LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE NEED OF Y.M.C.A. WORKERS.
[To THE EDITOR OF TOE " SPECTATOR.") 131R,—There can be no doubt that during the next winter the numerous Y.M.C.A. Huts in Franco will be seriously understaffed, the results being equally serious for the workers, and for the troops, whose diverse wants cannot be adequately met. Even now the work in the Huts overtaxes the staff ; and the strain promises to become worse unless many more offer themselves for this admirable form of service. On very many occasions soldiers have told me that they could not get on without the bodily, mental, and spiritual recreation obtained in the Y.M.C.A. Huts. The opportunity for the clergy and ministers of all denominations is great ; and many of them would be rendering better service out here than to attenuated congregations at home. Good musicians, reciters, lecturers can also help Thomas Atkins to shake off war-weariness and to withstand the terrible temptations of French towns. The supply of lady workers is, I believe, more adequate ; but even it may run short. Why should not husband, wife, and daughters in many households of England agree to shut up house and come out here for the winter to help our troops face the discomforts of the time ? Tommy fights all the better for having a good time while in the rest camps ; and I, for one, feel it the highest privilege of life to be able, hi however small a way, to fortify his convictions as to the justice
of our cause. Intending workers must be fairly strong, and should be able to offer both work at the counter and some form of recreation or instruction in a way that the troops will appreciate. Cranks and pedants should not go beyond the counter. I know that the Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., Tottenham Court Road, London, will gladly receive
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