LEAGUE SECRETARY'S NOTES.
The Ypres Times.
241
TO OUR NEW MEMBERS.
Had I the capacity, attributed by the historian
to that great general, Julius Caesar, to do half-a-
dozen different things at the same time, I should
miss no opportunity of indulging my genuine desire
to write a personal letter to each new member
•on his entry into the League. But being only an
average mortal, whose output is governed by the
limitations common to such, I am forced to con-
lent myself with addressing words of welcome to
you collectively, instead of individually.
May I, then, express on behalf of the Committee,
as well as on my own, the very great pleasure it
•has been to admit each one of you to membership?
The League, as you know, is in its essence
primarily commemorative. Every man and
woman who joins gives proof of his or her faith
fulness to the memory of that vast, silent host
whose imperishable deeds rank among the most
glorious traditions of the Empire. It would be to
our eternal shame were their epitaph to run
By the world forgot." There are thousands who,
one believes from ignorance of the League's exist
ence, have not yet offered themselves for enrol
ment. Let yours be the welcome task of helping
to make more widely known the raison d'être of
■our Association. The strength of our numbers
must be ultimately the measure of our passionate
and lasting gratitude to the heroic Dead, whose
name it is our fervent wish shall be remembered
for evermore.
There is another aspect of the League on which
I should like briefly to touch the intensity of our
•desire to strengthen and re-animate where the
flame has burnt low, that spirit of fellowship among
those who once fought shoulder to shoulder in the
grim battlefields of death. Between every member
there should exist a freemasonry begotten of a
common interest, evoked by that touch of nature
which makes the whole world kin.
In conclusion, I would re-echo the words of Tiny
Tim God bless us, every one," in our endeavour
■to honour where honour is due, by keeping green
the memory of our Beloved Dead, and in our efforts
<to foster and promote that "brotherly love,"
uniting and beneficent in its influence, which
we are bidden to let continue."
4
VISITS TO THE SALIENT.
A re-union on the scale of last year has been
found impracticable but members desiring to visit
the Salient have applied in sufficient numbers to
make possible the organisation of at least two four
■day trips on July 14th and August 4th respectively.
It is hoped to conduct over about 30 members on
July 14th and 60 on August 4ththe return
journey may be made independently at the con
venience of members. Those who wish to return
before the end of the trip can do so.
The cost third class return from Victoria to
"Ypres, via Ostend, including food and accommoda
tion whilst in Belgium, is £3 for each person.
The cost has been kept down to the lowest figure,
and a refund of any possible balance will be made
immediately after the trip. The whole party must
travel together from Victoria to get the benefit of
a reduced charge. The train leaves Victoria at
8.35 a.m. Full instructions will be given on appli
cation to the Secretary, 100, Eaton Place.
On August 5th, the Belgium Branch will parti
cipate in the ceremony of unveiling one of the
Demarcation Stones, which the Belgian Touring
Club is erecting for the Ypres League at those
places on the roads leadirtg out of Ypres, beyond
which the Germans failed to advance. The site at
Hooge has been selected. The new pilgrimage
centre will also be visited and opened. Prominent
Belgians will be invited to be present.
The summer trains via Ostend to Ypres are most
convenient. Leaving Victoria at 8.55 a.m.
(8.35 a.m. for pilgrimages), passengers arrive at
Ypres at 6.49 p.m., and may leave there daily at
6.13 a.m. or 9.30 a.m., getting home to Victoria
at 4.30 p.m. or 8.25 p.m.
OUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE
SALIENT.
The brothers Parminter, Managers of the Wipers
Auto Service, both ex-officers, have been our in
valuable allies for a considerable time. They will
continue to exert themselves at the Centre together
with St. Barnabas Hostel representatives who have
come forward in the friendliest manner and are
prepared to help us in every possible way, not only
at Ypres, but also at Calais, Boulogne, Amiens,
etc., in fact anyhow and anywhere.
With Col. H. C. Moultrie, whose battlefield and
cemetery tours in the Bethune and Hazebrouck
areas are advertised on the first page of our journal,
I have had the pleasure of serving for many years
in different parts of the world. He has been acting
as our representative outside the Ypres district,
and his knowledge is at the disposal of members
desiring information on matters which can be so
easily and satisfactorily given by the man on the
spot. Many have already availed themselves of
the facilities offered.
CORNFLOWERS AND WREATHS.
Members and others are asked to apply to the
Secretary should they desire to have despatched
to them one of our artificial cornflower wreaths.
Already a large number have been purchased. Many
have been placed on graves by our representatives,
and in each case a letter describing the grave and
cemetery has been sent to the relative, who in
several instances has expressed appreciation of our
efforts. Wreaths can be obtained at 100, Eaton
Place, and also at the Hotel Splendid in Ypres.
The wreaths are about 14 inches in diameter, vary
ing in design, the price is 7/- at home, 8/- in