RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 2, 27 September 1918, Page 8

RETURNED SOLDIERS

THE CLUB HOUSE SOCIETY. * The third annual report of the Wellington Returned riolcnt-rs' Clab House Society states that the work of the society has been extended .during the past year by the increasing number of soldiers returning to Mew Zealand, by the growth of the Wellington lioturneU Soidiers' Association (the members of which, now numbering *2500, are also members of the society), ami by the arrival of transports and hospital ships at Wellington with soldiers for other parts of Is ew Zealand, to whom a. welcome ,is given at- the club house. The society, working in connection with the Returned Soldiers' Association, affords facilities to men in tlie first stage of repatriation. While the larger questions in this respect are..dealt with by the Government Departments, in numerous cases men settle the question themselves, with the assistance and information obtainable at the club house and the facilities therein afforded for getting into' touch with the employers. Tho society is in touch wtih the Discharged/, Soldiers' Information Department and other Government Departments, and with the Wellington War Relief Association, with a view to furthering the wofk of repatriation as far as circumstances permit. The prolongation of the war has made it evident that it is desirable, if possible, to provide for continuing the society's operations beyond the period of the present three years' lease of the club, house, which expires on July 31 next. Negotiations have, therefore been opened with the lessors to extend the lease for another eighteen months. The lessors are Mr. Hamilton Gilmer and the trustees of tiie estate the late Mr. Allan Maguire. Mr. Hamilton Gilmer generously contributed his share (£4OO <i year) of the rent, for tho present three years' lease; the other half io paid to 'the Public Trustee as trustee of the Maguire estate. The committee proposes to continue appeals for public aid to enable it to carry on the work, and invites the continued support of its members in this behalf. The balance-sheet shows a balance of cash in hand on August 31 of £1363. The estimated additional sum required to continue operations to January 31, 1921, after allowing for a small internal revenue, is £2200. The circular issued, in May last, as a basis for personal appeals, is> being liberally responded to. A street collection and demonstration at the Basin Reserve has been approved by tho City Council, to be held on December G and 7, in furtherance of which all members of the society and returned soldiers are invited to give their active support. Tlic society is indebted to the Wellington Amateur Swimming Club for a donation of £30, the proceeds of a swimming carnival held, by permission of the City Council, at the Tc Aro Baths, and to th'e Wellington Savage Club for a further generous donation of £50. ■ '

Improvements and additions to furnishing and fitting at the club house have been made for winch thanks arc due to Messrs. A. P. Whatman, E. D. Boil, AY. Simin, P. C. AYatt, and others, and to various ladies and other citizens for donations of cakes, (lowers, books, papers, and periodicals, which are much appreciated. The committee thank subscribers for their hearty support, Miss M. Alecn Stevens for" her valuable honorary assistance and constant attention to the interests of the club house; and the honorary auditors, Messrs. Iv AN. Hunt and H. A. Clold.