Y.M.C.A. NOTES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 183, 23 April 1918, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. NOTES

There was a large attendance at the Y.M.C.A. men's meeting on Sunday afternoon, when tho sorvice was mainly one of thanksgiving for the splendid result of the recent Eed Triangla Day Campaign. Mr. C. M. Luke, who presided, welcomed a party of visitors from a sister colony Vho vere present, and expressed tho gratitudo of the T.M.C.A. io the citizens of Wellington' tor the generous response to th'ef.ppeal for war work funds.

Sergeant P. Chappell (Military Medal) gave an interesting address on "The Yesterdays of tho Y.M.C.A. in Prance." Tho ground recently taken by tho Germans, ho said, included all that the NewZealand troops had- fought, over since entering Franco; and many of the Red Triangle Huts that, the cablegrams informed us had been destroyed were originally put up by the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Tho spealcer went on to give instances of tho fearlessness of the "Y;M." secretaries, who pursued their work right up near the front-lino trenches, and paid a high tribute, to the organising ability of Mr. .T. L. Hay, the first Y.M.G'iA. secretary to leave New Zealand. "In every soldier's heart," said Mr. Chappell, "thero is a debt of gratitude to .tho Y.M.C.A. for all that as been done 'for fhem.'"

After Mr. Goudie sang a solo, "The Lost Chord," Mr. J. W. Black spoke on the civilian aspect' of the Y.M.C.A., stressing tho point that the work of the association was to lead up through mind and body to the spiritual side of men. The first strangers' tea for this year was attended by about 100 mon, 75 per cent, of whom were visitors to Wellington. This tea is held every Sunday, at 5 p.m., in the rooms, Willis Street, and is for tho special nurposo of. welcoming 6oldiers and visitors to the city. It is carried on by tho Ladies' Auxiliary of tho Y.M.C.A., under the leadership of Mrs. Low, the president.

The after-:h urcli sr.ng s°rvico and supper for soldiers was attended by over '70 soldiers.

Between tho'hosH in Boulcott Street and the main Y.M.C.A. in Willis Street 3GB beds were supplied, and 087 meals served to soldiers on leave from camp ovpr the week-end.

The winter programme of (lie Y.M.C.A. is now well started. Included amongst the activities, are men's rneetiil?, Bible clashes, gymnasium classes fnr men. bnvs, business men. Library nnd Tle'iptini; Swlnh-, elocution rln«. T?i"»bv football, hockey, cricket, Old Bovs' Club, orchestra.

. free membership for months is offered to all returned soldiers.