THE ANZAC BUFFET IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 206, 20 May 1918, Page 6

THE ANZAC BUFFET IN LONDON

NEW ZEALANDF.RS ALWAYS

WELCOME.

Sir,—My attention has been drawn to a letter eignod "Ketiiinied" which appeared in The Dominion on Saturday, in which the writer refers to the Anzac Bullet in London (which I and your dear public had the honour to assist), in a manner that somewhat jarred, an impressiou conveyed perhaps as the result of a lack of knowledge on the eubject. In tho first instance, I want to say that I am not collecting for ihe Anzac Buffet at present, nor have 1 for the last six months, having been forttiualo enough to place that institution on a sound financial footing for threo years to come. Nor am I collecting for any other special fund, though am assisting whenever and wherever possible in the raising of patriotic funds, In tho second place, I cannot recall having ever led anyone to suppose that tho Ansae Buffet was tho dub most frequented by New Zenlnnders in uniform, but that it is frequented by them—not to freely, perhaps, as ono would like— T have the- best of proof as I have personally met New Zealand soldiers in the buffet, and since 1 have visited Now Zealand have met many men who have known and tasted the hospitality of the buffet, and 1 could, if it were necessary, rupply names. Why, many here in Wellington will remember tho onss of Sergeant-Major Jackson, who said in the K Grana Opera Honeo, when subscribing to the fund, that he was only paying for what l?.o had received. That there are other clubs everyone knows, but if my memory serves mo right. I fancy tho buffet was in first. Still, tho more tho bettor, for the brave boys deserve all, and much more, than we can ever do for them in this way. I am only too glad to know that there are New Zealand clubs for New Zealand soldiers, but in case the public shonld for one moment bo led astray by the swip-stlon of "Returned" —who admits that he never once stepped within the doors of the Answc Club—l state here and now that the Anzac Club was founded for tho benefit of Australian and New Zealand soldiers and sailors, which the original letter-heads of that institution made abundantly clear. That I think corrects one important inaccuracy made by your anonymous contributor. As to my claim'that there are no other clubs in London exactly like the Anzac Buffet, I still hold to it. When I was in London last there, was no other club that fed the soldiers for nothing, and from what I gather from returned men and my friends at Home, there is not now, to my knowledge, any club which provides free meals to the eoldiera. b° they Australians or New Zealanders, as does the Anzac Buffet. In any case, it is only right and proper to say, now that the question has been raised, that of the <£H.OOO I was instrumental in raising for the bnffet, under £2000 was given to mo in New Zealand, and I am sure from what I know of the loyal, warmhearted peonle of this Dominion, that even if the buffet wero run solely for the benefit of war-worn. Australian eoldiers, tho donors here would not regret their penerosity. Whilst T am sorry the qimstion has been raised nt all, I am determined that the public shall know the true position of tho buffet in that it is not a place for Australian soldiers only. Tn that respect I am fortunate in havinp; had forwarded from Sydney to me here a letter from the secretary of Hie buffet in London (Mr. R. Brisbane Curd), dated February 18, which reads: —

"Dear Miss Keeve, —During the past week we received your cable announciiiu that you had rent along the balance of your collection's for our funds, and at the same time we received from the National Bank of

Australasia, Ltd., a cheque for i9OOO

(ni'ip thousand pounds). "The nable was answered by our president. Mr. John M'Call. who asked mo to tell you how very deeply we feel indebted to you for the wonderful work which you liavc done on our behalf.

"-To our Australnsinn brothers and sisters who subscribed towards these funds we offor our sincarest thanks, nnd esteem it a privilege that we on this side are thus able to minister to the wants of the nion of Australia and New Zealand.

"It is impossible for me to convoy to you on paper the appreciation with which your efforts have been regarded by our members anil our sal-, lant soldiers, and for tho present I must ask yon to be content i ith this poor expression of gratitude «nd the linowVdge that Anwvcs and Frances carry in their hearts the loneliest thou'ghte of you.-R. Brisbane Curd." - Inm> ei °- ADA REEVE. Wellington, May 16. N.B.—Though expense has been incurred in connection with the fund. I have seen to it that not a penny has been charged against the fund.—A.R.