St. Joseph's Service Club Opened at New Plymouth

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1942, Page 4

St. Joseph's Service Club Opened at New Plymouth

"We hope these rooms will be a cosy corner for servicemen of all denominations who are in the town," said the Rev. Father P. J. Minogue, at the official opening yesterday afternoon of the St. Joseph's Service Club at New Plymouth. The club, which is for the benefit of the army, navy, air force and merchant seamen, on service in New Zealand or visiting the country from overseas, is organised and conducted by a committee of 16 women members of St. Joseph's Cathplic parish. The programme of hours during which the club would be open was as yet tentative, said Father Minogue. "We hope to find out from the men which hours will suit them best," he added, "and we will endeavour to fit in with their wishes." If it became necessary to extend the club, continued Father Minogue, there was another room in the building, which could be included. Women members of the parish had undertaken the work voluntarily, and had asked for no assistance. They had, however, received senerous donations from the parish. Father Minogue asked the Mayor, Mr. E R. C. Gilmour, to declare the club open and "ready for active service." He was glad to see a new club open fox servicemen, said Mr. Gilmour, extending best wishes on behalf of the citizens of New Plymouth and of the patriotic committee. Seamen had assured.him that in no part of the world did they receive a warmer welcome than at New Plymouth. He knew that the St: Joseph's Service Club would carry on the good work with enthusiasm. Mr. F. L. Frost, M.P., added his congratulations. New Plymouth was fortunate, he said, in having so many women who worked willingly to assist the war cffort. Lieutenant G. F. Petheram replied on behalf of members of the armed forces. Anv effort to provide entertainment for their spare time was genuinely appreciated by the men. he said. Following the official opening the committee served afternoon tea to the guests. who included Mr. and Mrs. Gilmour. Mr. and Mrs. Frost, several soldiers, representatives of other service clubs and of the R.S.A., and members of St. Joseph's parish. > The club comprises two spacious. comfortably appointed rooms and a kitchen. The common room will be set aside for tnusic and dancinnr. Carpeted at one end, the room contain.s a piano, radio and srramophone. The lounge has a comfortable chesterfield suitej,and chairs. and here a variety of games is offered" to visitors. Those respcnsihTe for organisation of the club are Mrs. T. McPhilKps (president). Mrs. R. J. Grant (vice-presi-dent), Miss M. Flem'oi? (secretary). Mesdames A. H. Har-t. Ke-n. J. W. ConneH. A. Dunlon. Burke. Yandle. Misses_ J. Temnero. M. Powell. M. Lawn, Kissick, D. Waters and M. Peebles.