CLUB FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3015, 28 February 1917, Page 3

CLUB FOR SOLDIERS

£2000 WANTED. A meeting, called by tho Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke), was held at the Town Hall last evening to consider means of raising money to furnish a club for soldiers, which is being built at Trentham. Mr. Luke presided. Tho Mayor said the club would be a gift' from the people of New Zealand, and woiltd be for tho use and benefit of the soldiers, for whom too much could not be done. Tho Government had provided tho Y.M.C.A'. £1000, and His Worship had collected £500 for the building, which was now about ready for furnishing. "The estimated cost of the furnishing was £2000. They would need seven billiard tables for the men, two for tho non-commissioned officers, and two for the. officers. Tho people of the Wairarapa had provided a club for Featherston camp, and the rest of New Zealand should do the same for Trentham camp. His Worship had received from Colonel Hiley (Director of Military Buildings) a £30 cheque and a letter saying that a comfortable club house was really required for all ranks, and he wished every success to th'e public-spirited effort to obtain adequate funds. The Mayor moved:' "That the whole of the gentlemen present shall form themselves into a general committee for the purpose of raising the necessary funds to completely furnish the sooial club at Trentham camp, the committee to have power to add to its number." The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr. Tolan said that the club was badly needed. He had been told that sometimes the men were banked up six deep waiting for a game of billiards. Ho thought some towns might liko to give a billiard table and the name of the town could bo plated on to the present. (Applause.) Mr. C. M. Luke said he was present representing the Y.M.C.A.., which in-

stitution would heartily, co-operate in tho movement. The following officers were elected :— President, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke); secretary, Mr. E. C. Strupo: amnior, Air. .1. L. Arcus. Mr. C. H. Collins, City Treasurer, will bo uskiid to oe uoiisii.ci". It was agreed that a personal canvass of Wellington should be undertaken, and other cities and towns aro to bo communicated with.