A MESSAGE PROM THE TRENCHES

Evening Star, Issue 16662, 19 February 1918, Page 4

A MESSAGE PROM THE TRENCHES

AN OTAGO OFFICER'S SENTIMENTS. I Lieutenant- J. F. Scoullar, of the 2nd Battalion. O'tago Regiment,' in writing from France to Mr Grant, head master of the Ravensibourne School, under date 19th November, 1917, rnalces the following statement:—"l would like to pay a tribute also to the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. for tho really magnificent work they do out here. No matter where our bovs are you will find a Y.M.C.A. tent or'hut. It would take reams of paper to eulogise their work, so I will conclude by asking that if ever the Y.M.C.A. make an appeal for support for their -work in France you will endeavor to convince sceptics that this association is worthy every ounce of support that New Zealand people can give." RED TRIANGLE CAMPAIGN. At a- meeting of the Executive Committee, held yesterday afternoon, in connection with the above, the convener-of the Citizens' Committee reported that last Friday a meeting had "been held, and it had been decided to adopt tho block system for canvassing the' City. It fwas agreed to ask the 'Hospital Helpers' Association to assist in the street collection to bo held on March 15. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs S. B. M'Donald, H. K. Wilkinson, and T. C. Ross Was appointed to act in conjunction; with, the Hospital Helpers' Association. The Chairman reported that a meeting was being arranged for Oamarn on Saturday, and he was arranging for a representative to attend this meeting. It was reported that a preliminary meeting of head masters of the various schools had been held last Friday, and they -were in sympathy with the meeting, and promised to do all in their po-wer to assist. The Chairman reported that a meeting of a. Ladies' Sub-committee was held yesterday morning, and arrangements had been made to call a -meeting of ladies to form a Ladies' General Committee. The organiser reported' that a meeting of all .athletic bodies was being called' with the idea of organising a gymkhana or some such entertainment to assist the campaign. THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND GIVES GENEROUS HELP. Word lias been received that the Bank of New Zealand lias given £1,500 to the Red Triangle campaign—£soo on account of -each of its branches at Dunjgdin, Wellington, and Christchurch. Mr Beauchamp (tho bank's chairman of directors) has consented to act as chairman of tho Wellington Citizens' Committee of Red Triangle Day. THERE'S NO TRUTH IN IT. The suggestion that the'staff of the Y.M.C.A. draw big salaries was made last night at the patriotic meeting in Port Chalmers. There is not a grain of truth in it. Many of the -workers- at the front are business men, who are helping the noble cause of the Y.M.C.A. -without a penny of salary or remuneration. Those who are paid receive salaries about equal to that of a navvy, while married- sectaries make- an average coal miner's wage. Many of these secretaries have given up good appointments to accept this meagre remuneration, and gain the opportunity to serve their country in its hour of need. The ■ local official secretary of the Y.M.C.A. Red Triangle Day is Mr Rollo Ramsay, formerly an Auckland solicitor. Having been three times "turned down" for active service, and occupied, important positions in young men's movements, he " enlisted" as a war secretary in the Y.M.C.A. Mr Ramsay abandoned his Auckland practice, and is now in readiness to go to the front, preferring service to his fellow-men rather than the pursuit of money at home; while, as he says, "every eligible relative" he has in this country, young or old, is " wearing khaki." Mr Ramsay is enthusiastic over Dunedm's effort, in which he has been sent by tho National Council to assist, and is looking for big results. RED TRIANGLE DAY ■ FOR THE BOYS IN KHAKI, March. 1 to 15. Let Duncdin stand by its brave and heroic sons at the front.