The Church Army.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IX, Issue 24, 2 June 1919, Page 194

The Church Army.

As soon as permission can be obtained, large numbers of people who have lost their boys m France ""will be visiting the battlefields to 'see the last, resting places of the bodies of their dear ones. The Church Army has airanged to keep its huts m and near the battle cemeteries, and fro provide accommodation m them .for those who have gone on this pious pilgrimage. The Church Army is also arranging 'to conduct the visitors, to provide transports, and to provide hostels m London and in' the French ports. For this hospitality, the Church Army will charge nothing beyond the actual cost. The Church Army will undertake, on receiving information as to name, rank, locality and date of death, to the. graves of the heroes to be visited. . This will afford splendid assistance to people unused to travel, especially to those m poor circumstances. The chapels connected with the Church Army huts will be used for services calculated to be \r>f siDiritual help and comfort to the bereaved. . The Church ■ Army has received a letter from Marshal Foch heartily thanking them for the "innumerable services and all the good which the Church Army has rendered to the Allied armies." • ; The Church Army has opened an Emigration Agency for the booking of passages for emigrants' to. all parts of the world. All profits will be devoted to giving "assisted passages" to "desirable settlers. " More huts are required for the armies of occupation m Germany. The

• military authorities urged the Church Army .to. use its "utmost efforts" to maintain and increase .its ~ work during mobilisation: and occupation; this matter is referred to as one of "vital importance." The Rev. F. W. Whibley sends us a copy of the Church Army balance- . sheet for the period July Ist, 1 1918,vt0 March 31st, 1919;; £1593 5s 2d has be y en received for; the huts funds and £240 Is lid for. Christmas Dinners and Soldiers' Orphans Funds. ; Cap-'-, tain Allen's tours realised ' £527 16s lOd. ' Mr Whibley sends also a Copy of an appeal, already published m , some oi the daily . newspapers, on .behalf •of Church Army homes for the ; motherless children of soldiers, together with a. list of clothes required by them. Those 'who will help by .sending suclT clothirig are invited to post their gifts to Miss Janie S. .Walker, Church Army Headquarters,'. Marble Arch, Loridon, W-I. Mea:surements of clothes required will be sent to • any- ' one who will promise the clothes of • any particular child. Seyeri shillings per week will maintain one child m the homes. The Government have asked" the Church Army for 50 more huts m occupied Germany and more accommodation . fori .limbless .and stranded soldiers.