THOUGHTS IN A SOLDIERS' HUT.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR,."]
Bra, —Will you allow me to ask one or two questions of the anony- mous writer in your issue of February 19th concerning the soldiers' huts ho speaks of ?
Who are responsible for the management of these huts ? I notice the writer admits that good influence is exerted, notably in Y.M.C.A. huts, so that the but ho visits is evidently not under Y.ELC.A. management. Personally I cannot give any evidence on that subject, but I canas one of the Committee of the largest club for soldiers in one olT:ualrEgreat Northern centres. I have worked in it since it was founded in 1914. I have been there on duty, and in command, and also as a visitor. There have been, on occasions, between seven hundred and eight hundred passing through in ono evening.
In early days the management has been somewhat " put to it," to use a local expression, to meet the demands of unexpected numbers,
but there has never been any trouble with drunkenness. If occa- sionally a man has come in who has taken more than is good for him, he is, if possible, left alone ; if two or three come in together and are inclined to be noisy, they are persuaded to leave, unless they can bo quiet. But in the interest of all huts, I do think some light should be thrown on the management of tho huts described.
The refreshments at the huts and clubs that I am in touch with are managed chiefly by women, and in all eases more than pay their way. There is a fixed tariff which cannot be tampered with. There are in the city I am connected with many auxiliary evening and Sunday resorts, such as school and parish rooms, and in all cases the report will be, if the matter is inquired into, that cases of drunken. ness are rare in the extreme. I claim experience which I can prove, as my work takes me out late as well as early, and going to and fro past public-houses and clubs I can endorse my assertion that such a state of things as is described by your anonymous correspondent does not exist in the North.—I am, Sir, &c., Enna MILE ER. Haworth Moor House, York.
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