Y.M.C.A. WAR WORK

Evening Star, Issue 16998, 21 March 1919, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. WAR WORK

Continuing his narrative of the work done and still being carried out bv the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. in England and France, Mr Geo. W. W. B. Hughes, who has just returned to Dunedin after an absence of nearly two years of service as supervising secretary of the Y.M.C.A. war work, said that in Paris the New Zealand, Australian, and. British Y. M. C. A.» combine in carrying on there hotels for the u.«e> of the troops. Added to these the Canadian and American Y.M.C.A.s also have their own large establishments. The arrangements are similar to those carried out in London, and tours to the beauty ppots of Paris and to the palaces and other places are arranged, and the men personally conducted under the direction of experienced guides, who give all information concerning each place visited. During demobilisation the work of the association is needed more than ever, eppecially in the larger centres in England, as the enlisted men secure additional leave and go on tour to all parts of the country. To assist them to make the best use of their time special guide books are distributed in the camps and other places where jiNew Zealand soldiers are in any numbers. In all tha camps the regular feature hut work has been carried out, including free kinema shows, visits of high-grade concert parties, organisation lectures and debates, etc. One of the best pieces of service has undoubtedly been that rendered by the canteens operated! by the association for the benefit of the troops. Any profits which have accrued from this undertaking have beau expended in fre3 service to the men. The whole objective behind conducting the canteens has been the service of the men, and not profit. The religious work of the association has been conducted mainly under an organisation formsd amongst tho men, and Known as the Brotherhood of the Men of Good-will.