Y.M.C.A. WAR WORK.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7912, 31 July 1917, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. WAR WORK.

A DISTRICT APPEAL. The following circular has been issued by the president (Mr P. S. McLean) and lion, treasurer (Mr G. A. R. Mackay) of the Hawke’s Bay committee of the Y.M.C.A.:— The Hawke’s Bay Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association arc arranging that on Saturday, August 4th, a house-to-house canvass and street collections shall be made in the Hawke’s Bay district, and also in Gisborne, for funds to support the Y.M.C.A. War Work and Trench Comfort Fund, by ladies interested in the w'ork. What more fitting occasion could be chosen to give expression to our appreciation of the Y.M.C.A. then the anniversary of that memorable day when Great Britain declared war upon Germany? Eagerly our men answered to the call of the Empire. We are proud of their gallant deeds, their conquests, and heroic sacrifices. To them we give all praise and honor. It is due largely to the Y.M.C.A. and kindred institutions that the splendid morale of our armies is maintained, and in these troublous times, when the Red Triangle of the Y.M.C.A. has become a sign so familiar, so beloved, so necessary to our soldiers, it is not too much to say that this war is but a question of men, munitions and the Y.M.C.A. In the Army the soldier is a mere

unit, but the Y.M.C.A. does not allow him to forget that he has a triple nature, that there must be food for his spirit and mind as well as for his body. Wherever there is a Y.M.C.A. hut, it is crowded with soldiers, grateful and appreciative of its kindly shelter and practical cheer. Whether waiting to be served with hot drinks, or cakes, or candles, cough drops, or tobacco, or heartily applauding the lectures and concerts, whether resting, reading and writing home, or reverently joining in the services, the men are constantly bearing witness to the foresighted wisdom of the Red Triangle policy. Through the catholicity of its constitution, the Y.M.C.A. huts are open to every sect for their services, and among the secretaries and workers may be found the clergy and laity of every denomination, all striving to cheer and comfort the men and to save them from the snakes and awful temptations that are ready to entrap them everywhere. It is not possible in this short appeal to make more than a passing reference to the glorious w’ork of our secretaries on troopships, in camp, in the firing line and dressing stations —in short, wherever the men are, there is the Y.M.C.A. Very soon our men will be experiencing N the rigors of another Continental winter, let us see to it that we are ready to offer them every help and comfort in our power. May every thinking man and woman ponder and enquire into the matter, and with one accord unite in a magnificent effort to support this noble work, whatever may be our opinions or beliefs, and, sinking our smaller differences, work together, “distinct as the billows, yet one as the sea.” , Contributions may be sent to Mr Ma.-kay at the Bank of New South Wales, Napier, or the lion, treasurer of the local committees. The Waipawa Ladies’ Patriotic Committee will devote the whole of the proceeds of the “Mystery Bag” sale on Saturday to this fund, and will therefore be- unable to make a house-to-house collection, but donations sent to the shop and ear-marked . for the Y.M.C.A. will be reserved for • that object.