WITH THE TROOPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15825, 23 January 1915, Page 8

WITH THE TROOPS.

Y.M.C.A.'S GOOD WORK.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN EGYPT,

SOCIAL LIFE AT TRENTHAM.

The work of the Y.M.C.A. at the various military camps held in Auckland in the past is well known, but it is not generally known how important a part the association is playing with regard to the welfare of the men about to go on active service. The association's work does not end when camp is struck; its representatives follow the men right on to the field of battle.

The matter of fostering social life among a body of thousands of men is an important one, and one in which England's military authorities have given fullest co-operation. At the present time, the Y.M.C.A. is operating no fewer than 600. centres of work, and splendid assistance has been rendered by those who have at heart the welfare of the men under canvas. There are over 50,000 men encamped at Salisbury Plains and Shoreham camp alone, and here the association has erected huge marquees and a building to accommodate 2000 men, and the practical value of the Y.M.C.A.'s effortsjm behalf of the troops is attested by the fact that these marquees are crowded every night. The association's representativesall honorary workers given the rank of lieutenant, and follow the men wherever they go. Social Service in Egypt. When the Auckland members of the main expeditionary fo-ve were encamped at Alexandra Park the Y-M C.A. maintained tw<> marquees and did much good work in promoting he social life of the camp; but although the request was made, no Y.MC'.A. workers were permitted to accompany me force to Egypt. The fact lias now been hi ought to the attention of the National Committee that whereas Canada, Australia. and India have each at least six Y.M.C.A. representatives with their overseas troops in Egypt, New Zealanders are without one. An effort is, therefore, being made to raise sufficient funds to supply this deficiency, the New Zealand contingent being at a great disadvantage as compared with all other oversea troops. The C>r".'it Desert offers very little entertainment to men encamped under conditions of active service and General Godley recently cabled his hearty approval of the suggestion that the Y.M.C.A. shall appoint workers. Entertainment for Troops. When sufficient fluids are obtained, the New Zealand branch will appoint several men who will accompany tile various reinforcement drafts as they leave these shores, and these men will follow the expeditionary force wherever it may go. Their services will be particularly welcome aboard the troopships in the organisation of " sing-.-ongs " and similar entertainments, which break the monoton v of a long sea voyage. 'I he popularity of the association's work at Trentham is shown by the, fact tlTat the building recently erected represents the social centre of camp life. Everynight its writing tables and reading tables are crowded, and the men show their appreciation by taking fullest advantage of every effort made to add interest and entertainment to life under canvas.