THE Y.M.C.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1917, Page 4

THE Y.M.C.A.

MEETINGS AT THE TOWN j HALIa About mid-day yesterday several officials of the Y.M.C.A. arrived in Hokitika. The gentlemen included -Mr A Varney, National Secretary, Mr. E. Brownell, General National Secretary, and Mr. C. M. Luke of the Wellington Executive. They were accompanied by Airs Crawford of Nelson a lady prominently connected with patriotic work, including the Lady Liverpool Fund and Y.M.C.A. Trench Comforts Fund. At 8 o’clock yesterday afternoon under the presidency of the -Mayor (Mr Perry) a. number of ladies were met at tiie Town Hall. Air. Varney gave interesting address of an hour s dotation on the work of the women in the - war, showing how an army of voluntary women, workers were devoting their lives to the comfort of the soldiers in England at camp and hospital. Ho gave also some interesting, particulars of the Y.M.C.A. coupon system, and the difficulties about forwarding parcels to the right destination. The address "as

followed with very attentive interest, and at its close Mr. Varney was accorded a vote of thanks by acclamation.

In the evening the Town Hall was Idled for the public address, the audience, (including "the Senior Cadets, who attended in force, and received a hearty round of applause on their arrival. The Mayor was in the chair. Air. Luke and Mr. Browned spoke briefly by way of introduction in isolation to the New Zealand side, of the Y.M.C.A. Chief interest centred in Air. Varney’s address, w hich covered his/ active peisonal experiences in England and across in Europe. Ho spoke earnestly and interesting for an hour or so of the side of the war which presented itself to the Y.M.C.A. workers and later I'm: another hour, showed a series of lantern slides giving intimate views of hospital buildings, hutments and the care and comfort provided lor'tho New Zealand sol diers.

The New Zealand branch of the Y.M.C.A. devotes its time, money and energies to the care of flic- men from Now Zealand. This help is given in the first instance to the well men whom they help to keep (it both in the camps in England, on his leave l" English towns, and particularly in the forward lines of the battle front, where they have hutments for refreshments and canteen work at all available spots. In the latter connection much interesting information was given of the untiring efforts devoted to all the men. Later there were instances given of the care of the. Y.M.C.A*. to the (convalescent men who came out or were movable from the splendid hospitals provided in 'England. In this connection very noble work is done both for the entertainment and instruction of the unfortunate lads who are sick and wounded. To help in this work, and make the quarters as attractive as possible, very line residences have been bought leased or otherwise secured, and comfortably furnished, provide the essentials of a home from home under maternal management which the men greatly appreciate.

Referring' to what was being done in England, Mr Varney spoke of the splendid help given by the gentlewomen of the Old Land. Titled and even Royal ladies were helping, aud took a special delight in doing what they could for the New Zealand soldiers, who were justly esteemed because of their good conduct. Instances were mentioned of the personal devotion of some of these highly placed ladies who gave their whole time to the nation’s work for the good of the soldier. Many of the pictures shown illustrated what Mr Varney had to say on this point, and the audience could not but appreciate the homelike surroundings provided for the men, or the care and expense which the Y.M.C.A. took to organise so splendidly for the comfort of the men.

At the close of the address, a vote ot thanks was accorded.'to the Mayor, and the proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem'. A retiring col-

lection was taken up, over £6 being received. This amount is to be used as the nucleus of the Westland Trench Fund for the Y.M.C.A., the supplementing oi which by a few hundred pounds will be considered at a meeting of patriotic workers on Wednesday night next, when the Mayor will convene a public meeting with that object in view.