THE SOLDIERS' CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1916, Page 6

THE SOLDIERS' CLUB.

WHAT IT IS, AN© WHAT IT IS I FORDecidedly one of the most commendable actions of the Borough Council during the year has been its practical gift to Taranaki and other New Zealand soldiersi of their old offices in King street for the purposes of a soldiers' club. And for such purposes the building was formally opened some weeks ago, but there are probably few people—even in Xew Plymouth—who know much about it or are aware of the good work that is doing and has already been done, by the establishment of such an institution. At present it is only in the infantile stage—that is to say,-that, while everything is working well and smoothly, the committee have higher aspirations than to make it merely "a resort for recreation purposes. An impression is prevalent—not''in many quarters, certainly—that the dub is but a rendezvous for a a.une of- billiards or afternoon tea. This is quite erroneous. It is also intended for self-aid, instruction and education. As is known, the elub is splendidly furnished downstairs. The large billiardroom, elaborately fitted up and made comfortable, would be a credit to any elub in the 'Dominion, while the music and social room adjoining it «ould not be excelled. The tea-room is provided with every convenience, and the library and writing-room is replete with every requirement. The library is kept thoroughly up-to-date by donations of daily and weekly papers, the latest magazines and periodicals, while gifts of books (fiction, travel, history, etc),_ are continually being received. In this respect the club is wonderfully well provided for, and that the men thoroughly appreciate the spirit that prompts the gifts is evidenced by the avidity with which they seize upon the latest. Upstairs the club has two large rooms, both of which are at present used for public meetings, and to a large extent tlie revenue for the upkeep of the club will depend'upon these, for one of the rooms, however, a large number of forms anil chairs and several tables are required, ,and gifts of these will be very welcome.

With the exception of the tea-rooms and provisioning department, which is under the control of the Women's Patriotic Committee, who regularly provide afternoon tea, and, very often, supper, the club is conducted by a committee of returned men, among whom Captain Hartncll is the leading spirit. As the reception of a man is ever apt to create ■in impression—favorable or otherwise — all soldiers on final leave or otherwise will be met on arrival by train by mem'uers of the committee, who will be detailed oft' for the purpose, and they will be welcomed at the club at any time. One strict, hard and fast rule -is that no linuor must be taken into the club's rooms, and that soldiers must behave with decorum. This rule has, so far, been rigidly observed, one or two sik'ht breaches at the commencement having been promptly suppressed by firm action on the .part of those in authority, and we are reliably .informed fc&at not on one single occasion has any lady aiding in providing tea been subjected to a coarse word or annoyance of any kind whatever. This in itself is proof of the men's appreciation of what has item done for them. The club has a capable and zealous temporary custodian in Sergt. E. Hine, and all its appointments are kept scrupulously clean and exact. Another gift that the committee would welcome very much is that of a visitors' hook, which in years to come will prove a very interesting memento.