HOW FARE "OUR BOYS?"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17158, 10 November 1917, Page 10

HOW FARE "OUR BOYS?"

THE WORK OF THE NEW ZEALAND WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION. By I. W. Rayhond, Chairman of the Executive. Despite- the reports appearing from time to time in the press as to the workings of thia association, I judge from observations made last May by the Mayor of_ Auckland and by one or two others at patriotic- meetings that some .haziness exists as to the distribution of funds at this end. Those responsible for this disticution welcome wholesome and intelligent criticism. It is stimulating and indicates that a healthy interest 13 mamietsted in tho distribution of funds by thoso who have reniitted them, but what is rightly resented is that statements are being made lor publication'which a little inquiry would have shown to bo erroneous. A reasonable course to adopt would bo to cablo to the association first for its explanation. In the case of tho remarks mado by the Mayor of Auckland, Colonel Parkee has already written to tne Mayor pointing out that his letter had been misunderstood; but it is so unfortunate that a gentleman holding a publio position should have made a statement which, gave an entirely wrong impression when a- little inquiry would have elicited the facts. Our critics should remember that, of the thousands of our gallant boys who have passed through the hands of our association, there are few who will not feel a sense of appreciation to their countrymen in London for what has been done on their behalf through, the various committees of the association. Many of our boys, after a short stay in this alluring centre, find that money is very volatile. There are reasons why it is not always judicious to replenish their coffers, so occasionally criticism is met with at this end. The association has, however, never refused to provide free, comfortable quarters for any soldier in straitened circumstances. Many of such have reached this stage through no fault of their own, having been relieved of their pay. There (exists no other organisation in the United Kingdom to meet this situation. Tho association has never , since its inception declined to respond to a request for contributions mado by the military or medical authorities. Occasions have arisen where it has offered to render service to fit and unfit men, but, for no doubt good and sufficient reasons, the proffered help has been declined. The association, with its extensive organisation, could have done much more than it has but for the fact that the moneys remitted to it have been specially earmarked for sick and wounded, except in a few instances. ■ An appeal was m.ido by cable, followed up by a letter, asking for permission to expend on fit men—with the approval of the G.O.C. —25 per cent, of the remittances, but no definite reply was ever given. The fact must not be overlooked that, unless there existed some organisation to take a fatherly interest in the fit men who arrive here, in many oases without knowing anyone, they would encounter dangers that would require some fortitude to resist. This association was the first to recognise tho danger of not providing a home life for the dominion soldier when in the United Kingdom, and of not occupying his time in every way possible in healthy attractions. The value of the work done under this head can never be adequately gaxiged. The New Zealand Soldiers' Club has proved a sanctuary and a blessing to thousands. It is the only club in London whose members of committee personally meet every train arriving at Victoria station. The New Zealand men are collected and their transport arranged d'rect to the club, where hot suppers are provided on arrival even though it be in the early hours of the morning. Their own countrywomen are there voluntarily ministering to their comforts. A considerable number of the men hand over their "pay" to the secretary, who does his best to dribble it out so as to extend it over the furlough. This club is known all over France as the "N.Z. Home " in London. Adjoining the offices in Southampton Row is the canteen, where on an average 100 meals a day are served. Menout from hospital for the day are entertained free. This in itself ie a great and useful work. Then there are the clubs at Hornchurch, Brockenhurst, Salisbury, Cbdford, and tho recreation rooms at Oatlands and Walton, all staffed by New Zealand -women, many of them well known in the dominion. The object is to make the surroundings as homelike as possible so as to ; nduce the boys to remain in camp rather than to explore the attractions of the adjoining town. No one who has not visited these clubs, and seen the canteens full to overflowing, can form any idea of the benefit they are to the men. It is not difficult to realise that after a day or two spent in sightseeing the boys get bored and are at a loose end. The association has always done its best to cater for the amusements of these. Those who aro not familiar with London social life have no idea of the cesspools of infamy of which their sons have to run the gauntlet. Many members of the association, being themselves fathers and mothers, are fully alive to the obligation that they feel they owe to those in the dominion who are suffering the agonies of suspense as to . how their sons' are faring. It should also be remembered that the work of the association has been practically restricted to the United Kingdom. It has, however, always sent papers to France, and since our military authorities have made Use of French hospitals it has sent comforts and necessities to the patients there.

In the early life of the association, it relied for its resources on contributionsmade by New Zealanders hero, and also on remittances made by patriotic organisations in the dominion. The controllers of these funds have sometimes forgotten the em-, bargo they laid upon the association as to " sick and wounded only," and have occasionally referred padres and others to the funds lying in the hands of the association, when the applications were for benefits to fit men here and in France. The association has suffered criticism because of its inability to respond. I can unhesitatingly affirm that the policy of my co-workers has ever been to lean sympathetically towards brightening the life of our boys as much as possible, but not to overdo it, recognising 'that it was our duty' to co-operate with the military authorities in doing everything possible to secure the speedy recovery of the men. In this connection I feel bound to state that the men well may be thankful that they have such a G.0.C., 60 strict and sound yet so human as is General Richardson. , . However' much he may wish to do for the men, when they are on furlough, the military must keep out of their existence as much as possible. It is here where the work of the association is of value.

If 1 may say so, those who havo drawn criticism on the association are certainly dominion contributors who, with the best of intentions, have remitted sums to irresponsible sources here, because in their opinion the association was too penurious. This has certainly led to a considerable overlapping. It is as well that I should state that General Richardson exercises the right of vetoing applications from hospitals for certain comforts and necessities, and the "mailed fist" sometim?s_ descends This policy has brought criticism on the association, through it not being understood that the association must conform to the wishes of the military authorities, but I feel it is a sound position for the G.O.C. to take up. It prevents extravagance and discourages indiscriminate applications. As regards fit men the General recognises the invaluable work that the Soldiers' Club and the clubs in the various camps havo done, and ho is in full sympathy with any work being extended to the men which witl occupy their attention when on leave. I have long held this view, but the restrictions imposed bv those in the dominion as to spending funds not merely for sick and wounded nave seriously curtailed work for fit men that the association could have rendered. Money must l>e forthcoming for providing attractions for our boys, where light refreshments and healthy entertain men':3 can be obtained. The association with its band of noble women workers can alone effectively deal with this situation. The names of those who constitute the association executive and the various committees are snrely sufficiently well known to the majority of New Zealanders to be a guarantee that everything will be done tbat should be done in the interests of the men and, moreover, that money will not be wasted. Surely those on the spot must be more familiar with the best means to secure this end than fre those 14O0Q miles away! The criticism by the Mayor of Auckland on the cost of administration is > surely made under an entire misapprehension of facts. The administrative changes of the association in relation to disbursements do not exceed 5 per cent. This for a distributing organisation is phenomenally low. Rent accounts for fully 2 per cent, and the balaricp is distributed over travelling expenses visiting hospitals, postages (heavy items), and clerical. Th? fact has also to bt> remembered thnt owini? to the gonprul shortage of offioo hands, substantial salaries have to be paid to typists and book-keepers. It seeme very paltry to go into th*s<> 6ptaik, but when an institution, staffed by practically all workers, is charged with extravagant administration and that by one in a prominent position, an explanation is necessary I would rfmind tho crHc flvct certain Tohrotary workers on {be staff

have held their present positions fot Dearly three years. I know' two have declined well-paid Government appointments. Many members of the various committees have held office for nearly three yours; they have also been offered lucrative positions, but they look upon their work as their contribution' towards the man-power necessary to finish the job. Ido trust that for the future, before criticism is levelled at the association, a cable will be despatched to "Tenakoutu," London, asking for aa explanation. Then go ahead and we will stand by our guns.