VISITING SERVICEMEN

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 257, 29 July 1942, Page 4

VISITING SERVICEMEN

Work Of Friendship Group Speaking yesterday the activities of the Friendship Group iu Wellington, the chairman, Major J. R. Kirk, M.8.E., said that the National Patriotic Funds Board had provided accommodation iu premises adjoining the Allied Services Club and that the Home Hospitality Bureau was now fully staffed and operating from there. It might appear paradoxical that where the board had established a club to provide refreshment and entertainment for visiting servicemen, at its very door they should set up another organization for the purpose of providing hospitality away from the club iu the homes of citizens; but this must be regarded as symptomatic of the desire of New Zealanders that the fullest hospitality should be available. Major Kirk referred to tlie recent difficulties in finding all-night accommodation and said that iu some cases as many as live men had beeu •provided for by individual householders, and ou behalf of the group lie expressed warm appreciation. Some hundreds of residents were now wiling to give hospitality to visiting servicemen, but he would be glad it others who had not yet been contacted would call at the bureau or telephone No. 44-711 and give particulars Likewise, he would appreciate it if those who had offered thejr services to the bureau but lmd not yet been eie would now call, as attempts to contact them had not been successful. Miss Jean T. Withington had been appointed bon. secretary, and she had with her a large and comiwteut stall, but opportunities for service vould be found for others who desired it. “This job,” said Major Kirk, has its own peculiar difficulties due to the exigencies of service conditions, but the recognition of this by householdelS and their uncritical and hearty cooperation make it one of the pleasantest of undertakings. Then, too, the •receipt of reports from residents who have been delighted with their guests, and tlie warm expressions of gratitude from the latter, indicate that the work is worth-while, and the group is greatly indebted for the co-operation of all citizens of goodwill.”

The bureau is now preparing a register of country residents willing to provide hospitality on farms for men with a week’s leave, and if would be appreciated if country residents willing to help would send particulars. -Some offers have already been received.