ON THE TROOPSHIPS

Evening Star, Issue 16473, 11 July 1917, Page 8

ON THE TROOPSHIPS

A DUNBDIN FIELD SECRETARY'S WORK. Mr Horace Fawcett, lately of the staff of tho Maori Hill School, left some little time "*go as Y.Ii.C.A. field secretary on one of the New Zealand troopships. Striking testimony to the excellent work he did on board ship was born by the officer commanding in a letter sent to Mr Fawcett just before disembarkation in the Old Land.

" I wish to put on record for reference," ■wrote Captain Jteir, " the splendid work done I by yourself while associated with the troops on board this vessel. It is universally known the magnificent way your great organisation has risen to the occasion during the continuance of this great world war. The great work it has done, and is still doing, is history. "We on this vessel have been nearly three months at sea. It is a long ocean voyage to hive confined together over 1,000 soldiers, comprised of nearly all branches of the service. The part played by yourself to entertain and amuse these soldiers, the amount of labor you have put into the various movements, such as sports gatherings, entertainments, providing literature of all kinds and supplies of material for correspondence, and the. innumerable other kindly actions which go to convert a long and dreary voyage into a pleasant one have been the subject of remark by all ranks on board. One of the most important features to be considered with large bodies of men herded together is their spiritual welfare. We have all. noticed how earnestly and conscientiously you have endeavored to interest the men in this phase of the soldier's life. Your organisation may well be proud of the splendid results achieved. When I say that the conduct and discipline of all ranks on board this transport have been exemplary, I wish to accord you the full measure of commendation which is your due, and on behalf of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men I would ask you, as representing the Young Men's Christian Association, to accept our grateful thanks for the downright, consistent, and untiring assistance you have afforded us."