G.O.C.'s PRAISE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 47, 8 February 1944, Page 6

G.O.C.'s PRAISE

CLUB AT BOURAIL

N.Z. TROOPS IN PACIFIC

"I have just had an opportunity of eominrf down from the. forward areas to visit the Base installations of my force in New' Caledonia," States Major-General H. E. Barrowclough, G.O.C. of the N.Z.E.F. in the Pacific in a letter received from him recently by the Secretary of the National Patriotic Fund Board. "In the course of my tour of inspection I visited, the club which, has been installed at the Bourail Racecourse Camp. I .should like to take this opportunity of informing your Board of the t rem en-* dous impression that the club made upon me and of conveying to the Board, on behalf of the force, our very great appreciation of t*he services which you have provided in connection with the club." Major-General Barrowclough said he spent some time on the premises and was more than favourably impressed with the dignified atmosphere prevailing there. The manner in which the club was conducted would be a credit, to any gentlemen's club anywhere. The design and construction of the building contributed to its atmosphere, which all the troops appeared to feel and which all responded to in a creditabale manner. The. presence of a fine group of, girls in the club helped also to' maintain its general tone. "Finally," added the Major-General, "we are indebted to the Patiiotic Fund 'Board for the very fine furnishings and equipment which you have ' provided. I have been more impressed, with this club than with anything else I. have seen in this area. It is going to have a tremendous effect on the, morale of the troops and will help in a very large way to mitigate the roughness and uncouthness of a soldier's life." Thanks are also expressed by Major-General Barrowclough for other services provided in the interests of the welfare of the New Zealand troops in the Pacific. The installation of the i'ce cream plant which the Board had. made avails able had been very welcome. Everywhere he went among the troops he found appreciative references to the quality of the "ice cream now being provided on a liberal scale. To suit the conditions of the Bourail club conforms to the native type of construction, and it is the largest of its type built anywhere. Prefabricated parts have been sent by the Patriotic Fund Board; for the erection of another club building at New Caledonia. A site for this was selected some time ago, but owing to changed circumstances MajorGeneral Barrowclough has suggested another site to the Board to ljieet the altered conditions, and this will probably be approved.