Y.M.C.A. AT THE FRONT

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 356, 1 March 1918, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. AT THE FRONT

A strange " passing of ships in the night" takes place in a Y.M.C.A. hut. Men going on and coming from leave, men travelling to and from their base leave, up or down the line, all sorts and conditions coming from out the everywhere into the anywhere. Some stay hours, some days or even weeks, in the station which is enclosed with barbed wire, outside of which no one may venture. What this hut, with its sleeping quarters, canteen, concerts, library, etc., means to a stranded man can easily be guessed. It seems almost futile to mention the gratitude that is felt towards those working under the Red Triangle of the Y.M.C A„ who minister day and night to satisfy the little needs and to relieve the dull monotony of our troops. The men, in their letters home, eive expression to their gratitude for what the Y.M.O.A. does for them; one young fellow, an officer, said in a recent letter to his father, a well-known citizen of Wellington: "... Wherever one goes the Y.M.C.A- are always located ahead of you. When our forces came out of the severe fighting a month ago, the Y.M.C.A. had refreshments available for them before they were out, or clear of, the enemy's fire. I will give you an instance of their work. To day our battalion marched into this village tired, thirsty and sore, reaching our billets at 11.30 a.m. They had had breakfast at 5.45 a.m so were feeling pretty hungry. Of course they carry rations with them, but nothing hot to drink. The compony cooks always follow in the rear of the column, and consequently always take a little time to get going. Thanks to the Y.M.C.A. the men did not have to wait. Why * Because the Y.M. had a huge marquee erected in the centre of the village where a huge mug of cocoa was available for every man at a cost of ald per mug. Of course, they also sell everything so necessary to the comfort of the soldier, cigarettes, matches, chocolates, etc."

The Y.M.O.A. has found itself since the war started, and that it has made good no one can doubt. Hence, the parents and friends of the boys on active service will respond readily to the Y.M.C.A's Eed Triangle Day appeal for its Warservice funds. It requires £1 per year to serve each man, so that £IOO,OOO is the amount asked for.