THE Y.M.C.A.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10688, 7 September 1920, Page 3

THE Y.M.C.A.

"MAGNIFICENT WORK." A MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND. At a meeting of the National Council of the Y.iI.C.A., Sir James Ailen, .who was present, took the opportunity of thanking the association on behalf of New Zealand for the magnificent work, they had done during the war, and after the Armistice for New Zealanders. They could not realise at thip end, ho said; what it had meant to them to feel that this great friendly organisation in Great Britain had. its arms spreading out all over the battlefields to help our 6oldiers, to help our nurses, and to help their next-of-kin in New Zealand. The people of New Zealand did feel that they had friends on the other side of the world while such an organisation as the Y.M.C.A.. was with their ine'n. '• "■ .. ■

A' widespread organisation such- as j the Y.M.C.A., continued Sir James, was beiiiß used, and would continue to be used, to create a good fellowship between the Motherland and tho Dominions in order that thgy might grow together, for they in New Zealand felt that they must hold on to the Mother Countrv and she to them, if the Elmpire was to stand. In the Dominion thev had just the same problems as Great Britain, but perhaps not quite eo magnified. They were watching what England was doing, especially the Whitley Commission, and " thev; were hoping that both together might ultimately find some solution for industrial difficulties, that all suspicion might be removed, and that thev might work together for the common good. '"We in New Zealand rejoice to hear of the League of Nations," said Sir James, in speaking of the future defence of the Empire, "and the purposes for which it has been founded, and we hope that it may prove effective—but we have always had some little doubt about it. If the Y.M.C.A. can do anything to make the £eaguo of Nations powerful, ,we in New Zealand will be gratefnl to vou. If the League is not to be as effective as we hope, then we in,,.New Zealand want to take our part, and will take our part, to create such a scheme of defence as may rendor us safe in case of attack. If it is necessary, and I feel that it is necessary, under tho League of Nations to continue our scheme of training, we want to make it a means of training; not for soldiers only, but as thraiing for healthy, good citizens." Sir James, in conclusion, extended an invitation to the members of the council to visit New Zealand. He was sure they would receive a hearty welcome, and _ they would find the work of tho association there" was being Well done. '