OLD HOME ’FORSAKEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 598, 26 February 1929, Page 13

OLD HOME ’FORSAKEN

NEW OFFICERS’ CLUB CUSTOMS STREET LOCATION The Auckland Officers' Club (incorporated) lias disposed of its lease of premises in Irvine’s Chambers, Queen Street, to the new.owners of the building, which is now being pulled down. The club has made arrangements to occupy more commodious and more suitable premises on the top floor of the building being erected next to the Dilworth Buildings in Customs Street East. As an executive member of the club said this morning, the new premises will be more in keeping with the dignity of the club. Extensive dining room, lecture hall and other social accommodation will be provided. The club runs a course of lectures during the winter, and prominent visitors to the Dominion often call there. “The main object of the club is to further the interests of tbe defence forces of New Zealand, both naval and military. At lunch and other functions there members meet with distinguished officers from every part of the Empire. Young officers especially benefit greatly by rubbing shoulders with men of wide military experience.” “The military side is alleged to be paramount,” continued the executive member, “but naturally enough the socia inside is also fundamental.” LIAISON OFFICER’S LECTURE At present no definite date has been arranged for the change over to the new quarters, as that is entirely dependent on the progress of the new building. It is hoped, however, to have the new accommodation formally r opened shortly by his Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, who has always taken a very keen and practical interest in the welfare of the club. “Veterans of the South African and the late wars are to be met there, along with polar explorers. There are also prominent airmen among the members. “The whole atmosphere of the club,” concluded the official, “is that of the combination of the fighting services of the Empire. For a young country like New Zealand it is a wonderful institution.” Tho Auckland Officers* Club was founded in 3 903 upon the close of the Soutli African War, and many of the pioneer members are still actively interested in it. Colonel J. Hardie Neil, D. 5.0., is the president, and it can be said that at the present the club is in a very flourishing condition. On April 2 a lecture is to Lie delivered to the club members by the visiting liaison officer, Major Eady, M.C., Royal Engineers, who has been sent to the Dominion hv the chief of the Imperial General Staff.