INGLEWOOD SOLDIERS' CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1919, Page 3

INGLEWOOD SOLDIERS' CLUB.

OPENED BY MAJOR HINE, M.P. (From Our Own Correspondent.) December 4, The official opening of the Inglewood Returned Soldiers' Club took place this afternoon under glorious weather conditions, and the rooms were well tilled with soldiers and friends. The Mayor (Mr. J. Sutherland) presided, and, previous to calling on the Hon. J. B. Hine to address the gathering, congratulated the returned soldiers on securing such jine premises, which would meet their requirements for some time to come. He did not think that these would be permanent as the boys would eventually take on more serious responaiDUitics. The boys really required a place where they could assemble and talk over old times, and these rooms were secured for that purpose. He paid a tribute to those who had made the supreme sacrifice, and to those who had been maimed, emphasising that we owed them all a debt of gratitude. Finally, he wished the members every success in their new quarters, and promised them all the assistance in his power. Major Hine, who was well received, considered it was a red letter day for the returned boys of Inglewood ana surrounding districts in having a haven of rest of their own. They must, he said, never lose sight of the unfortunate young fellows whom they might term derelicts—the men with shattered nerves —and it was the duty of every citizen to stand by these soldiers and put them on their feet, if and when they fell, no matter how often. He congratulated the members on itheir fine roomß, wished them every success, and said he would I always be pleased to join them if time permitted. He then handed the Rev. Bcnsley the key of the clud, and thanked him for his efforts in connection with the formation of the institution. (Applause). Captain Hartnell also added his congratulations to the soldiers of Inglewood I district ou tlicir new club, and on hav- | ing such a distinguished soldier as Major Hine to open the institution. The boys were worthy of all the support that could be given them. He referred to the absence of furniture, and trusted that in the near future nice homely pictures would adorn the walls, whilst chairs | and plenty of reading material would be in evidence. It was important that the elu>> should be as homely as possible, cot only a billiard room, but a real home where the members could come for a rest and enjoy a game or two. He criticised the pension allowance to widows arid their children, and the totally disabled men, and eulogised the wonderful worK that the ladies had done for the soldiers n New Plymouth, and suggested to local ladies that they could take the matter m hand and help the Inglewood club likewise.

The Rev. Bensley thanked the speakers for their words and assistance. Reierring to the few decorations, he mentioned they were what were uauoo. at the front "salvage." (Laughter). He Wanted the club to be cosy and homely. It was not a drinking saloon, and he discredited any such rumours that might be about. Tho men had emphaticallv ayeed that no alcoholic drink should be allowed in the club; also it was not ft two-up school. Ho invited friends to come in at any time and inspect the place and see that everything was doserv.ng of support. In the near future badges would be handed out to members. Donations of weekly papers, magazines, etc., were asked for. He warned the support of all, and the club to be a meeting place for all the returned men in the district. The Mayor then accepted Major Hir-V invitation to a game of billiards, and the in-fit game was soon in progress.