Y.M.C.A. CAMPAIGN

Evening Star, Issue 16676, 7 March 1918, Page 8

Y.M.C.A. CAMPAIGN

SPORTS COMMITTEE. The Sports Committee met in Mr E. S. Wilson's board room last evening, Mr W. Stuart Wilson presiding. It was reported that arrangements were being made for a procession by tho Cadets under Lieutenant M'Crorie. The chairman rei ported that the Programme Committee of J the Motor Club wore submitting a programme of events to the committee of their club. It was also proposed to have some 50 private cars to carry the public from the City to the Caledonian Ground at Is per head. Mr L. Sanderson, on behalf of the Otago Centre, submitted the events they proposed offering. It was resolved that the entrance fee would be Is for each event, and that entries would close on the 15th inst. Mr H. Harris reported that he had arranged for a costume football match. Mr A. Martin reported that a costume cricket match had been arranged. Mr W. R. Sinclair reported that arrangements had been made in connection with the association football match. Arrangements are also being made for physical displays by our leading The assistance of the Boy Scouts has also be«n promised. Mr B. B. Couston reported that the lady tennis players had agreed to attend to the afternoon tea. Mr E. S. Wilson reported that the icdy hockey players were also going to je piesent. Arrangements are being mace for holding a baby show, dancing competitions, and children's competitions. STREET COLLECTION. Tho Hospital Helpers' Association invited their heads of stands to attend a meeting yesterday afternoon. Mr W. L. Logic presided. The chairman explained that the association had been asked to assist the movement by taking charge of the street collection. All present agreed to again take charge of stands, and a large amount of detail business in connection with the collection was arranged. It is desired to enlist the services of as many ladies as possible. It was felt that many mothers and sisters of boys at the front who do not usually take part in street collections might be willing to do so on this occasion. Any ladies willing to assist in the street collection or the residential collection are requested to send in their names to Mr E. S. Wilson. WELLINGTON'S START. The Y.M.C.A. campaign at Wellington began well with a large public meeting it; the Town Hall last night. The Mavor (Mr Luke) presided, and the speakers "included Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, Sir J-ames Allen, Mr Hindmarsh (Labor mem? ber for Wellington South), and Mr Harold Beauchamp (chairman of directors of the Bank of New Zealand). The speakers heartily praised the Y.M.C.A.'s successful work throughout all the war zones, and these tributes were warmly applauded by a very enthusiastic audience. Sir Joseph Ward summarised the big organisation's activities by saying that at the front it took the place of the soldiers' mothers, brothers, and sisters. Sir James Allen emphasised the importance of the Y.M.C.A. brotherly aid in maintaining the efficiency of soldiers. He said its hearty human touch near the front line linked the soldiers with their own homes and kinsmen in New Zealand, and the moral effect was BOmethiag which, the

ordinary military machinery could not give. Thus the Y.M.C.A. and similar organisations had an extremely important function in the ■war-winning work. Mr Hindmarsh remarked that the people of New Zealand were still able to live in luxury. More money was spent on pleasure now than before the war. This was not creditable, and he urged self-djnial hero to ensure a maximum of comfort for New Zealand's defenders overseas. Mr Beauchamp said that Auckland's recent £50,000 to the Y.M.O.A. appeal represented 5s per head of the provincial population. The Wellington district list last night totalled £9,000, and there are signs that the aggregate will well exceed £20,000.