OFFICIAL OPENING

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 3

OFFICIAL OPENING

New Combined Services Hostel For Men

At an attractively modernized building nt 95 Dixon Street, the mayoress, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, officially opened IVellingtbn’s second Combined Services Hostel in AVellington yesterday afternoon. In a home-like atmosphere men will be able to enjoy relaxation in bright, comfortable surroundings, eat a meal at green flowerdecked tables, and sleep in comfortable beds. The hostel-is entirely staffed by soldiers.

All patriotic committees were represented at the opening. The Minister of Defence Air. Jones, represented the Government' and the Consul-General of the United States ot America m Ae« Zealand, Air. Cox, and Colonel Hawthorne were special guests. The major, Air. Hislop, was in the chair. The new hostel would fill a real want in Wellington, Mr. Jones said. ' lem of providing accommodation had been accentuated by the presence of ''Sjtni,, servicemen, and while the situation would be relieved to an extent by the opening of this club, still further accommodation was wanted for men of the forces av ‘le in Wellington. Many men, women and girls throughout New Zealand were plaj’ink a greZt part in working for servicemen. Where a man had no friends, clubs such as this and others enabled contacts with his fellows. On bcbal the Government he congratulntell thc ganizers for providing the hostel and A . Vincent Ward for getting the place cstabliSAtl’the request of Air. Jones, Re present stood in silence as a marh; resj ci. to the memory ot the late Duke ot ixinc. 1 Americans living in \ Vellillgt 7\^r C l Wdothe extremely tine work women \tte do ing among servicemen, cien though ti cy were kep? busy with their own difficulties such as housework problems, Mr. Cox’ said. Clubs like the hostel gave visiting men the chance of a little ho’P e ' like enjoyment and members ot the Allied Forces would be only too glad to use its la The’ urgent need for this second hostel was mentioned by e it had only been possible throu e n me services given by many men and women. Special thanks were due to All. 1. Jy Jones who had added to his patuotic work by making the building uvadable for a hostel on generous terms. Mrs. llisiop extended thanks to all who had played their part in assisting with o i£ts ana " The main concern was for the men over««eas * everything was suboidmaled to the'r’ requirement's, but at the tune reasonable facilities must oe u'-U’ l^. l ® the men. serving at home. In dcclai* » the premises open, Airs. Hislop said sh< hoped it would be a happy home and meeting place. She knew those m would spare no effort on the men s behalt. Windows the length ol the room aiu a feature of the combined lounge and caleteriu. Bowls ot cyclamen, ihododen drons and cream-painted tin-dippcrs full of pink japonica made lovely splash sol colour against cream walls and pill. rs. Billiards, table tennis, games and w A ‘ 1 «- facilities will be available free of cbulge, and the cafeteria service will be conducted on the ticket,system, so many elips all item. Electric fires, a radio, cushioned seats and modern tablew are provided. L p-, stairs bunks will be able to accommodate a total of 200 men. Hot and cold showers and mirrors and benches for shaving aie close to the dormitories.