GRAVES OF THE FALLEN.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3616, 1 November 1920, Page 4

GRAVES OF THE FALLEN.

ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS. THE Y.M.C.A. SCHEME. With object' of preventing profiteering at the expense of those whose great desire it is to, visit the graves of the fallen in France and Flanders,, the British Y.M.C.A. has established { along the old western front a series of eleven hostels (adapted huts) providing accommodation for a limited number of visitors. The coastal points at which there are hostels are Calais, Boulogne, and Etaples, while the "forward area '' locations . are Ypres, Armentieres, Bethune, Arras, Amiens, Albert, Cambrai and Peronne. In a pamphlet issued by the British Y.M.C.A., it is explained that "a" tariff has been arrived at which represents,, as far as can 'be ascertained, the cost of the visit. Should a.ny balance remain after some months' operations, this will be devoted to the assistance of those who are not in a position to gay the whole expenses of the journey." GRAVE LOCATION SHOULD BE KNOWN. "It should be noted", proceeds this pamphlet, "that the undertaking of a visit is likely to prove a hopeless quest j without having obtained from the Im- ' ,' perial War Graves Commission, Winchester House, St. James Square, London, S.W., not only the name of the cemetery in which the grave is located, but also the number and the row.-The Association is not prepared as a general rule' to accept booking from anyone Avfyp is not in possession of this in* .formation, but in special cases, whero the persons are prepared to proceed on the chance of discovering graves, plans will be made for them to take'advantage of the'arrangements made."

HOSTELS DESCRIBED. Each Y.M.C.A. Hostel is provided with a public dining room and also a sitting room. Communication with th©' public; rooms are corridors, on either side of which are the bedrooms, each of which contains two beds and tho-

usual appointments. The exclusive use of a bedroom lor less than two persons cannot be guaranteed, but will be provided whenever possible at an extra charge of 15/- for the stay. In addition tp the bedrooms with beds there are also' a number of bedrooms containing bunk beds for the use of men only. At each hostel a bathroom is

provided with cold and hot water, and' 6pecial attention has been.paid to the sanitary arrangements and toilets. The personal comfort of. "the visitors will be in the hands of the lady superintendent. "While the hostels will be found to be comfortable, it must be remembered that they are .not hotels,, and have been built in the devastated areas, because hotel accommodation cannot be found, and in order to make it possible for visitors to come to France arid see the graves this year." FARES.

The fares for the visits, providing all necessary travel tickets third class in England, second class on Channel 1 steamer, and on the French or Belgian' railways, accommodation at hostels, with full board and lodging daily, commencing with dinner or supper on the • Jay of arrival, and terminating with • breakfast or lunch on the fourth day,, and services of representatives en route, are set out as under: Fares from London to Albert, £6 Ss 2d; to Amiens, £6 3s 2d; to Armentieres, £6 3s 4d; 'to Arras, £6 3s lOd; to Bethune, £5 i7s lOd; to Boulogne, £5 5s lOd; to Calais, £5 10s; to Cambrai, £6 lis Id; to Staples, £5 9s 10.1; to Peronne, £6 lis Id; to Ypres, £6 15s Bd. The above, it should be emphasised, do not include the cost of passport and transport to and from cemeteries and the hostels. Those passengers desirous of travelling first; class on the Channel steamer may, do so on payment of 3s extra each way, 4s via Dover —Ostend. No gratuities are allowed. BOOKINGS.

" Application for places," it is urged, "should be made early, as the numbers are limited to the accommodation available at the hostel in each centre. A choice of dates should be given whenever possible. A deposit of 10s, which: forms the first instalment of the fare, should accompany the booking form. The deposit is forfeited should the applicant withdraw. The balance of the fare is payable not later *han ten days before departure. The Y.M.C.A. reserves the right of refusing to accept bookings or to carry out their/ contract with any persons whose presence they consider undesirable, nor could it accept liability for any.;-Joss, delay, or accident, injury or irregularity in the carrying out of the arrangements occasioned or caused otherwise than by persons in " their actual employ. Passports are essential, and no passenger can be allowed to proceed from London unless they are in possession of same. Bookings can be made with the secretary of any Y.M.C.A.. or direct with the Visitation of Graves -Department. National Councils of Y.MC.A.'s, 13 ' Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. ■ ■ All enquiries mast state the name of cemetery i» :::]]. and the name of the . nearest railway station, as notified by the Graves Commission.