and is used very largely by the Church and the Young Men’s Christian Association to bring about a closer cooperation between the father and the son. In

America last year a Father and Son week was organised when over 2 million fathers and sons met in churches and YMCAs. At the Dunedin YMCA last night the first banquet of the kind was held from 7:30 to 8:30. Fathers and sons joined in competitive games in the boys’ division, after which a general move took place to the Assembly Hall, where the site that met the eye was the delight of the boys — rows and rows of tables tastefully decorated by a committee of ladies, laden with the usual accessories that go to make a successful banquet. Flags and festoons were everywhere, the walls bearing such legends as: “What does it profit a community if it gain the whole world and lose its own boys?” “Be more than a dad; be a chum to your lad,” “Building boys is better than mending men.” Close upon 250 fathers and sons sat together for the repast, after which the YMCA Boys’ Orchestra entertained those present for15 minutes.