CLUB MEETINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1921, Page 4

CLUB MEETINGS

. A joint meeting of the members of the Overseas Club and Returned Soldiers’ Association was held at the Club room, Hamilton Street, last evening, Air D. J. Evans being in the chair. It was explained that the meeting was called to consider action regarding notice to vacate the premises occupied as a Club room for patriotic work since 1916. Air Evans said the position was to he regretted, as there appeared to be nowhere where they could go. He understood the ‘Returned Soldi?'s j were anxious to have the Club Room maintained, Rut from the notice received there was no alternative but to 1 abandon the present rooms, as they ! were no longer available either by purchase or at a reasonable rental. The negotiations in that respect were abortive and personally it seemed the only course was to discontinue the work they had taken up, which seemed to •be rather a reflection on a town which prided itself on its patriotic efforts, le invited discussion.

Mr Sellers for the Returned Soldiers said the men were anxious to have the accommodation here as in other towns and regretted matters had reached 'he present stage. Alessrs -Johnston md Kerr spoke in a similar strain, and the possibilities of certain buildings whicn could he adapted as a soldiers’ club room were discussed. Alr.Bruce felt it would not he right to wind up the efforts of the past, and suggested another effort should he made, to secure fresh premises. One or two places iwere mentioned and he moved tliat Messrs Evans and Sellers ho deputed to make further enquiry and port in a week’s time. , .Mr Evans said with regard to the places referred to, the question of finance arose. Hitherto the Overseas Club had organised and carried on the rooms for the benefit of the Returned men. Going into a new place would probably mean acquiring it, and spending a goodly sum in adapting the premises. That might be overcome if there was the assurance the, Returned men wanted the building, and he could see that was their desire that evening. They might seek for a larger building and provide a billiard room. A billiard table would be forthcoming without any cost to the men, and with this adjunct the rooms . would he popularised very greatly. He suggested an on largcment of the committee to include representatives of ladies, also Mr Bnic *, and the Alayor as representing the town to the people of which they would have to make some appeal for the larger scheme contemplated. Those present concurred in the course outlined to overcome the abandonment of soldiers' club rooms, and it was resolved to add Alesdames AT organ and Rutland wth Air Bruce and the Mayor to the committee of investigation and report to a further joint meeting not later than the 26th. Air Evans thanked the members finattending and hoped something tangible would result, as it would he a matter for great regret to close up the rooms and rendezvous for the soldiers.