Y.M.C.A. AT THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2957, 21 December 1916, Page 5

Y.M.C.A. AT THE FRONT

WAR WORK IN FRANCE. A report-from Mr. A. Varney, New Zealand supervising Y.M.p.A. secretary, London, says: — "We are particularly impressed with tho possibilities of our trench comfort work,,and are prepared on behalf of our New Zealand Council to givo greater, prominence to this work thanever. - Hay is doing magnificent service, and from General Russell downwards has made hosts of friends for our movement.

"We aro arranging to buy in England up to at least £1000 value niontl> ly goods for free distribution to our men in the actual fighting area.- . . , We want you to emphasise the fact to the public of New Zealand, to patriotic societies generally, that wo can do this economically and efficiently. We are arranging for Hay to take charge' of this work personally. He will have a dugout, say, 30ft. x 20ft., straight in-the trenches, and from this centre will distribute comforts straight to the point where theso things are most needed.- ' Could' New Zealahders hear the expressions of appreciation as the men receive comforts they would bo quite satisfied that this work counts most of all. You may rest assured that everything of value for tho men's comfort that we can secure will be forwarded. We > feel that in such work money should not count—assured as we aro that you in New' Zealand will back us up in everything we- do in this direction." ' . ■ .

Referring to plans for six additionalhuts in the new area, Mr. Varney says:—"We have bought a £300 picture machine (Pathe's latest) and engine, and aro arranging a good round of films. A Wanganui hut Mid fn Akaroa hut have been established, and the association is arranging: two huts, 110 ft. by 30ft. (portable)—tho WairaTapa and Hunterville and district huts, possibly under charge of W. Hannah and S. Parsonson. General Russell has also asked us to build at the iraioing camp a comfortable place for those men who are .training for trench bombing raids. We shall call this-the Willinnten Ladies' Hut, and I am sure my Wellington auxiliary, will be satisfied to kilo* that their handsome pfo is to be so excellently placed. Tho but will be made as comfortable and homelike as a hut in the fighting area can be. Another hut in the area we avo placing at the rest camp, whore tho men go to recuperate after a long spell of tiench work—this will be tho Rangitikoi Hut. Please inform our Bulls and Marten friends, who I am certain will bo giad to;know that their gifts aii) so well placed.

"We are doing our. utmost to secure an equipment quite superior to any huts in France. Good pianos and gramophones, chairs, deck chairs, wilting tables with necessary equipment, pictures of New Zealand on tho walls, and other comforts that will just help them to remember their loved ones over the waters."