NEW ZEALAND AT THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3142, 21 July 1917, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AT THE WAR

MR. VARNEY'S LECTURE

Yesterday afternoon Mr. A. Vnrnej, who onlj returned to New Ze-Jnnd that morning after twelve months' ateeuco in Knglaad and Prance ns supervising secretury of the T.M.C.A., gave a lcoturo in tho Concert Chnmbcr of the Town Hull, addressed specially to tho mothers oi' the soldiers who have left Now Zealand for the front. Quite a large number was present, and the Mayoress (Mrs. J. 1 , . Jjuke) presided. Also OL-cupyinK fieats upon the platform wero ilr.s. \V. ¥■ Slne6ey, Mrs. Low, president of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A., mid Mr. K. C. H/ownell, national secretary of Hie \.r.CA.

-.Ir.s. Luke, after stating that she had received an apology from the Ifon. G. \V. Russell, who was unable to be present, congratulated Mr. Varney upon his fiafe return to the Dominion from the dangers which he had faced hnth en land and sea, and said how glad they were to welcome him back ami to hear what lie had to say of "our boys." Jlr. Varney congratulated Mrs. Maseey upon her safe return bo tho Dominion, and proceeded to talk of what every ■woman present was most anxious to hear about—the New Zealand lads who were fighting the nation's battles. He told the gathering of mothers that every man ought to bo proud to take hie hat oft- to the mothers of these brave lads. At euch u time as this these men were glad above all other things that they were men, glad that they could tako up sword or gun after what' they had seen in devastated Belgium and France. When he left he had asked them what message he should take back to their mothers w Now Zealand, and they told- him to say "Cheer oh," two words that had come to mean such indomitable courage, gaiety of heart, and endurance. Mr. Varney continued that it was his proudest privilege to havo been associated with the New Zealand men. None wcro so highly honoured in England as they, and there was reason for that honour that was paid them. Tho women of England were doing a magnificent work in looking after their welfare, and they regarded it as one of their greatest'^privileges. With many of these women it was not work Tor a certain number of hours, to stop perhaps at nightfall, but it was work that went on right through the night, -work till they no longer had tho strength. No matter at what hour'of tho night our men arrived in England there was always someone lihero to meet them; always they would-find achcery welcome from a woman's hn-nd. The discomforts that tho women endured whilst •working at these camps in Y.M.C.A. hutments, hospitals, canteens, etc., in the winter time wcro touched upon, especially at Sling Camp and an outline of eomo of tiio duties they performed was given. Mrs. Jlilray (wifo of Colonel Milray who was killed in Franco), who was giving nil her time to working for tno New Zealand soldiers in thoY.M.C.A.. •hutment at Sling Camp, in descriWng -.i-hat they did, said thero was always great excitement and bustle- when a reinforcement was expected in ramp or whenover tho men were roturning from France. After the long- voyage from New Zealand ffiey ofton suffered from severe colds, due to tho chango of olimate, and tho women doctored them, Rave them dressings when they had en's, syfe feet, etc., provided amusements, and in all ■ways tried to do for thorn what their mothers wonld do. Many were tho talks of home and tho peoplo left at home that took place, and that dideoi-iethingto relievo tho loneliness that would seize hold of the men at times. Refreshments wore supplied, stationery, postcards, ' stamps, Now Zealand money exchanged for French oi- English currency, dates of outgoing mails given out and many other needs supplied. Tho never-failing courtesy, kindness, and consideration shown to tho helpers by the- men was beyond all praiso, Mrs. Milray stated. The different hutments iu charge of tho Y.M.C.A. were spokon of both in England and in France. In Franco our men, though determined to see tho thing fiirough to the bitter end. were just longing for home. Hero in New Zealand it was difficult to realise tho intense love of country, of homo, and tho homo peoplo that was in the hearts of the Now Zealand soldiers. Distance and tho horrors of war hnd intensified this feoling, and all the time- it was of what awaited them when the war was over and "tho job finished" that vras continually in their minds.

Ono of the things which Mr. Varney had such aa admiration for was the loyalty that tho men showed to one another, the consideration and tho refusal to profit by another's disadvantage. Few men would overstay their leave if they could help it, lieeauso it meant that their comrades would be longer on duty. Some of the finest friendships that hnvo over existed were formed on. the battlefields, and a comradeship that has seldom been, equalled. Tho Sunday afternoons o'clock teas that take placo in tho Y.11.C.A. hutments in 'France were described, and the way in which they wero appreciated by the soldiers. Interesting information was given of the work which is done for soldiers' relatives in connection with tho hostels that have been established by the association, so that they can get over to Trance to see their wounded soldiers for k ehort time. Permits wero given by the War Offico and tho association did tho rest, guiding tho travellers across to Franco, putting them up at tho hostels Mid taking them back again to England. Often the. visits gave just tho needed impetus towards recovery, and sometimes it meant the very lost meeting before tho 'soldier paid the final price for liberty. Several letters of appreciation of the work of tho Y.M.C.A. were read by Mr. Varnoy, including one from General Richardson, who had done siioh a splendid ■vork in' regard to tho welfare of our men. General Richardson described the worlc aa being one of tho wonders of the campaign, and said that it was the means of keeping many men out of trouble and of keeping the ranks , of fighting men filled. Colonel Parkes, who was in charge of tho hospitals and the medical work in France and England in connection with tho Now Zealand soldiers, also spoke in similar terms, as did Colonel Mills, Colonel Wylie, Colonel Tc-wsloy, and others. A tribute to the very fine work done by the Volunteer Sisterhood was also paid and also to that done by Now Zealand women at the Hornehurch hutment. Among these were Mrs. W. T. Williams, lire. Warren, and others who came from Hawke's Bay. It was said to be tho best hutment in Great Britain, jfr. Varney concluded by eaying that whatever the association cn.ld do to ■DTfog comfort and brightness to the men who were fighting our battles it would do. Right up to tho front lines, where danger awaited, in that vast battle area the association was prepared to follow nnd do what it could to relievo the v iseriee and sufferings, which were l>orne with such fortitude and courage. ' A yoto of thanke to Mr. Varney for his address was passed, also ono to Mi's. Luko for presiding. Preliminary to tho address and'after it Sergeant Mnckellar coritrT&ute'l -songs, Miss Caldow playing llw accompaniments.