AROUND THE HUTS

Arawa Guerilla, Issue 1, 1 April 1942, Page 3

AROUND THE HUTS

Y.M.C.A. Next week we will be out of the. old tent and intcf our new hut, on which they have been working night and day for some weeks. Weekly concerts and social evenings are part of the plans for the future.

In the meantime our lady helpers, there are over two hundred of them representing all organisations and religions, have gained a reputation for being fast young things . . . they can now serve batches of over 300 men with tea in the short space of 12 minutes.

The boys like snacks in between meals too. Over 6000 pieces of fruit cake was consumed in the ■ Y.M. alone during March.

Famous Maori guides and singers give their time for the welfare of the boys and among the helpers last month was Te Mauri . Meihana, whose wonderful voice is known over the air and on the record. She is also secretary of the Maori Musical Society. Guides Rangi and Ellen, together with no less than 25 other guides served teas during last month.

Soldiers’ wives too/ gave a hand and Mrs. Rangi Royal, wife of Major Rangi Royal, M.C., who has just returned from overseas, poured many a cup of tea for thirsty soldiers.

EVERYMAN’S Everyman’s Hut in our camp, is one of a chain of seven operating at the various military camps in New Zealand. Mr. Clark who is in charge locally, endeavours to make the hut what it is “A home away from home for everyman.” FOR HONOUR, AND FOR HER! Somewhere, a woman, thrusting fear away, Faces the future bravely for your sake; Toils on from dawn till dark; from day to day; Fights back her tears, nor heeds the bitter ache; She loves you, trusts you, breathes in prayer your name; Soil not her faith in you, by sin or shame. Somewhere a woman— sweetheart, wife— Waits betwixt hopes and fears for your return; Her kiss, her words, will cheer you in the strife, When death itself confronts you, grim and stern; But let her .image all your reverence claim, When base temptations scorch you with their flame. Somewhere a woman watches—filled with ’ pride; 1 Shrined in her heart, you share a place with none, She toils, she waits, she prays, till side by side You stand together when the battle’s done. O keep for her dear sake a stainless name Bring, back to her a manhood free from shame. —Margaret Scruton.