WAR WORK

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 102, 23 January 1918, Page 6

WAR WORK

Sir—History tells us of the- 100 years' *war of the fourteenth century, the 30 vears' war of the seventeenth centurv." Now, we have entered the fourth vcar of the most destructive war of all ages, both on land and sea. When its historv comes to he written, nothing in its'pages will shine out more brightly amid the black scenes of desolation created by "mans mhumanitv to man" than the self-deny-ing work of those Christian organisations which voluntarily gave- their services to the uation to help in its time of distress. They did their- best to break the terrible strain on mmd and body caused by "Bedlam let loose by providing rest, recreation, and comfort, for their fatigued _ bodies, and at the same time showing care for their souls in manv quiet, unobtrusive wavs, and also by giving facilities for services for all in their huts. Although some two or three organisations are more prominent than others, yet all the churches have united to help our boys. T should think there has not been such an exhibition of Christian unity for many a day as has been shown on the fields of battle, in huts, and hospitals. Many & man who had not been in touch with things spiritual has thrown off the materialistic veneer, havinn become, lmiircsscd w ith the reality of the Christian religion as exhibited in the lives and examples of those who "go forth to minister to tho suffering to their souls and bodies," the huts being offered in the name and for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ail appeal is now being made in New' Zealand for aid to carry on these heneficient works- for our men, for whom we should mako selrdenial. The S.A., the Y.M.C.A.. and C.A. are each asking for a share ot public support, because they are all doing the same work, in the samespirit, according to the means placed at their disposal. Tho editor of Mil "Church Armv Hut Notes" says: ' The combined siiiritual and material mission of the" C.A. was very forciblv brought home to me by an old Insli Tommv, who had becu through, many battles. 'Shure,' says the Irishman, 'it's a great work you ladies do at the counter, giving us our fags and tho like; but where would wo ho without that' place (pointing with his thumb reverently to the chapel); it's those places we remember in the trenches. And these C.A. chapels are as homelike, more homelike than any others, and it's meself that says it.' " The Church Army authorities think highly of such testimony to their spiritual work for the soldiers, and at the same; time knew their huts are second to nono ill the provision that is made for recreation and fun. To the 1000 huts given to the nation by the Church Arm;; at Home, New Zealand subscribers havo added nine more.—l am, cto., F. W. WHinLEY. Hon. Sec, Church Army in N'.Z. Tho Vicarage, Ormondyille.