SOLDIERS CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 March 1917, Page 4

SOLDIERS CLUB.

VISIT Bi T MINISTER. The Soldiers' Club w.13 crowded with returned soldiers and. their friends lust evening, when Colonel Sir James A'len, Minister /or Defence, met the soldiers. The Mayor (Mr. C. 11. Burgess) wel. corned Sir James, and congratulated him or. (he honor that had recently been, conferred upon 'him by the King. Sir James expressed keen pleasure at being present, and spoke appreciatively of the line accommodation provided for the Xcw Plymouth men. Ho regarded such clubs as essential to the well-being of the men. Ho mentioned that the Department had in hand a ■ scheme for the demobilisation of the Expeditionary Force. By this scheme'the men would be satisfactorily returned to employ* mer.t. Mr. N. B. Howell, president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, thanked Sir James for his kindness in coming to the club, and for the interest he had shown in the returned men. Colonel Allen met the individual members of the club and chatted with each, A musical programme .was submitted, unci the Minister was afterwards enteri tained to supper. During the evening the Mayor invited the visitors to come to the club every Thursday evening. '' The social was' arranged by Mrs. Burgess and the members of the club, and, it was in every way successful, Mrs. Woods' orchestra will play at the club this afternoon.