RES TRIANGLE HUT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9871, 17 January 1918, Page 7

RES TRIANGLE HUT

THE FORMAL OPENING

GREAT VALUE OF Y.ALC.A. WORK.

It will be nen-i to the general public that a club room has been ope-ned at 222, Lsmbton Quay (over Littlejohn’s), under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. National Committee for the entertainment of soldiers* The- room has been available during the Christmas holidays in an informal manner, and many soldiers have partaken of Us benefits. It is most cosily furnished with tea tables, reading tables, and billiard tables, and a Y.ALC.A. stall see to it that any soldier is not “sent empty away*’’ The walls of the room aio lined with interesting photographs illustrating what the Y.At.C.A. organisation is doing elsewhere, and tho Visitors’ Book is already full of eulogies of what may be expected in those additional quarters for the soldiers. The formal opening of the “Bed Triangle Hut” took place yesterday afternoon the gathering . under the presidency of Mr C. M. Luke., the chairman of tho Camp Committee- In opening tho proceedings, Air Luke alluded to the magnificent work being done by tho Y.M.C.A. in various channels all over tho world in relation to tho war.

The declaration, of tho opening ot the club was made by the Minister for Defence (Sir James Allen), who extolled the self-sacrificing efforts of JlhoSo connected with the Y.M.C.A. He expressed In's gratitude to all officials of the organisation throughout Now Zealand for the splendid work that had been done in many ways to aid the soldiers going to and returning from tho front- Tho- letters which were being continually received from soldiers in France and England boro eloquent testimony to the value of the Y.M.C.A. organisation- Legislation had quite rightly, in his opinion, provided for the six o’clock closing ot hotels, and it was necessary that attractions in the way of homo life should he provided. This Triangle Hut was an addition to what hafi been done already in this directionThe Minister emphasised tho value of all efforts which’supplied something to tho soldier which reminded him of tho home circle .forwhich he had. to fight. No . influence could he more efficacious. To IVleadames George and Varney was duo the credit of organising the staff in connection with this Hod Triangle Hut. The work was all voluntary and it was generously offered, In connection with the war tub services of women had never been Wanting- When the war was over every woman and man who had given service in the great cause Would be all the better for it.. - There was no doubt that the Y.M'.ClA.’was a real live institution, ever seeking fresh avenues of vital assistance, and it was surely worthy of the utmost support from tho general public. , Air Kersloy proposed a vote of thanks to those concerned with the movement, and this was carried by acclamation.

Professor Trueblodd, from America, was afterwards called, upon ,hy[ the chairman, and ih’The oiurse of a few remarks 'mentioned that £12,000,000 had been raised in connection with American military camps. (Applause.) Ho thought this club, providing for the rest and recreation of soldiers, an exceedingly fine idea. The Triangle idea was that the physical as well as the moral and mental faculties should bp looked after, and this should be made a part of' regular college education. This war ibould not be concluded until a league of nations had been formed to settle international disputes by arbitration.