BEST IN EGYPT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 37, 8 April 1942, Page 3

BEST IN EGYPT

N.Z. FORCES CLUB DESCRIPTION BY FORMER MANAGER

"In a year the cluli has grown to the largest and best known in Egj'pt," stated Major Harvey Turner to the standing cowimittee of the National Patriotic Fund Board last week, in summing up the activities of the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo. Major Turner, who was the manager of the club, lias been invalided back toi New Zealand. The Patriotic Fund Board has f>e.en closely associated with the club since its inception, having provided the establishment expenses. These have since been refunded, but the board continues to maintain its connection with the club by purchasing on its account, and. also seeing to the shipment of, large quantities of supplies. Major Turner's description of the club wa-s that it provides a well-appointed "home" for, soldiers. Good hot meals are provided at the lowest price, also sandwiches, fruit salads and other light refreshments. The amenities include a library with a good range of books, comfortable reading and writing rooms with free writing material, a New Zealand goods canteen, tobacco and cigarette canteen, a hostelry in up-to-date flats above the main club rooms Avheie beds with towel, soap, and hot baths cost only 2s daily, special rest rooms for nurses, barber's shop, first aid room, parcels rooms, and a commodious beer bar with a separate entrance where English, New Zealand and Australian beers are obtainable at prices about half those charged in the drinking places in Cairo. The bar is open from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 | p.m. and from (5.30 p.,m. to 9.15 I p.m., or ab*ut 4% hours daily. The club has been a financial success, and Major Turner reported to the board that great numbers of men are making use of its amenities, including, in addition to the men of the New Zealand Forces, Australians, Tommies, South Africans-, Rhodesians and members of the Royal Air Force. Only a comparatively small stalf was required when the club first opened. A good idea of the way it has grown in popularity and also its size is to be gained from the fact that the staff now numbers 300 (60 N.Z.E.F., 30 W.W.S.A., 186 civilfans, and 20 voluntary Avorkers).