A SOLDIERS' CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1916, Page 5

A SOLDIERS' CLUB.

ABOUT £250 COLLECTED, New Plymouth is to have a club, to he known as the Anzac Club, for returned soldiers, and the movement is being taken up with enthusiasm. The promoters had in view a modest beginning, involving an expenditure of about £lo*6, but the response from the public lias been so generous that a very much larger sum will be available. Last night a concert organised by the -Mayoress (Mrs. 0. H. Burgess) for the fund was held in the Theatre Royal, and the total proceeds will be nearly £2so—a splendid result.

The theatre was crowded, and a very enjoyable programme was given. The Fete of Nations oreliestra gave two selections, which were highly appreciated, while the Citizens' Band also gave some items. A squad of children from the Technical College presented a clever musical number, and tliev had to respond to an encore. Vocal items were given by Miss Peart, Mr. Mac Donald, and the Hawera Liedertafel, while a piano solo by Miss Leatham and a recitation 'by the Rev. A. B. C'happell were much appreciated. During the evening the Minister of Defence (Hon. .T. Allen) visited the theatre and gave an address, which is reported elsewhere. The drawing of the art union foi Mrs. MeCleland's ring also took place, and it was won bv Mrs. IT. 11. Street.

A very handsome flag was sold by public auction. The material was generously provided hy Mr. ' W. Blair, ol Dawson Street, and the flag—a New ! Zealand ensign—was made by Mcsdames Crooke, Hutton, and Hugh Baily, and Miss J. Blaii. Worked in gold on the (lag is the inscription, very attractively designed bv .Mr. Mutton, "Anzac, April 25, 1015." The flag changed hands several times, and was eventually bought by the ladies organising the club (Mesdames L. C. Sladden, E. Griffiths, W. .T. Penn, D. Morison, I L. Webster, Hugh Baily and W. 'Perry), who intend to present the flag to the club. Altogether over £IOO will be realised for tiie flag, and the various purchasers were:—Ladies' committee £2O, Mrs. Burgess £5, A. E. Sykes £5, E. Nopps £5, J. McKean fa, J. McLeod £5, J. Clarke £5, H. King £5, T. C. List £5, Dr. McClelland £5, Mrs. Alexander £5, A. Smith £!), .i. Colson £3, W. Emeny, J. R. Hill, F. Blundell, White Hart Hotel, W. Bendall, H. Denipsey, and J. McNeill each £2, the New Plymouth Barmen £1 Is, IC. Webster, \V. C. Weston, F. Andrews, E. Griffiths, A. H. Mcllardy, L. A. !Solan, Hugh Baily, Miss Morey, and Mrs. Boy each £l. The takings were £55 ss. The, art union for Mrs. McCleland's ring produced £7O, sale of sweets £7 13s Id, and the sale lof badges £ls 12s—a total for the enI ti-rtainment of £250 lis Id.