SOLDIERS' CLUB

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2669, 14 January 1916, Page 2

SOLDIERS' CLUB

ESTABLISHED IN THE CITY FORMAL OPENING ON TUESDAY The decision of a gathering of returned soldiers last Friday afternoon to form au association and club has already borne, fruit. As a matter of fact Hie club may be said to be already in existence, although the formal opening ceremony will not take place until Tuesday afternoon. The club will be housed in Star Chambers, Lambton Quay,- where accommodation admirably adapted in many ways for the purposes of a club has been secured. Hitherto familiar as tea and luncheon rooms and a place of resort 1 for business men in search of midday sustenance, tho premises will hereafter be dedicated to the comfort and convenience of returned soldiers from the front. The ground floor is, of course, occupied, by business premises, and on the first and second floors are the five rooms of the club. An inspection of the- club building yesterday ill company with Captain Donald Simson, who has been responsible for tho formation of? the club, showed that membership will carry with it many practical advantages. It will in the first instance place within easy reach of the returned soldier all the privileges of the ordinary club. There will bo reading and writing rooms", and a room whore light refresmnents will be dispensed, and, generally, it is hoped that the attractions of- a central rendezvous, where friendships can be made or renewed, and of a haven where rest 1 and privacy can.be obtained will ensure a successful carcer for the club. A large, airy and well-lighted room on the first floor faces Grey Street, and this will be the main theatre of the club's social activities. Entertainment's such as concerts, receptions, and so forth will oil occasions be held in this room, and here the club will receive civilian sniesfcs now and again on dates to be fixed.

Membership Free. All that it is hoped the club will <nean to the returned soldier was explained by Captain Simson in conversation with a reporter- of The Dominion yesterday. Tile men, it was gathered, had only to register their names and addresses, and they became full members of the club. Free membership was open to all returned soldiers, whether their homes were in Wellington or elsewhere. A returned soldier would bo employed at a reasonable salary as secretary and caretaker. "The premises have been taken by me for six months, and I am now arranging for club furniture and certain necessary alterations," he said. ■ "With the assistance of some of my friends. I have obtained a certain amount'. The club will be ready for official opening on Tuesday next. Koturned soldiers will take part in the opening ceremony, and a committee of ladies have undertaken to provide afternoon tea. A telephone will be installed in the club, and returned soldiers can immediately use the club as their address for letters and parcels. Regarding the future financial arrangement's, my idea is to obtain a certain number of subscribers, who will guarantee £1 per month for twelve months. [ have, obtained about twont'y, half of whom are-ladies, some being mothers of boys at tho front. Most of tho furniture we have already has been presented by ladies who appreciate the objects of the club. A provisional committee will be formed to 'carry on,' and until the club has been placed on a permanent basis I' will take full responsibility for the financial and other arrangements. The furniture, a-.month's rent, pictures, etc., will be t handed over to tho Provisional Committee ,on' Tuesday afternoon. I will exercise control until the club has a permanent committee and matters have been placed on a proper footing. The following gentlemen have agreed 'to act simply as trustees: Messrs. A. Gray (of Messrs. Gray and Jackson), C. R. Smith (general manager for New Zealand of the Alliance Assurance Company), and Mr. James Macintosh, president of the Chamber of Commerce."

The Club's Usefulness. One phase of the club's usefulness was strongly emphasised by Captain Simson. He explained that a register would be kept at the club, giving the following particulars:—Surname and Christian name of soldier, regiment he belonged to and regimental number, name of draft he sailed with, when he served; and why he was invalided —i.e., whether he was sick or wounded —tho base* hospital lie was ill, and the skip he returned to New Zealand in, his address in New Zealand, and his present occupation. This register, Captain Simson claimed, would give the club an invaluable fund of information which could be used in many ways for the benefit of tho returned soldier. In the first place, any man hack from tho front who ; wished to trace tho whereabouts of a comrade could write to the club for information, which was practically certain to be found in'the register. Again, the parents of jjoys who had been killed -would bo able to get into touch with the dead soldier's mates by addressing inquiries to the club, which would liave sources of information not possessed by the Defence Department. Every returned soldier would ipso facto be a member of the club. Returned men on their arrival in New Zealand -would bo immediately notified of the addresses of the Soldiers' Clubs. -, ■ Captain Simson added that he intended to appeal for subscribers, a list of whom would be posted in the club. Gifts of a piano, a gramophone, articles of furniture, books, refreshments, etc., would be warmly appreciated. He had under consideration a design for a badge to be worn until something was done officially to distinguish returned soldiers in mufti. The Hon. J. Allen and the Hon. A. L. Hordnian have been invited to be present at tho opening of the club 011 Tuesday..