Y.M.C.A. WORK FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2921, 6 November 1916, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. WORK FOR SOLDIERS

SOLDIERS' TRIBUTES.

Tho latest letters to hand give some interesting nows about the work of tho Y.M.C.A. in tho war none.

Captain It. L. Evatt, O.C. Troopship No. 00, says: "Thero seems to bo no Olid to tlio various provisions your socioty has made for the benefit of our troops on board. Your secretary on board has been granted considerable use of tho moss rooms, and is proceeding to carry out with considerable energy various schemes of entcrtnmment. On behalf of all on board, I wish to tender your association our grateful thanks lor their care for us. The trip will be smoother and happier for your offorts."

Lieut. C. H. S. Johnston, second N.Z.1.8., writes, from the trenches in France, thanking the Y.M.C.A. of N.Z. for the- good work they aro doing iu the way of providing comforts for the men in tho trenches. Ho congratulates Mr. Hay on his new scheme for spending the money sent to him by the Y.M.C.A. of N.Z. It is being put to excellent use for the men who are fighting.

Writing from the sands of Egypt, a soldier says: "What a splendid institution this Y.M.C.A. is. Here, out on the sands, it has followed us to minister to our wants. Oone trouble is that it is not large enough, but we are all very glad to see it.

A returned soldier, lately speaking of the Y.M.C.A. work in 'Egypt, said: "We 'hear a good deal about tho few men who have gone under, but we do not hear much about the thousands who flock into the Y.M.C.A./huts and 'keep straight.'" ; • A Lower Hutt member of the Rifle Brigade writes to his home-folk: "I had my dinner-at the Y.M.C.A. here away from homo. If tho people in New Zealand would give more to the Y.M.C.A. and waste less of their money and time on gifts, they would be doing infinitely more for us 6oldiers."

In his letter to the National Secretary, Mr. E. E,. Peacock; regrets the misfortunes which have disabled both Mr._ Hislop and Mr, Brown from their duties in the field. At the English National Council meeting the financial report was both interesting and inspiring. Many gifts of £1000 and over were reported, while sums of £600 were numerous.

The activities are carried out under the heading of Army, Navy, ammunition workers, and the future of the movement after tho war is always in vision. The Army work bulks largest. New huts arobeing opened continually. Thirty additional huts were asked for, and fifty liavo been given, but these are all needod for the continually increasing numbers of troops, while the new olfensivo on tho 'West is disturbing all conditions, and what wore front line camps are being left far behind. As the troops advance into enemy territory, tents are being erected, while the old huts are being used as rest and refreshment places for troops returning, particularly wounded men, who all appreciate the tea and dolly-cakes. Gipsy Smith is carrying on Evangelistic work with wonderful, success. The Y.M.C.A. in Franco is providinghospitality for friends of sick and wounded men. Increased provision has been niado for men bound for the front, so that they may spend their last hours on English soil among surroundings and influences representing the highest ideals of our nation. In East Africa, where Major Webster, an old Melbourne hoy, is in chargo of tho Y.M;C.A., arrangements have just been completed with the War Offico for our association to handle tho Army canteen business on behalf of the Army. In Mesopotamia, two, naotorteancfles aro being used at Buzra, where there aro 13 centres, and 'our' secretaries aro with tho troops right up to tho firing lino. No fewer than 50. secretaries are now employed in that field.

In India,.Egypt,. Malta, Salonika, indeed, wherever British troops are engaged in this world-wide war, there the Y.M.C.A. is working as an auxiliary of tho Army, and as tho soldiers' indispensable friend. In tho Navy the same story is told. Admiral Beattic, who speaks from personal knowledge, says: "The letters _ 'Y.M.C.A.' have taken on a new significance." Men are like goods in transit, and need taking eare of on the way. In tho section among munition workers, the developments have been very extensive, more than 70 centres "being open, and ruanj of these are huge business concerns. ,ln one case tho butcher's bill alone runs into £700 a week. The Government is looking to the Y.M.C.A. to keep munition workers healthy and happy, so that tho Army in the field may be adequately supplied. The work in prison camps is extending all tho time. Even Turkey and Switzerland aro now being included. With this vast organisation, departmental agencies are able to project their • influences more readily, so that tho religious work department can plan campaigns safely. The social department send out touring concerts, lecturers, etc.