FOR SERVICEMEN

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 14, 12 October 1942, Page 3

FOR SERVICEMEN

Grosvenor Club Opens New Premises

Hospitality offered by the service clubs in Wellington was fully appreciated by the hundreds of men on leave at the weekend, and the voluntary workers report another busy time. . ion The Grosvenor Club, founded in IJ4I, opened new and larger premises on Saturday afternoon, the mayoress, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, performing the 'ceremony Mrs. Hislop congratulated the girls on the fine, work they had done in making the rooms so homelike and attractive. The fact that the club z opened witn a membership' of 45, and now had Jut), showed that the management and running were successful. Members received no financial assistance in running the club. Knowing the girls of today, tne speaker said no job would be too difficult for them to undertake. In this connexion, Mrs. Hislop paid a tribute to the W.A.A.C.’s who passed out on hnday on completing their training. There is a sizable dance room witn cream walls and orange curtains, and a small carpeted lounge. The cafeteria is commodious, with a counter running the length of the room. Here soft drinks and light refreshments will be served-. . The main lounge, carpeted in a plain green shade, with cushioned easy chairs ami writinn- tables, is situated on the lower floor. "Lilies and cherry blossom were attractively arranged about the room. Mrs. Hislop received a sheaf of flowers, and with official guests and girls of the club, was entertained at afternoon tea. Miss Lindsay Harris, president, Miss B. Haynes, secretary, Mrs. Al. Harris, treasurer, were present. Special guests included Colonel Foster, Captain Brusiloff, and Sergeant S. J. Fishel, Lieutenant Gibson (Navy Headquarters), and Miss M. Cohen (representing the Provincial Patriotic Fund Board). The club will be open on Fridays,- Saturdays, and -Sundays. . , , , . ■ The A.N.A. club rooms looked springlike last week with bowls of flowers and cherry blossom in -the cafeteria and lounge. The catering committee is grateful for the.gifts of vegetables received, as this commodity is so necessary, and at the present time so expensive and difficult to procure. Another welcome gift was a large case of jam; this item has -been limited on the menu of late, as supplies, have not come to hand. Sincere thanks are extended- to the following for gifts of provisions: Case of jam, Citizens’ Circle and W.D.F.U., Waverley, per Mrs. Graves; large carton of cakes, Manakau Women’s Patriotic Society, per Mrs. Marshall Miles; hamper of cream cakes, Manakau Younger Set, per Miss Birdie Corbett; two carcases sheep, IVaipoapoa Station. Havelock North; a cheese, Alton Dairy Company, pa tea; a ham, anonymous, Woodville; sack of vegetables, Hutt Valley W.W.5.A.,-per Mrs. N. Pickard ; tins of biscuits, Upper Hutt branch, W.D.F.U., per Mrs. D. James. The dances are popular, -and were particularly well attended at the weekend. Dance music during the week was provided by Lance Corporal G. Steedman, Mrs. P. M. Dickson, and Miss L. Chalker. Members of . the girls’ auxiliary are again requested to be in attendance at the club at 7 o’clock from Monday to Thursday, inclusive, and at 7.45 on Friday and -Saturday nights. Last night the Repertory concert party, under Mr. Eric Harrison, gave ballets and other items to a crowded attendance.

Members of the ladies’ and- girls’ auxiliaries of the Y.M.C.A. were hostesses at the association’s tea for servicemen last evening. Mr. R. T. Wright was chairman. Items given were : Songs, Misses Audrea Lawson and Molly Atkinson; violin solos, Miss Ruth Reid; elocutionary items, Miss Monica Bell; accordion solos, Mr. Davidson. Miss Nora Gray was the accompanist, Mr. F. Allwright led community singing, and Mr. Wood was pianist. The tea was crowded to overflowing and representatives from among the men extended thanks for the hospitality. Helpers worked hard at the Toe H Club on Friday night,, when a large gathering was entertained at a dance and supper. As some servicemen found accommodation difficult to obtain, members of the club arranged this for them. All branches of the services were represented at the informal entertainment yesterday. The lounge was decorated with spring flowers and games were played. The men appreciated the homerlike atmosphere, and also the suppers given by friends interested in the work, and which were served by women helpers. Thanks arc extender! for these gifts, aud it is hoped that there will be a continuity of this service.