Y.M.C.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1916, Page 6

Y.M.C.A.

•- -*<■ THE SIGX OF Tlll'u RED TRIAXGLE. "liver)where now tile soldier knows the meaning of the sign of the red triangle. It is as familiar—ami as significant iu its different way—as tlio -Bed Cross itself. Wherever it Is displayed it means welcome, comfort, good cheer, ;;cod company, and liiere U little cause, therefore, to wonder either at its popularity or for tlic urgent requests from commanding officers that it alia.ll be placed within tlic sight of their own men. As the war symbol of the Young lien's Christian Association, it represents efforts that have been cntireiv

•:v.cc3sfu) en behalf, alike, oi luc themselves mid the nii-n in training. The association has. in fact, tahen a bold and statesmanlike policy in dealing with problems bound to present themselves in connection with the formation and movements of great armies at Home and at the various fronts'' (so says the London Observer in an article on the. Y.M.C.A. war work).

Continuing, the writer speaks of the many places in London opened by the Y.M.C.A. on behalf of the troops. The King placed a large building in the Koyal Mews, Buckingham l'alace, at the disposal of the association, and this is a tremendous boon' to men arriving late at night at Victoria Station, and unable to leave London till the next morning. In addition to r.hij, is extensive accommodation in the \ score rooms of what was the old \Ve-.ini!ister Brewery, in Hbrseferry road, and yet further provision is needed because' of the many men arriving here. There is also a "hut" near Waterloo station, and another at Euston (both needing extension), where there are arrangements far supplying hot and savory Food, greatly appreciated after long journeys, baths and sleeping quarters, and also reading and writing facilities. Continuing, the article, says:—At the present moment there is net a training camp in England, or equally, in India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, which has not got the association at work on behalf of the men. On the Gallipoli Peninsula, in Malta and Egypt, it is there to help. Its aid, .moreover, is given irrespective of religion.or creed, and the sole passport is the King's uniform. There are further needs to be met in the convalescent camps, and for overseas men making a short visit here before going on to their base. A hut in this country or Trance costs about £453, and £36*o each will provide the extensions that arc much wanted to some of those existing. Big work calls for money on a liberal scale, and the association has already spent fully £1(52,000 on huts and the'hire of huts, and other equipments, while the work in France, Egypt, the Dardanelles, India, Malta and British East Africa has cost £95,000. The item of £56,000 for stationery, postage, literature and games is in itself sufficient to show the magnitude of the operations.