THE TRENTHAM HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 8

THE TRENTHAM HOSPITAL

SOLDIERS' CLUBHOUSE OPENED. Yesterday afternoon His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Liverpool, accompanied by Lady Liverpool, opened the new Soldiers' Clubhouse in the hospital grounds at Trontliam. The building was originally constructed for use as a hospital ward from funds subscribed by the residents of Wairarapa, and it was known as the Wairarapa Ward. However, the building was subsequently handed over to tho Red Cross Society, who have converted it into a very comfortablo clubhouse. Three largo open fireplaces have been installed, and the fittings and appointments leave nothing to bo desired. The whole atmosphere of the club spells comfort, and the general lounge and reading and smoking rooms are just perfect. Mr. T. W. Young, chairman of the executivo of the Wellington Red Cross Society, explained to the large gathering of patients, sisters, nurses,, and visitors that tho buildiug was the result of the efforts of the Wairarapa Society, and ho trusted that it would prove a useful institution for the patients. In declaring the club opened, His Ex. collency said ho desired to congrdtulato all the Red Cross workers in New Zealand on tho great work which they had accomplished during the war. Ho had been told by General Richardson of the work the society had dono for New Zealand soldiers in Engltfnd, and he applauded tho society's noble work. He had heard from Colonel Rhodes., who had been engaged in Red Cross work in Great Britain, that he was just about to complete tho winding-up of affairs as far as tho Now Zealand organisation was concerned. and tho Red Cross workers in New Zealand could congratulate themselves on what they had achieved. His Excellency understood. that it would not bo long 'before the two great philanthropic institutions (the Red Cross Society and the St. Jolni Ambulance Association) would bccoino a joint organisation, but he did not know what form it would take. Among those present were Miss Sybil Nathan (secretary of the Red Crass Society), tho Mayoress (Mrs. J. P. Luke), Major Sweetzer (Camp Commandant), Matron Nurse, Major Redmond (Officer Commanding Trentham Hospital), Colonel Purely. Colonel M'Gavin, Major Talbot, and Mr. L. (J. 11. Tripp. Tho Trontham Military Band played selections throughout the afternoon.