Y.M.C.A. WORK.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1917, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. WORK.

The Latest Reports From London.

Mr Varney says—“We have still much to do even after hiving been here for three months, there are many things yet to get a grip of. The Munition work and Navy work we must inspect. We are arranging for a visit to tbe Navy work in Scotland, January slh to the 14th. We trust to be able to see the main base straight iu the North. Mr McKenzie the National Secretary for Scotland will co-operate with ue. After this visit, and seeing all places opened and working we shall be ready to return.

We believed we have been God directed in our work, and in futura we will have pleasure in looking back at what has been done for tbe soldiers by the New Zealand Y.M.C.A’s. The soldiers appreciation and enthusiasm for our work is unbounded.

Shakespeare Hut, London—Sleeping accommodatian for 400 men nightly lies been provided. Mr Hislop is at present in charge, but we are sending him to Fiance to Etaples to carry through tbe work there. (You will remember ho was sheli-shooked, but we think, well enough to return). Tha Shakespeare Hut has been altered, and added to very extensively. We have built a further dormitory fer 110 men and equipped it, enlarged lavatory and bathroom accommodation, erected a kit anddry-iDg-room, and in many other ways improved the Hut. The Military are very pleased with our London Work and our efforts to cope with its problems, Hundreds of New Zealand bods have been kept straight by ths fine accommodation in our hnt. . At

least 5,000 New Zealanders have been provided with sleeping accommodation while on leave, in this building since we reached England.

Waltou-on-Thames—Here at General Richard’s suggestion we are opening a villa as a rest borne for the. men in ocr main hospital?. The rental is £IBO per annum, but will be a fine* investment for tha meo. Miss Ballantyne and Miss Rogers will take charge* also a Miss Hamilton, Colonel Hamilton’s sister, who was in New Zealand, The Colonel is greatly interested in our work.

Hornchurch“-Her6 has been a problem for 15 months, a convalescent camp and no facility for recreation or social enjoyment. At th 3 request of Generals Godlsy and Richardson, wearo building a very complete equipment, including hobby and work rooms, quite a necessary adjunct to ft convalescent camp. Mies Hilda Williams will help at this Hut with a staff of New Zealand ladies, The Palmerston North Patriotic Society Manawatu Racing Club’s gifts will go iito this building. Brokenhurst Hospital, Hobby rooms and recreation rooms are being built. The £IOOO from the Wellington Patriotio Association granted us will go into this bu'lding. The walking cases, that is men on crutches, men with only one arm, and those on the way to convalescence will undoubtedly derive much pleasure and enjoyment from this building. The expenditure on which, we consider, of prime importance. The extensions to the village work were opened last week.