Y.M.C.A WAR WORK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 271, 1 May 1917, Page 2

Y.M.C.A WAR WORK.

An Interesting Address There was a small but appreciative audience at the Premier Hall, Pukekohe, last night when a most interesting and instructive address was delivered by MrH. M. Smeeton, of Auckland, who visited the front as honorary commissioner fron the New Zealand Y M.C.A. The Mayor (Mr H. G. R. Mason) presided. During his introductory remarks Mr Smeeton referred to the general appreciation of the effective work accomplished by the Y.MCA press, soldiers and literary men were all inmnimous in this respect. He quoted words of appreciation from Earl Kitchener, Lord Derby and others, showing that in time of war the work of the YMC A. was indispensable. The best acknowledgments we could get as to the work was contained in letters from the boys at the front. The work extended righ I^ . to where the fighting was and where the comforts were most needed. Mr Smeeton pointed out that the money was cabled direct to England without delay, where the necessary goods were purchased. It was recognised, _said the lecturer, that the influence of the Y.M.CA. huts had brought about a marked difference in the moral tone and standard of speech of the boys who frequented them. A distinguished lecturer in the Old Country had said that four things were necessary for the conclusion of the war : (1) Men, (21 money, (3) munitions, and (4) the Y.M.CA. Mr Smeeton then proceeded to give a comprehensive and interesting account of his visit to the training camps in England, including Sling, Codford, Hornchurch, Brockenhurst, Walton-on-Thames, and the London centre Shakespeare Hut. He pointed out that the New Zealand boys loved to have New Zealand ladies in charge when they came home to these camps. There were no less than 350 voluntary lady | workers at the Shakespeare Hut. i Some of them were titled ladies and | thoy took their part in the scullery, I washing up dishes. All this showed | the prevailing spirit and the univerI sal desire to help the boys. Previous to entering upon a description of his visit to France, Mr Smeeton referred to the work of the Y.M.O.A. motor patrol in London during the night. A fleet of 20 motors was used and included lady drivers. The principal objective was the picking up of stranded soldiers, who had been lost, or were without funds. These men were brought to the huts, and in one week no less than 267 men had been eo dealt j with. Then there was also a scheme I for entertaining the men by the engagement of select concert parties. Dealing with his visit to France the Commissioner described his visit to the sector occupied by the New j and the work of the j Y.M.CA. in that locality. There I were several huts and canteens proi vided and conducted by the institution. The huts were usually provided with reading and writing materials, cinema and concert shows, 1 etc. The canteens were conlucted |by the English Y.MC.A. and all i goods were sold at cost price The j cigarettes sold there, he pointed out, ' were of a better class than those ! supplied generally. He graphically described a visit by a German ' " Taube " aeroplane and the antiaircraft gunnery to combat such | unwelcome visits. He visited Ypres, and descried the terrible havoc wrought bT the bombardment of that beautiful town. The Y.M.CA. was represented there despite the periodical bombardment by the Euns. •' Chicory Lane " was the appellation given by the soldiers to one part of the line where the Y.M.C.A. was fortunately able to provide many thousands of cups of cocoa gratis. Ho mentioned that Messrs Cadlmry Bros, had made a gift to the Y.M.C A. of five tons of cocoa. The speaker dealt at length with the extension of the work under the auspices of the Y M.C.A., the scheme of providing comforts and entertainment, and the gieat appreciation and recognition which was apparent on all sides of the immense amount of good being accomplished. He exhibited a gas hdinef, a perisc jpe, and sections of shell cases, the lattor having am usirg inscriptions thereon. The Commissioner resumed his seat amidst prolonged applause. The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to Mr Smeeton and the Mayor.