A NOBLE WORK

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 55, 2 September 1916, Page 9

A NOBLE WORK

THE FIGHTING MAN'S FRIEND

V.M.C.A. AT THE FRONT.

The V.M.C.A., as has been pointed out often during the war, has proved itself one of the most successful organisations in providing for the wants of the men at the front. Three letters (two from Mr. J. L. Hay and one from Mr. W. A. Hislop, who have been appointed field service secretaries) have been received by Mr. Brownell, National Secretary of the V.M.C.A. in New Zealand. They contain accounts of how the work is progressing and the difficulties that are met with in reaching the men in the trenches.

Mr. Hislop, writing under date 13th July, states that when he arrived in France from Egypt he immediately got in touch with General Russell, who said that it would be impossible for anything to be done in connection with the association's work for a time, as the troops would be moving about. However, a room was secured in the village where the troops were billeted and a lew Bible study groups for the men were initiated. On receipt.of a message from Divisional Headquarters, Mr. Hislop went to Colonel Reid, who informed him that the Army Corps had refused to allow him 'to go with the men to the front. "This was a bit of a knock out," says Mr. Hislop, "as 1 wa3 anticipating starting shortly to work with the men who were fighting in the trenches." Colonel Reid said that the division was. going to take over some recreation huts that were being rim at the front, and to run them as a divisional affair. Mr. Hislop obtained permission to inspect 'th« huts, and afterwards told Colonel Reid that if he would allow it he would get three more men from Egypt and take over and manage the huts as V.M.C.A- huts. But again the Army Corps' refusal of permission to go to the front blocked the way. "The Australian secretaries were much better off," says Mr. Hislop. "The fact that they carry a document signed by the Commonwealth Defence Minister enabled them to get through with very Utile trouble. Of course, you know we have not,- as yet, carried any official papers. This has been rather a mistake. It worked out all right in Egypt, but in France it makes things very difficult."

Mr. Hislop found it necessary to return to Calais after explaining tho position fully to General Russell, who was willing'to help in any way he could. After a fortnight in Calais Mr. Hislop received permission by telegram from General Russell stating that he had managed to obtain the necessary permission, and arrangements were at once put in hand for taking over one of the best recreation huts and running it as a V.M.C.A. within a* mile of the German trenches.

Unfortunately after being there a little over a week Mr. Hislop had to be sent to the V.M.C.A. Headquarters suffering from concussion and shell-shock. Through an interview between Mr.' •H. Holmes (late secretary in Wellington) and General Russell, permission was granted -to Mr: J. L. Hay. to take Mr. Hislop's place. Mr. Hislop was later in London doing enquiry work and forwarding comforts for the men to Mr. Hay, and also supervising a poi'tion of one of the V.M.C.A. hostels given over to New Zealand men. "We had a good spin all last week," wrote Mr. 'J. L. Hay on 4th July, "and, excepting Monday night, which I keep free for letter writing, etc., we had something on every night, and apparently it was appreciated by the "soldiers." On ■tbe' Saturday there was a debate in which men from most of the New Zealand university colleges spoke, and on a Sunday afternoon a "social tea" was provided. .There was . only _room for about 90 men, but the "home" touch added greatly to its success, and it is intended to,hold these teas every Sunday afternoon.

Writing of comforts, Mr'. Hay says the men in the trenches,have " a,pretty deadly time." They get only the usual ration, and "they crave for such things as cocoa, chocolate, soups, etc., and I am in a unique position for getting these things to them. ... I made a trip to one of the V.M.C.A. stores yesterday, and ordered goods to the value of £100 for distribution "to the men in the trenches. Already I have got quite a lot of chocolate and writing paper .to the men in the trenches, and I know the fellows have been truly grateful."

That day (4th. July), Mr.< Hay took over another hall in a locality where dne brigade of New Zealanders had just gone. A unique work, in- Mr. Hay's opinion, presents itself to the V.M.C.A., but it is largely trench work. "We are running a canteen, as this is wanted, and the men in the trenches will be able 'to get delivered to them whatever they may order. Everything we sell: comes over duty free, and is sold at practically cost price. We are running a tea ( and cocoa bar, and I guess this will, be appreciated. By working in with the brigade ration, we can get our staff right up to tho trenches every night."

The writer concludes with a copy of a letter .received from Captain-Adjutant A. D. Stitt (of the Ist Battalion, Conterbury.-. Infantry Regiment),., who wrote under instruction from the commanding officer, thanking Mr. Hay for the gifts which were greatly appreciated, and " the quartermaster will collect these for us."- ■

Writing on the 13th July,:'Mr. Hay says that nothing of great moment had happened, and he had been spending most of hi 6 time in planning ways and means whereby to serve the men, "the majority of whom are always in the trenches." In discussions with . officers and men he learnt that the . greatest need was to provide a few extras in the way of eatables—"something to vary the monotonous sameness of the daily ration." Of course, .that meant spending a considerable sum of money, but Mr. Hay felt he must act. "The commanding officers are only too pleased to assist me, and already every man at present in the front line of trenches has received something. The following is typical of the issue which each man has received :—One piece of chocolate, one tin of meat paste or sardines, si:* cigarettes. ' In addition, I have sent ample supplies of postcards and writing materials. Then, to numerous men from the other lines of trenches, who are sent in for stores, etc., I give whatever I happen to have. Yesterday a, ' company commander came in and 'bagged' some stuff for his men, who had just come to the supports from the front line of trenches, after having had a terrible time there. I was able .to give him some cakes that are specially made in England for the V.M.C.A.. canteens in France, and his men were delighted. The news apparently travelled to another officer, for he came in to-day with a similar request, and you would have smiled to see this officer and, his two corporals leaving the V.M.C.A. laden with cases and sandbags fidl of cakes and other things. . . . As yet, I have not had to disappoint anyone. This is possible through the excellent organisation of the English V.M.C.A. has for getting supplies of stuff to the depots within easy distance of the firing-line. Those cakes I spoke of are splendid. They arrive in air-tight cases every few days, and as the men are keen on them I am going to keep ample supplies on hand. I also had a request for a gramophone for the trenches. This I have bought."

Mx. Hay says that all day long the building is. full of mfgjreadin^ 'writing,

or anVusing themselves with the piano or gramophone. Concerts are very popular, and on the previous Sunday there wus a.band in the afternoon, followed by the social tea, at which Mr. Holmes spoke, and in the evening the usual service. There was a large attendance, and items were given by Mr. Alexander Watson, the famous elocutionist, and Mr- John Perry, the brilliant tenor who was accompanying the Lena Ashw*?U party. The anti-aircraft guns nearby kept up a continuous roar and added to the impressiveness of the singing (which Mr. Hay says he will never forget) of tlie hymn, "Peace, Perfect Peace." He says: "Out here there is real meaning in the words: " 'Peace, perfect peace, Death shadowing us and ours?.. Jesus has vanquished, death - And all its .powers.'" Tlie letter concludes by stating: that "Frit?," had not lai.vded any more shells near the building during that week, arid Mr. Hay hoped the Oermans would.con: tihue to leave the buiMing alone.