HOTEL BECOMES HOME FOR SOLDIERS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 319, 20 October 1915, Page 2

HOTEL BECOMES HOME FOR SOLDIERS.

The Star and Garter, that huge-hotel of great, if faded, memories ' ; at the gate of Bichmond Park, London, has ..been gold at last. The notice beards call'in'g attention to its "palatial" and "desirable" features have consumed many pounds of paint, and once, at least, it has been put up for auction without success. It has now definitely changed hands, and is being converted into a" permanent home for paralysed soldiers, or soldiers so shattered in the war that they are more or lon unable to help themselves. The necessary funds have been raised by the auctioneers and estate agents of England, who have presented tlie property to a member of the Royal Family rn order that a certain scheme may be speedily matured. This scheme will provide for some 200 cases of total disablement, and for the necessary staff to look after them. The piuchase price is not quite £25,000 and it is antiqipatvl. that about £30,000 will be spent in altering and fitting up the hotel as a hospital. Recently Queen Alexandra, accompanied by a lady, motored down to Richmond, and inspected the hotel in company with a gentleman who came down in another car. Her Majesty's visit lasted nearly an hour. Queen Alexandra expressed herself delighted with the property and its suitability for the purpose to which it is to bo put.