AN OFFER AND AN APPEAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2638, 8 December 1915, Page 4

AN OFFER AND AN APPEAL

Although tho present is not an opportune • time for special appeals lor funds for purposes not directly connected with the war, the authorities of the Wellington Young Men's Christian Association have ventured in view of the very exceptional position which has been created by .the great generosity of a friend, to make an effort to clear off the debt which is_ hampering the operations of tho institution. Mrs. M.. A. Williams, who has already been a most liberal benefactor of tho 1.M.0.A., has now' come forward with an offer to contribute £2000 towards paying off the existing mortgage of £5000, jprovided that the balance is subscribed before the end of the present year. In view of the many advantages which would rsaulfc from the removal of the debt, and Mrs. Williams's handsome oner, the Board of Management feel justified in making this cal} upon tho generosity of the community. The splendid work which the Y.M.C.A. is doing everywhere for the soldiers of the Empire has received the highest praise from officers- and men. The Association has proved a good friend of our soldiers—in many cases their best friend when away from home ties and influences. It makes a special point of providing for their' social and moral needs in the training camps, or when on leave in the city, or at tho front. It has shown that it is able to get things actually done, and many a British soldier has good reason to be grateful for practical help at the right moment froin tho Y.M.C.A. The men in khaki have naturally let their friends and relatives know that tho Y.M.O.A. is very much alive, and that its far-reaching activities are greatly appreciated. In this way its good work and efficient methods have beoomo known to a great number of people who previously had very inadequate and imperfect ideas regarding its aims and objects. It has made a host of new friends since the beginning of the war, and thej; will readily see that the new duties it has so enthusiastically undertaken for the benefit of our soldiers must place a severe strain on its financial resources. The removal of the existing debt would get rid! of a serious difficulty, and enable the Association to widen the scope and increase the efficiency of its many-sided activities. The public, it is anticipated, will, in tho circumstances, make a prompt and liberal response to the appeal for the £3000 required to enable tho Board of Management to secure the £2000 conditionally offered by Mrs, Williams.