COMMODIOUS CLUB FACILITIES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 238, 5 July 1944, Page 6

COMMODIOUS CLUB FACILITIES

Wellington R.S.A. Building OUTLAY OF £30,000 INVOLVED involving au outlay of £30.009, of which £15,000 is for tile outright purchase of tiie three-floor building which is now being reconditioned iu Victoria Street, commodious club facilities are expected to be available at the eml of this month for the Wellington R.S.A., which now has a membership of about 5000. Since mid-Deccmbcr last, when the building was taken over by the contractors for extensive alterations, the association has been without, club amenities, but even before that they were not availed of to any extent, because they were out-dated and far below modern requirements of comfort.

When the association enters into possesison of the premises again a few weeks hence, members will find the interior of the old building changed oeyond recognition. A total of £13,090 has been spent in bringing it up to date, and much of the extensive reconditioning work has been carried out. by tradesmen who are themselves returned servicemen. Contracts have been let. for furnishings which will cost £2OOO, made Io a specified design and with tan leather upholstery. The National Committee for the Utilization .of Waste Materials Ims provided £5OO for the equipment of the billiard room, which will have three full-sized tables.

Generally, the interior finish of the building, which Ims been repainted, is in a cream colour, with rimu panelling. There is a spacious entrance foyer with glased partitions, the room for the secretary (Mr. L. W. Woolley) being to the right. This will also serve as a board room, where district sittings of the War Pensions Appeal Board will in future be held. Opposite is the general office and the assistant-secretary’s room. The former lift has been reconditioned nnd put into service again. The central feature of the ground floor is the billiard room, which a servery adjoins. There is a completely new stairway, opening out on to a wide top landing.

Designed to seat 100. a dining-room with a large open fireplace at each end occupies the first floor frontage. It is intended, in addition to niorning nnd afternoon teas, to serve a light, hot midday meal here, but general policy in the control of these facilities and the cafeteria has not yet been determined. Advice is being obtained from other Contres ns to the best system. Space has been utilized to the best advantage iu the redesigning of the building. and tie kitchen occupies what was formerly the stairway well. With an enlarged stage the concert hall Ims been attractively renovated. Heavy outmoded, and garrish embellishments have disapepared. An off-stage dress-ing-room Ims been provided. Overlooking the street, the lounge is on the top floor, with a folding door to partition off the women’s section. An open fireplace is at each end of the room. There is a women’s toilet and cloak room, and a small reserve • committee rdom. also another specially fitted room for the,use of amputees.' High ceilings throughout the building improve the cvent Hat ion. '