TOC H

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21464, 4 May 1935, Page 21

TOC H

TO TIIS EDITOit. 0* THE PftBSS. Sir,—l was privileged to listen to the combined R.S.A. and Toe H Anzac service in the Cathedral —a service beautiful in its solemnity—and although I am familiar with the works of the Returned Soldiers' Association, I still have some doubts as to the nature of the other society. I have dabbled in signallers' language, but I ain unable to give an intelligible meaning to the cryptogram "Toe H." I am assured that the society originated during the war, a fact easily reconciled with its of remembrance, but my s'oldier friends can shed no light on the history and aims of the movement. Honesty fears no publicity, but so little is heard of Toe H that one is unwillingly forced to doubt its worth. Since lam interested in the welfare of returned men, I would like to make the acquaintance of the movement, if it is worthy of support. Perhaps your readers can assist me and al;ay my doubts. Not withing to clothe my ignorance in a personality I use a nome-de-plume.— Yours, etc.. PETO. April 30. 1935. When this letter was shown to the Dominion Padre, the Rev. O. Williams, ho gave the following explanation: —

Toe H stands for T. H.. which is, in turn, the initials of Talbot House. Gilbert Talbot was a typical citizen soldier, who fell at Hooge, in 1915, and at a lime when the tide of war seemed (o be carrying away a whole generalion of the Empire's youth. Because he was of outstanding promise, his friends could not bear to let his memory die. and they set up a house at Poperingiie behind the line, where the same spirit o r service and leadership which Talbot had displayed was fostered among the troops from every part, of the Empire during the next four years. Great fellowship originated in the house, and it survived the war. For service in the trenches there was substituted social service of all kinds—boys' clubs, etc.—and the ideal of passing 011 the best spirit of soldiership. sacrifice, and service to the younger generation. was fostered. There are new some 1000 replicas of the original Talbot House Fellowship scattered throughout the world, and some 60 in Tview Zealand. They hear the message: 'l'n \'nn from l::.llin; v., 1 ilia:; Tin* inrt'li ho yuui-s t" lilt iL 1 jii^l•. Mr Williams added that the correspondent could obtain further information lrom the Toe H headquarters. Latimer bouare, any Monday even'.ng.