Y.M.C.A. AND THE WAR

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5478, 23 April 1917, Page 2

Y.M.C.A. AND THE WAR

SPLENDID EFFORTS FOR " OUR BOYS.”

MR SMEETON’S IMPRESSIONS

The Theatre Royal was fairly well filled on Friday evening to hear an address by Mr H. M. Smeeton, of Auckland, who last year visited England and the battle front as a special commissioner on behalf of the New Zealand Y.M.O.A.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr T. Stanley) presided, and the stage was occupied by borough councillors and several other leading townsmen. Mr Smeeton, who was accompanied by Mr E. 0. Brownell, secretary to the Y.M.C.A., Auckland, was greeted with applause when introduced.

Mr Brownell was the first speaker aud he traversed the work of the Y.M.O.A. iu the Dominion since the war began, especially in Wellington City aud the training camps. He said already approximately £60,000 had been provided for the Y.M.O A. war work by New Zealand. Some thirty representatives of the organisation had been despatched overseas with the various reinforcoment drafts He drew attention to the magic influence of the ‘‘ Red Triangle ’’—the insignia of the Young Men’s Christian Association. It was known everywhere, and was recognised as the hall-mark of good conduct, efficiency aud Christian sympathy. He read extracts frem letters by soldiers on active service, couched in very appreciative teims of the Y.M.C.A. The National Committee's investigation showed that the cost of administration of the huge funds handled was less than 2 per cent. That was an achievement to be proud of! It was only possible through the great desire of many people to gratuitously assist the Y.M.C.A. work. (Applauso). Mr Smeeton followed, his opening remarks being very congratu'atory to Te Aroha and district for its splendid efforts in connection with finding the men and the “ sinows of war.” He quoted the opinions of many' leading soldiers and statesmen on theY.M.C.A. organisation, which had done incalculable work in alleviating the miseries aud hardships of an awful war. The speaker said Mr Brownell had j referred to the work in the Dominion, ; (i- wanted to tell of the work done on i iho other side of the world —in Eng • ‘ar.d aud France particularly. in , !rmelon the Y.M.O.A. had a Shakes- ■ oeare Hut which was the finest of :ts

kind in the British Empire. It was open to every allied soldier in uniform, and had been established by the munificence and generosity of the Shakespeare Society, the municipalities of London and contributions from all parts of the Empire. There were 350 volunteer ladies working at that institution, and it was by the aid of such helpers that the Hut could be run on such inexpensive lines. But it was of his visit to France that he wished to tell. It was a thrilling experience lie would remember and cherish for the rest of his life. He described his departure from Folkestone, in the South of England and bis voyage to Boulogne, thence to Calais, and from the latter place right along near the battle front towards the Swiss border, back to Paris, and south to Bordeaux, finally arriving back at Boulogne. He described bis visit to the sector occupied by the New Zealanders, aud the work of the Y.M.C.A in that locality. There were several huts and canteens provided and conducted by the institution. The huts were usually provided with reading and writing materials, cinema and concert shows etc. The canteens were conduct,d by the English Y.M.C.A. and all goods were sold at cost price. The cigarettes sold there, he poiuted out, were of a better class than those supplied generally. They were principally Three Castles and Gold Flake, and the boys were very pleased at being ablo to procure these comforts. He graphically described a visit by a German “ Taube ” aeroplane and the anti-aircraft gunnery to combat such unwelcome visits. He visited Ypres, and described the terrible havoc wrought by the bombardment of that beautiful town. The Y.M.C.A. was represented there despite the periodical bombardment by the Huns. <• Chicory Lane ” was the appellation given by the Boldieis to one part of the lino where theY.M.C.A. was fortunately able to provide many thousands of cups of cocoa gratis. He mentioned individual gifts of five tons of cocba, one hundred cases of condensed milk, special discounts on goods purchased for the Y.M.C.A. Avar work. Mr Smeeton next dealt with a visit to the south of France where a rest camp aud convalescent hospital had been established. Anything up to 60,000 men wore continually there—that showed the magnitude of the war. Y.M.C.A. enthusiasts were working in co-operation, and the good work done was remarkable.

Four tons seven hundredweights of copper coin were taken at a Y.M.C.A canteen at the Crystal Palace in one week. This huge weight of copper was valued at about £19,000. This institution was run by the Y.M.C.A. for the Navy and was as immense concern, hardly conceivable without seeing it. He quoted examples of the boys’ cheerful letters to the home folk, and said there was no doubt the Association was a contributing factor in keeping the soldiers’ spirits ever cheery and fresh.

He exhibited several war relics, including a periscope from Mesopotamia, a steel helmet, and a gas helmet.

In concluding he urged the people to realise and recognise their duty to the fighting men and the privileges offered at all times—particularly now —of supplying the means of providing comforts for the soldiers. (Applause). On Cr. Mackie’s proposition, a vote of thanks by acclamation was carried to Messrs Smeeton and Brownell for their able and interesting address. Mr Brownell briefly acknowledged the compliment, and earne3tly urged those present to support the National Committee of the Y.M.G.A. in its endeavors.

The singing of the National Anthem and a vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.