VIEWS OF DEAR ONES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1915, Page 3

VIEWS OF DEAR ONES.

FOR SOLDIERS AT THE FRONT. MD BY AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS. A LEAGUE PROJECTED.

(Wellington Post). Many a writer has referred to the excitement of "mail day at the front"— and has mentioned how bright are the faces of men who recognise the writing of relatives or close friends, and how sad are the faces of those who have to hope for something "next time." In comfortable New Zealand, it is difficult for an average member of the public to feel even a faint semblance of life in the trenches, on the edge of time and eternity, in a strange land, with home half the width of the world away. A letter, then, is a letter to be read and re-read and treasured. And a picture of the old home or of father, mother, sister, or another! New Zealand has many amateur photographers, but how many send pictures to the soldiers X How many are willing to send thenj "if the opportunity is offered? The Y.M.C.A.'s Executive is confident that many youths and men, girls and women, will be pleased to use their cameras in this good cause. Numbers of those who cannot point a rifle at the enemy can snapshot a soldier's home or somebody dear to him. Who will volunteer for the camera army? This happy idea had its origin in Britain, where the Y.M.C.A. formed a Snapshots from Home League, with branches throughout the Kingdom. By its usual effective organisation, the Y.M.C.A. soon had the plan in operation. It was an opening for "practical patriotism," and. tho response to the call was very pleasant.

Apart from the personal happiness which such pictures give to soldiers far away from their country, the photographs have a very important value from the military viewpoint. One can easily imagine the German General Staff promoting such a scheme as a sure means of increasing the soldiers' efficiency. The pictures of the homes and the loved ones for whom the- soldiers are fighting cannot fail to galvanise them. If the Germans had this idea, it would be done thoroughly; nothing would be left to chance. If the voluntary "snapping" was not equal to the need, the Government would arrange for satisfactory supplies, However, the Y.M.C.A.'s local executive has no fear that New Zealand's amateur photographers will be indifferent to this appeal. A beginning will be made soon in Wellington with this movement, and gradually it will be extended through New Zealand, after the manner of the British organisation.