A ROYAL VISIT.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 1107, 21 November 1917, Page 6

A ROYAL VISIT.

Y.M.C.A. DUGWT HOXOUKED^

In a Y.M.C.A. but auythiug may happen, or nothing, especially when the hut happens to be a dug-out. In that unconventioual theatre the probabilities may be defied with impunity. But even in - a dug-out, where the uuexpected is the expected, a visit from the King makes a redletter day. Tbe dugout which has been so signally honoured is the "Christ's Collide, Cambridge, Dug-Out" at W Wood. A few weeks before the King's visit this dug-out was behind tbe German lines, occupied, perhaps, by a German officer. General Plunier's victory, however, '"changed all that." On the second day after tbe British push, tbe deserted German dug-out was occupied by the Y.M.C.A., and presently became the scene of all the varied activities for which those letters stand, being kept open till i a.m. every morning to serve cocoa to working parties going up to the front line. * Good wine needs no busb," but for all that, the sign of the Red Triangle was fixed up, and now mine host is entitled to add to the signboard of his hostel the words, " Patrouised by H.M. the Kiug." Before tbe Royal visit, however, other distinguished guests bad been received—the Duke of Counought, Prince Arthur of Counought, General Pluiuer and others. The gramophone was playing at the time so the scene must have been lively and conversation difficult. The visitors-, however, asked many questions, aud expressed themselves as pleased with what they s«iiv. General Plutuer volunteered the remark that it was 'a wonderful insii'ution," and one ould not desire a bettrr judge or a btUa verdict. , The when he called, was acc'irapanied by the Prince of Wales. Newspaper reports have already made us aware of the tboiougb way in which the Kiug carries out his investigation.-. Association workers were asked how they? managed to obtain such a good stuck of supplies in that advanced pusitiuu, bow iunthey had betu installed in their dug-

out, bow often they bad been shelled, what they did for working parties at nighf, and so on. And when, off leaving, the Kiug expressed his., thanks for the work being done, "and said that be felt sure it was much appreciated by the men, the workers in that lonely outpost must have felt that these were much more than formal words of encouragement, for they expressed a sympathy that was based upon understanding. " To-day," says a writer in tbe Red Triangle, "the main thing is that the King has visited one of our dug-outs, and the news of the event will carry pleasure and encouragement to every hut around the Empire."