A USEFUL INSTITUTION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2848, 12 August 1916, Page 8

A USEFUL INSTITUTION

( The first annua] report of the Sydney Street Soldiers' Club, presented to the meeting of the Club Committee yesterday, gives tho general public an interesting insight into the working of a very useful institution. The club is an impressive tribute to the patriotic zeal of the women of Wellington. The management of tho institution is a striking example of practical war work thoroughly well done. The nopularity of the club is sufficient proof that it has met a real need. The more the soldiers know of it the more they like it. This shows that the committee understand the mind of the soldier, aiid that the soldier has been quick to appreciate'' the.', good-will and sympathy of- the band of ladieswho arc doing so much for his wel-~ fare. The club began in a comparatively small way, but the committee put much thought into their work, and its scope was gradually widened, experience continually pointing tho way to fresh activities. Every, new departure increased the work and responsibilities .of the committee, but the enthusiasm of the ladies has never flagged, and their capacity for hard work has been unlimited. They have not spared themselves. It has been a labour of love, and the only reward they have looked for is the knowledge of having done something worth doing for the brave lads who have left their homes and occupations in obedience to tho 'Empire's call. The committee have "done their utmost to promote the comfort and convenience.of the soldiers, and to provide them with refreshment both for their minds and bodies. The.fact that the soldiers have in an ever-increasing-measure made the club their-home while on-their periodical visits to-the City shows unmistakably that-the efforts of the ladies are highly appreciated, and that the institution is being 'run on right 'lines. ' The management has been characterised by tactfulness, good humour, and never-failing sympathy, and an excellent understanding has. been established between the hosts and their guests. Hundreds of men come and go every day. Their freedom is not-restricted by elaborate rules and regulations. It is .all a matter of honour, and the committee 'have nothing but praise for the behaviour of the soldiers. . Experience has shown that confidence begets confidence. The club deserves all the assistance which it is receiving ■in money and in other forms from the people of Wellington and from residents in other parts of the Dominion. Its patriotic purpose and the untiring efforts of the ladies to maintain and extend its usefulness should ensure for it a generous measure of public support. <