RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2838, 1 August 1916, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS

THEIR CLUB OPENED GOVERNOR PERFORMS THE CEREMONY The official opening of the Returned So'idiers' Club was held yesterday afternoon. Ainong those present were: His Excellency tho Governor, the Minister of Defenco (Hon. J. Allen), the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), and the Mayor or Wellington (Air. J. P. Luke). Apologies were received from the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. W. Ji\ Massey), the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward), and others. Captain Simson, addressing the gathering, said that, as most people ivere aware, he had opened a small club for returned soldiers about six months ago. Soon after the opening His Excellency the Governor showed his sympatny with the movement by sending along a. donation.. The political leaders and others, also, signified their approval of the movement. Captain Simson said that Wellington, being tho capital city, Had creator requirements than any of the other cities had. For various reasons, returned soldiers would come to Wellington. So, it,was clear that a' club here would need to bo well founded. When ho began to look for a building the rent of the one now occupied frightened him, but he had been assisted by various citizens, including Mr. A. P. Watniau and Mr. Gilmer, who had waived his right to half tha rent of tne place for three years. A committee of six citizens and six returned soldiers was formed, and the result of the committee's energies was the club of to-day. Soon the committee would appeal for lunds out of which to furnish the club and maintain it. Captain Simson paid tributes to the civilian committee and numerous others for their assistance. His Excellency tho Governor said that Doth Her Excellency and himself were glad to be present. An idea had' been prevalent that colonials would not be weifcomed by- the people of the United Kingdom. He thought the returned soldiers, who had tasted tho hospitality of the Old Land,.could dispel that no-' lion, and he hoped they would. After the war there would be a good deal of washing-up, and it would be the duty 01 tne citizens to help those in authority. Tho solution of many problems would devolve on Ministers—(Whatoftrado? What was going to nnppen to Belgium and Serbia?)., it would be our duty to stand by those in autnonty. Ho recalled tne JOuko of Wellington's woraa: "It is very difficult to settle up everything nicely when'there-are a lot of pcopio in the pie/' I'hero wore u loc of people in tho present pie. Ho hoped the club would see that the Commandant of the New Zealand forces (Briga-dier-General'Sir Alfred ltobin) was closely. associated with it. He was a man who had worked very hard tor tne returned soldiers, and was a very good friend of theirs. His Excellency congratulated all concornod on so fine a club. The Minister of Dofence (the Hon. James Allen) said that splendid work had been done by.the club, and be hoped the civijian6 would stand by it, and not weary of it. Ho hoped they would keep it an independent club—-"don't come asking Parliament for money when 'you can raise it yourselves." He asked: "What is going to come after the war?" There wore men present wno had fought tho battles of tho Empire. Were tnoy to remain citizens of New Zealand, or citizens of an Empire? it was a groat Imperial question, which overshadowed all others. Sir Robert Stout said that man was a social animal, and the club would foster sociaj intercourse. The question of tho future of the Empire ,had been raised; Jto believed that tho best basis for tho Empire was' love between all parts of it. It would be a better and a stronger bond than any new constitution. What was the happiest marriage—the one of family settlement, or the one made out of love? The love marriage, of course. The same would, be the case in the larger sphere. It was said we had only just got conscription in New Zealand. Really, wo had it seventy years ago, and when the militia were enrolled not even the members of Parliament wore exempted from service. The Mayor of Wellington (Mr. .T. P. Luke) said that the gathering could not be allowed to break up without a tribute being paid to Captain Simson for his efforts respecting the club. At the Mayor's invitation, dieers were given for Captain Simson. " Mr. Bell, a member ofthe club's committee, -took an opportunity of emphasising that regular donations would bo acceptable, and that funds were needed for the maintenance of tho institution. His,-Excellency formally declared tho club open.