TERRITORIAL CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1919, Page 3

TERRITORIAL CLUB.

MEETING AN URGENT NEED. The attempt (hat lias recently been mude to form a young men's club in New Plymoulh, is meeting with a fair amount of public support, hut it is still felt that many citizens are not fully aware of what is hoped to be done in the interests of the young men of the town, or of the great need there is of providing seine healthful form of recreation removed from the baneful influence of drinking and gambling. The realisation of this need 011 the part of a number of influential residents has led to the formation of what is now known as the Nc'-' Plymouth Territorial Club. Th<; mniia, however, appears to have siren rise to some doubts and suspicions in the minds of some who are desirous of 0.-ssisting such a movement. Tt may therefore be said at once that the military authorities have no control over the organisation, and that military regulations; form 110 part of the conditions nf membership. Directly a man joins up with the club any rank he may hold In the territorial forces is of no concern, and all members stand 011 precisely the same footing in that respect. It is only fair to state, however, that by establishing the club under the aegis of the territorial system, the initial and greatest difficulty is at once overcome, inasmuch as a home for the club is available without cost. This is a big consideration, and should dispose of any objections to the title of the club. The membership fee hay been fixed for the present at a very nominal figure, but ttiatters in this connection are in somewhat of an embryonic state, as a number of gentlemen who are not exactly '•'young" men in the ordinary club sense of the term, are. desirous of joining, the Institution. While these men may not be able to participate in or take advantage of the full privileges of the club, tl.ey may be able to take part in some of its activities, and their influence and presence would be of material assistance, especially in the initial stages of the movement. A suggestion has been iuC.de that to meet this position a graded membershp might be arranged. As far as present, plans are concerned. It has been decided to set up a miniature rifle range, and the Taranaki A. ami P. Association have generously placed their first annexe to the Coronation Hall at the disposal of the club for that purpose. A gymnasium and physical culture class is; being organised, and rouipetent instructors have offered their Ecrviees for this work. Furthermore the A Company of the territorials have it billiard table of their own, and it is hoped arrangements may bo made whereby this will in the future be placed dt the disposal of the club. Altogether the prospects of the institution are very bright, but more members are required and more support from the public is desired in order to place the club on a very pound footing and to ensure that it shall be conducted, as the promoters desire, on thoroughly clean and wholesome lines so that no parent need have the least anxiety in regard to their boys joining the club. Tt. will readily be seen, too, that such an institution offers possibilities of development Along lines which would prove of inestimable benefit to the young men, and to the community.

It may be stated that the Territorial Call, to be held on Tuesday night next, is being run in the interests o£ the newly-formed club.