THE WAR AND THE CHURCH ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2404, 9 March 1915, Page 9

THE WAR AND THE CHURCH ARMY.

Sir, —In war time the usual activities of the Church Army are carried on as in times of peace. Those activities are well known in the Old Country as the C.A. has labour and rescue homes, mission vans, evangelists and mission workers all over the country ministering .to the poor and distressed in body or soul. Being a part of the Church of England, this good work is assisted by bishops and vicare, with most happy results. But the war has brought new needs, of which the following are some of the chief: —Field camp clubs: Two-thirds of the soldiers are members of the Church of England. The need of moro means of recreation for the troops is evident, in order to provide attractions more healthy than those of tho publichouse. For some timo the C.A. has had recreation tents, but' the cold weather necessitates wooden buildings. Already the C.A. has built "twelve of these, each 30ft. by 20ft., costing £130 each, at their own expense, and equipped them for reading, writing, and playing games. In the evening concerts are held, also a short daily service on • week nights and all day on Siindays. A C.A. evangelist is in charge of each hut or tent, quiet corners are closed off for meditation and advice. Commanding officers speak highly of the effect and value of this patriotic movement; one, over a large garrison, said to his men: "You may call the tent a blessing; I call it an essential." One hundred and thirty pounds will.build' one hut'; £100 will pay all expenses for one' yeai\ The Church Army Hospital in the North of Franco is working under itlie French Red Cross, with the sanction of St. John Ambulance Association. It is provided with a qualified staff, tho nurses and orderlies being C.A. trained evangelists, holding the St. John Ambulanco certificate. AH are Church of England communicants. The French authorities are most appreciative. There are 100 beds in the hospital at Caen, France, where the French Government has given the C.A. the use of the large Chateau de Beroiiville. They are trying to heal wounds of spirit and of body. Donations, however small, will be gladly received for ■this national work the C.A.-has undertaken. If possible, they .will start another hospital at the front for medical cases only, so to relieve the strain on the one at Caen, which could thus be kept oi>en for surgical cases only. £200 will keep hospital going for one week; £50 donors are invited to name beds; £5 will pay for a bed three weeks. Recreation rooms for the wives, of sailors and soldiers are much required, ■where those anxious women can go for news and comfort. . Several are now opened by the C.A. and more will be as soon' as funds permit. Anxious women seeking news and company can .find it at these tents rather than having to go to the publichouse. Picture papers, latest telegrams, casualty lists, and war maps with flags will be provided, and above all the lovin» sympathy and quiet influence of a Church Army mission Bister. • £100 will run on» room for six months; £2 will pay all expenses for one week. Belgian refugees are also received in great numbers at the C.A. Rescue _ Homes in London and the provinces. These have been helped—but only a little —from the AVeber Church Black Wool Fund, by proceeds of wool sold this season, and also from skins and fat now being sent for sale, while some have given money. We were enabled to feed 10,000 on Christmas Day in London, a great many being Belgians. New Zealand has responded so readily to the many calls for help in this time of national danger and distress, and I take the opportunity of thanking those who have so liberally helped the Church Army. I think the organisation should particularly appeal to churchmen, as being part.of their Church's work. The Headquarters address is: Rev. Prebendary Carlile, 55 Bryanstone Street, Marble Arch, London,- TV.—I am, etc., F. W. WHIBLEY, N.Z. Secretary for Churoh Army, The Vicarage, Weber, H.B.