THE COFFEE ROOMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 690, 9 December 1902, Page 3

THE COFFEE ROOMS.

'(To the Editor of the Times); Sir, —I understand the Refreshment and Frco Reading Rooms, which have boon kept open for somo timo by tho Women’s Christian Tcmpcraneo Union, aro to bo closed for lack of support. For ovor throo years, tho ladies of this Union havo struggled hard with very inadequate means, and at great sacrifice to somo of them of their own timo and money, to provido what temporanco reformers of all shades of opinion consider a matter of great importance—viz., a placo of recreation and refreshment, and moro especially a meeting place for .young men away from the surroundings of tho public house. That their suecoss lias only beon partial, and that thoy are now obliged to closo up, while to bo regretted, is searcoly to bo wondered at, considering tho apathy of tho public, aud tho much less attractive accommodation thoy have been able to offer, through want of funds, than tho hotels can givo. Thoir ondoavor has proved, however, that, given tho moans, a sot of rooms run on somowhat similar linos, with porhnps a larger element of young mon in tho management, would do a great doal of good in tho placo, particularly as a mooting placo for athlotic sports committees, and in kooping young men away from tho hotols. Hero is an opportunity for tho newlyformed Waiapu Temporanco Roform Longue. Lot thorn tako up this work which tho W.C.T.U. has been unablo to carry through, but which a strong and powerful Loaguo could oasily accomplish. It is in accordance with their avowed objocts, and would not, so far as I know, contravert anything to which their membership pledges them. Tho prcsont rooms are to bo closed at tho ond of this week, and I trust tho Waiapu Loaguo will tako tho matter up at once. I know tho ladies of tho W.C.T.U. would bo only too glad to help thorn in ovory way in their power. —I am, etc.. “ G.”