N.Z. WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1651, 16 December 1916, Page 3

N.Z. WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION.

WHAT IS BEING DONE FOR OUR BOYS. AN APPRECIATION. Sergt. Con. Burgess, of the Ride Brigade, writes as follows; — “Aotearoa Club, “Codford, Wilts, November 11, 1910. “I know you people at home are keenly interested in what is being done by the New Zealand War Contingent Association in England, and so- I guessed you would be pleased to hear of its work Jirst-hand from one of the ‘boys.' In the lirst place, the greatest and most appreciated efforts of the Association has.undoubtedly. been the establishment of a Soldiers’ Club in Russell Square, London. It’s a real home to all the New Zealand boys on leave, and is as near perfection as work of mortal man (or woman) enn be. It is quite a big undertaking, as three large buildings have been taken over, but not the least fault can be found anywhere. There are dining, billiard, music and writing rooms, as well as a cafe, which is open all night.. The meals and beds arc eightpence each with the exception of dinner, which costs one shilling. Here's a sample breakfast menu: Porridge (with unlimited milk and sugar), bacon and eggs, marmalade, jam, bread and butter, tea, coffee or cocoa. That for eightpence! And it is much mure nicely cooked and served than in most of the city restaurants. In addition, (here is a pack store in which unnecessary kit may be deposited while its owner flits about ‘Alerrie England.’ So. much for Russell Square. Then there is ‘To Whare Puni,’ at Hornchurch, and ‘Aotea Roa Club” here at Codford. Both are run on similar lines and aim at supplying us with dainty meals at reasonable prices, and interesting amusements to while away our leisure hours. They were deeply appreciated in summer time —yon can imagine what a godsend limy will be in winter. The Association lias gone a step beyond the Institutes and Y.AI.C.A. Attached to each club is a well-equipped kitchen, and it is hero that the dainty dishes with which we are regaled are prepared. Practically all the work is done by voluntary helpers, and their cheerful manner and bright smile as they attend to our wants are as much appreciated (if not more so) than the dainties with which they serve ns. Each club is equipped with dozens of cosy wicker-work chairs, comfortable conches, billiard room, library, writing tables, concert platform, and piano. These New Zealand Clubs are the best equipped soldiers’ clubs in England —there is nothing here to compare with them. There are many thousands of British and Australian troops around ns here, and to a man (hey envy us our ‘Aotea Roa’; and well they might. The authorities have had to forbid these troops entrance to this chib, ns our own boys overcrowd it. It seems inhospitable to turn the strangers away, but it had to he done. 1 have tried to give you some idea of what; the W.C.A. is doing for ns. Still I think the pleasure, comfort and benefit derived by ns from the various chibs is utterly beyond the imagination of (hose who have had no lengthy experience of camp life. We feel we are remembered, and our work appreciated, by the people of New Zealand.”