ANOTHER CLUB

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 170, 21 July 1942, Page 2

ANOTHER CLUB

FOR FORCES BENEFIT

PLENTY OF FACILITIES

To the tune of fox trots, maxinas and modern rhythmic music and of congratulatory remarks by representatives of the forces and of civic authorities, the Labour Club, on the fourth floor of the Pacific Building, Queen Street, was formally opened last night as another club dedicated to the entertainment of members of the forces and of the mercantile marine. The club, which is sponsored by the Auckland Labour Representation Committee and the Auckland Trades Council of the Federation of Labour, is admirably suited for the purpose. It is in a central position, opposite the Civic Theatre, and it is well equipped. In addition to a good dance floor it has a billiards room with a full-sized table, a comfortable lounge and writing room, and a wellappointed washroom. Catering arrangements will be handled in the club's own kitchen and dining room. Open Every DayMrs. W. T. Anderton, who is chairwoman of the ladies' committee which will run the club, stated last night that the club will be open from 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. each day in the week, including Sundays. The club will be manned each week by the ladies of one or other of the branches or affiliations of the Labour party, under the superintendence of a member of the ladies' committee, who will also act as hostess. Refreshments will be available to the members of the forces and clean towels will be provided for those desiring a "clean up." In addition to the ordinary facilities of the club part of the dance floor will be made into a lounge and writing room during the daytime and the entertainment will include indoor bowls, darts and table tennis. Dances will also be run. After the formal opening of the club by the president of the L.R.C., Mr. W. J. Cuthbert, and the secretary of the Trades Council, Mr. H. S. Callagher, each of whom extended a cordial welcome to the members of the fighting forces and of the mercantile marine who were present, congratulatory remarks were offered by the Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, Major-General P. H. Bell, and by an officer of the United Nations naval forces. Contacts With Homes All of them stressed the need for such clubs, particularly those of the intimate variety, where the members of the forces would have a chance to meet people who would take them into their homes. Major-General Bell emphasised this factor, pointing out that many of the troops who came into the city on leave had their homes hundreds of miles away and were without civilian friends in this city. After their first "fling" these men, who worked hard all the week, wanted, above all, to enjoy for a while the comforts of home life. He expressed the gratitude of the servicemen to those who sponsored the club and to those who were going to give up their time to the service of the soldiers and others who would use it. All the servicemen were glad, he said, that the men of the mercantile marine had been remembered.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Sir Ernest Davis, who represented the Joint Council of St. John and the Red Cross.