THE RED TRIANGLE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17077, 3 September 1917, Page 5

THE RED TRIANGLE.

V.M.C.A. WAR WORK

MR. VARNEY'S ADDRESS

There; was a splendid attendance at the Opera House on Saturday night, when Mr Varney, who is back from the war .theatre, gave an address" on the activities of the V.M.C.A.

The work, of the Red Triangle, in England^ and at the front is well known to the local public, as detailed and regular accounts are published, but'the facts; bear repetition, and as Mr Varney enlivened, his address with anecdotes and recounted actual experiences, his audience spent an interesting evening. A large number of lantern slides caused special interest. The Mnyor (Mr C. E. Mackay) presided, and in his opening remarks paid a warm tribute to the work of the V.M - C.A. during the war. •

Mr Varney spoke in terms of praise of the work of the New Zealand soldiers at. the front. Their outstanding feature was cheerfulness and duty first, and they looked with confidence to the ultimate issue. No sacrifice seemed too much for them. The speaker said the Red Triangle shone like a light in a dark place. The V.M.C.A." wos exceedingly popular among the soldiers, and wherever the British soldier could be. found, would also be found th c Red Triangle. One of the great helps to the success of the work was the assistance given by women. The speaker said the V.M.C.A. .huts nad been very much appreciated, and were looked upon as a "home away from home." The huts were doing a work for home and purity that would never be fully realised.

Mr Varney gave an interesting account of th c V.M.C.A. work in the munitions areas, and described his visit to tlie front, where lie met several Wanganui soldiers. In the early days of the war the Association was kept at the base, but now no spot was inaccessible to its workers, who did riotcount clanger as long as they were helpins: the soldiers.

Mr Varney addressed a. women's meeting at the Opera House on Saturday afternoon, and spoke at th e Y.M.C.A. yesterday. To-night lie will give an address at Westmere. , „