Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15268, 3 May 1915, Page 9

V.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES

CARING FOR PRISONERS OF WAR. The universality of the V.M.C.A. service to thoso engaged in the war is strikingly illustrated iv letters just received from tho World's 'Committee of t;ho Young Men's Christian -Associations at Geneva, Switzerland. Ou tho committee arc representatives from nil the countries engaged in the conflict. Ono, secretary is an Austrian and another is .1 Frenchman. Dr. J. R. Mott, Associate National Secretary and Student leader, from ZS'orth America, is co-operating by sending men from tho United States and Canada, and organising efforts particularly in the interests of the prisoners of war in tho different countries. Mr A. C. liarlc, formerly National Secretary of India, is at. present iv Germany organising and working, particularly in the interest of tho Allies, finding* out o:\ tho s-pot. what can be done for the English awl French prisoners of war. Mr liibbard, another American, is working along similar Hues iv organising the worU ju France o u behalf of tiie German prisoners of war. The general office m Geneva is inundated with, work undertaken ou behalf of friends and relatives of soldiers held as prisoners in ho&tile- countries, acting as intermediary for enquiries, and the giviut: or such relief as is permissible under tho circumstances. ' In Australia also the work is equally broad in its sympathy, for in West Australia the a.utnoritley have handed over to the V.SI.C.A. the equipment for social service among tho German prisoners of Tvar at Uottnest Island, near Perth. The proposal for a V.M.C.A Day throughout Australasia will posably bo adopted in connexion with the campaign for a. Soldiers' Friend League, the suggestion being that a sinsH <--o lon red" button should be worn, nvyfatinj; the weaicr as being a cordial Wend to all raon in uniform.