THE Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3022, 8 March 1917, Page 3

THE Y.M.C.A.

WAR WORK IN ENGLAND

HELPING N.Z. SOLDIERS

Mr. H. M. Smeeton, who went to Britain and France as Special Commissioner for the New Zealand National Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, seven months ago, has returned to New Zealand after an extensive tour. He arrived in Wellington yesterday and made a very interesting report to the National Committee.

The most important part of the work undertaken,in London by the Y.M.C.A. on behalf of the New Zealand soldiers, said Mr. Smeeton, was the provision of sleeping accommodation. As many as 1200 men would sometimes arrive in London on leave at the same time, and though the men could ge*t meals easily enough, it was by no means easy for them to find safe and comfortable sleeping places. The association had tackled that problem, and by the establishment of hostels had provided for the needs of the men. The accommodation was being extended 'constantly. A soldier could get a clean bed and a. good breakfast for Is.'' 6d. Officers of the association met the trains iu order to direct the soldiers to the hostejs, and a motor patrol service was maintained in order that men who were without resting places late at night might be picked up and taken to tho hostels or otherwise assisted.

_ Mr. Smeeton mentioned that no liquor was sold or supplied in any of the Y.M.O.A. establishments. A careful supervision of entertainments was exercised. The work of the 'association in relation to the New Zealand troops did not stop in London. Huts and halls had been established at other points where New Zealanders were stationed. A very useful development- had been the opening of "hobby huts" in the immediate neighbourhood of hospitals, so that convalescent men might occupy their timo pleasantly and profitably. Employment of the rieht kind was recognised to have an important psychological influence in promoting the restoration of health. Mr. Smeeton described in detail what the association had done for the New Zealand soldiers at Hornchurch, Walton-on-Thames, and elsewhere. One of the institutions at Walton-on-Tbameß was a tea room, which served as a soldiers' club. The association had rented a house for this purpose, furnished it nnd provided a staff. A lounge for New Zealand officers had been established at'Sljnc: Camp, where no other provision existed. Important work had been done at Codford. where two New Zealand camps existed. New Zealand women were at work in all thp institutions, and the . appreciation shown by the men was boundless. Mr. Smeeton emphasised tho importance of the work tliot was heirig done by tho New Zealand Y.M.O.A. among the New Zealand soldiers, and said ho was sure every penny of .expenditure and every effort was bringing an abundant return in increased, comfort, happiness and safety for the Dominion troops. Tho association was' setting tilings done, and he was confident that the public would give freely if it knew just-how good and how valuable the work had proved. Referring to some other points, Mr. Smeeton said there seemed to be a misundcrstandins: in some quarters with regard to "trench.comforts," provided from funds raised by the association. Theso trench comforts wore not sold in tho canteens, which were conducted in accordance with the rules laid down by- tho War Qfflco. The soldiers who used the ordinary Y.M.C.A. canteens paid for hot drinks, cigarettes; etc., at tho rates-uxecl bv the War Office. But at five places within one thousand yards of tho firincjino there wore field canteens whero tSo "trench comforts" wcro distributed to tho New Zealand soldiers. No charge- was mado at these places. Every soldier who called could havo hot cocoa, soup, malted milk, biscuits and cigarettes for tho asking. Thos* fteld canteens wore used by thousands of tired soldiers, and their value could scarcely bo over-estimated.' The people who supported the association In providing "trench comforts" would be perfectly content if they could seo how the money was spent.