MEMORIAL HUT.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19407, 6 November 1934, Page 12

MEMORIAL HUT.

OPENED BY Y.M.C.A. GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S TRIBUTE. “It would be difficult to overstate the value to our Dominion soldiers of the noble, far-reaching and selfless work of this great organisation of Christian philanthropy during the Great War, or of its unflagging devotion to the highest interests of the youth of the country since peace was declared,” said the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, when officially opening the new Y.M.C.A. memorial hut at Petone. v.

"No organisation In war time contributed more to the physical and spiritual comfort and happiness of our soldiers while away from their homes than the Y.M.C.A.," said Ills Excellency, “and it is equally true to say [hat no organisation during the stressful and anxious period of the last three years has done more to inspire hope and happiness in the youth of the nation, to save them from moral degradation and decadence, or to find them employment in conditions of unprecedented' difficulty.” That public support and sympathy had not been lacking was evidenced by Ihe fact that during the war the people of New Zealand contributed l;,•101,000 towards the work of the Y.M.C.A. overseas, said His Excellency. “I doubt whether any part of I lie Empire with a similar population or the same amount of material resources could have put up such a flue achievement in the mailer,” he added, "I notice with satisfaction that in certain districts an attempt is being made lo co-operate Ihe Y.M.C.A. and Ihe Y.W.G.A.. so that by a reduction in overhead they may he able lo carry on more efficiently In some districts."