Y.M.C.A IN EGYPT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11764, 31 July 1916, Page 8

Y.M.C.A IN EGYPT.

WORK FOR THE TROOPS.

COLONEL R. H. RHOEES'S REPORT. . In his report to Parliament recently on his visit to Egypt, Colonel R. HRhodes' referred to the work of the y.M.C.A. in that country. The work done by the Y.M.O.A. in the camps, he states, deserves special mention. Wherever possible-this association establishes marquees or other shelters for reading, writing and wholetome amusement, and also plaoes where light refreshments can be obtained. • "I desire to mention particularly the good work of the Y.M.O.A. in the Esbekieh, Gardens in Cairo. There many hundreds of soldiers from all parts of the Empire congregated durlay and in the evening. 1 better than quote the fol•f account of that work suple in March by Mr H. B. opular and hard-working ree in Egypt of the New Zeanow some six months since .A. commenced its work for he Esbekieh Gardens, Cairo, e work of the British Soli, which is situated in the sis, nothing of any importp to that time been attempt--5 in any adequate manner •gent need of providing some \ ice for rest and amusement usands of soldiers that daily Cairo. .Assisted by the ithorities 'and the Govern--3e of ground, about an aero in these public gardens was by the Y.M.C.A. On this ed a skating rink, refreshfc and a theatrical stage, i made use of, and in addiIding large enough to profacility for reading, writing, i., was erected.- Adjoining if ground was a restaurant, ;ements were made with the to supply; lunches anddinively to soldiers at. reduced n a few weeks of its inc.epIdiers' Recreation Club, as it , soon became a very popuvous for soldiers when on airo. The strategic position dens, right in the heart of ;ith" delightful surroundings, rith the coolness and the e club provided, mado the eof much attraction. Bej everything to make the •table for the men, however, main objects was to provide of amusement every night—- » be a counteracting agency Is that exist in Cairo, as" no other city. To this end thletic events, moving pic- , lectures, etc., were are aim being to have some musement running every ie week. In some measure been obtained in this direclarge numbers of soldiers found nightly at the club in whatever is going on. linking may be had at low the rink is used largely for nts, such as hockey, racing, sion is always entirely free, endeavour is made to make toe men reel that the chb is their ftwn. The latest papers and magazines are always available, and upwards of thirty thousand letters are written every week. The men are cared for spiritually, bright attractive services being held every Sunday. . ■ *" Some three months ago an important innovation took place. Hitherto the refreshment buffet had beea under the control of a private company, but on the arrival of a number of lady volunteer helpers from England and New Zealand -a rearrangement was

effected, and now the men are served with refreshments that are handled exclusively by ladies. That the men appreciate tho change is evidenced by the remarkable development of this department, necessitating extensive alterations and additions. It is estimated ' that on an ordinary Saturday oyer seven thousand men are served with refreshments. The ladies give their praises of what they are doing for them. '"At the present moment hot baths are* being installed, and extra buildings are being erected to make things as comfortable as possible for the ap- • proaching summer " ' Every .assistance has been given by military -and civic authorities alike to make the club a success, and whenever thav have been approached their hearty eo-operation has been forthcoming. " On the arrival of the New Zealand ladv volunteer helpers, referred to by Mr* Hay, two of their number interviewed "me and informed me that so far they had met with no success in their efforts to obtain work in hospitals or other institutions established in the interests of the sick and the wounded, but that they had been offered employment in the Y.M.O.A. canteen in the Esbekieh Gardens.- Having heard ' from the authorities that there was little prospect of employment in military hospitals for women other than trained nurses, and there being also many trained nurses out of employment in Egypt, I strongly advised the deputation to accept' the offer of the X\;M.CA. This they did, entering into their work whole-heartedly, and being sordially welcomed not only by New Zealand soldiers, but by soldiers from ill other parts of the Empire. I heard nothing but appreciation of their rork." • WHEN THE CHILDREN COUGH _♦ IT'S A SUKE SIGN THEY NEED PEPS. There is nothing like Peps for strengthening the little ones' chest and protecting their delicate throats from germ attacks. Quite apart from their exceptional medicinal'qualities Peps are favourites of Children. • They arc nice to suok and they are free from harmful drugs. On slightest sign of a cold or cough give your child a Pep or two and see how quickly tho trouble disappears. .Mrs A. Dean, 139, York St., Lauuceston, Tag., writes:— " For severe colds we always use Peps. ' At various times our children have been very bad with congested colds, accompanied by tightness on the chest. In every caso we have found ■ that.Peps have given instant relief by softening the mucou9 and easing the membranes. My son had a very bad bhroat. The doctor prescribed painting it, but I did not follow out this treatment, for the little lad found it so distressing. Peps being palatable, v 'he readily took tUse little tablets, which at once gave him relief v After a little perseverance with Peps, his throat became completely well. My husband is also a great believer m Peps, and- we have all used this remedy so often, that. instances of "its beneficial effect are too numerous to mention."

Peps are sold by Chemists and Stores at Is 6d or 3s per box, and are the finest remedy for throat and. chost troubles. 1