£10,000 WANTED.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1162, 1 November 1917, Page 1 (Supplement)

£IO,OOO WANTED.

SALVATION ARMY WAR WORK. MEETING OF CITIZENS. A public meeting of citizens, convened by the Mayor, for the purpose of forming a committee to assist the Salvation Army to raise funds for its war work, was ' held in the City Council Chambers yesterday. The Salvation Army was represented by Adjutant Hosking, Major Newby, Divisional Commissioner, and Staff-Captain Thurkettle, district secretary. The Mayor paid a tribute to the excellence and completeness of the work done by the Salvation Army on behalf of the soldiers in the Dominion, in London, and in Fiance. Adjutant Hosking said that at all military training camps in New Zealand the Army institutes are taxed To their utmost capacity, where everything is being done for the comfort of the men in training. Each camp hospital is regularly and systematically visited and the sick men provided with comforts and neccessities. A very extensive work is also carried on in providing comforts for returned men in hospital. At Rotorua a fine institute is in existence for the use of convalescent men. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and suppers at night are provided. A motor launch has been purchased, also a motor car for the use of the convalescent men. Everything is free at this institute. Large hostels near the principal railway stations and throughout London are provided for the accommodation of our soldiers. Through the judicious management of these institutions the sum of £IO,OOO was saved after all expenses had been met. This was sent to the front in providing comforts, etc., for our boys there. The Army hutment ami institutional work in the Old Land is very extensive throughout the whole of England's training camps. At the Western front, where the greatest volume of work is being done, the organisation is very thorough. From the base of the' British Expeditionary Force to every centre, and right up to the war zone,' a network of hutments and institutions is in existence. Six new hutments are now in the course of erection, as our armies are advancing in the Flanders sector. Hot refreshments are being served to the men as they retire from the firing line, and comforts of every description are being supplied to our boys. The Army conducts the systematic visitation of hospitals, where men are suffering from all maimer of wounds, while every comfort and succour is given. The total of 1500 officers and employees are engaged with various operations amongst the troops. Thirtv motor ambulances, manned by Salvation Army officers, and driven by Salvationists, are also provided. In order to meet the needs of every man, the Salvation Army has some time since decided to give every New Zealand soldier as he leaves a book of coupons, which are equivalent to cash. This is payable at any hutment in the fighting zone. These coupons will be renewed monthly. The principal part of the last year's work, as far as New Zealand *is concerned, has been financed from the North Island. The major part of this has been voted from patriotic societies, and where a society's constitution would not permit of them votingsuch moneys, a special appeal similar to that asked for in Canterbury, and the principal districts of the Dominion, has been made with good results. Various racing clubs have donated a total of filfoOO towards the relatives' hostel at the Feathcrston Military Camp. , Mr J. J. Dougall moved that those present form themselves into a committee to assist. Mr A. F. Drayton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.. Mr F. C. Raphael moved that Mr Donaldson be asked to undertake the position of organising secretary. The motion was carried, and Mr Donaldson accepted the position. The town clerk was elected treasurer, the Mayor remarking that Mr Smith was already treasurer of nine funds, in addition to his municipal activities. Adjutant Hosking said it was hoped that about £IO,OOO would be raised in Canterbury. It was decided, therefore, to aim at that amount. The Mayor read a letter from Dr Levinge, expressing sympathy with the movement, and enclosing a cheque.