OLD SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 200, 24 August 1937, Page 5

OLD SOLDIERS.

NOT FADING AWAY. CHEERFUL HOME INMATES. THEIR LIFE AND INTERESTS. A few bars of a war-time ditty—the einger a man in a wheel chair, trundling himself along a bright and well-polished corridor—the click of billiard balls, the rustle of linen worn by nurees, and in the distance the faint strains of music from a wireless set. This was an unrehearsed scene at the Evelyn Firth Home, Point Resolution, yesterday afternoon, and a cheery introduction to a pleasant hour spent among the war veterans who are inmates of the institution, to discover just how these men employ their time while/etill injured or suffering from varying complaints almost twenty years after the Great War. Instead of a group of men resentful of their lot in life, the visitor found them a care-free band of old eojdiers, full of the zest of living, and interested in everything going on about them. The camaraderie born of the ■trials and hardships of combat on Gallipoli, in Mesdpotainia, on Flanders fields and in other war zones still endiires, but with age and suffering it has mellowed into something greater—friendship, deep and sincere, and understanding that comes to men who have known extreme torments and etill have the courage and faith to carry on with a smile. Spirit Not Broken. About the home there is nothing .to recall the war years, that is, apart from the battle-scarred veterans themselves. These men need no mementoes to decorate the mantelpiece to conjure up memories of the days when they mounted machine guns, trained howitzers or nurched through, torn villages with riJles slung over their shpulders. Then they were full of youth and vigour, but

to-day they are broken in most things 1 but in spirit. Occasionally, when clustered round the fire, they turn the pages back on their lives to these war years, but one of them confessed yesterday that times were so changed," and their interests so varied, that experiences when they were on service are rarely exchanged. The visitor left the home full only of admiration for the 24 inmates of the institution. Some of them are destined to spend the remainder of their lives in the home. Others have broken down temporarily, have had a recurrence of war disabilities, and after a period of rest and painstaking treatment by a gallant band of sisters and nurses they will rejoin their friends and relativee. Three "Old Timers." Three of the inmates went to the institution when it was first declared open by the then Mayor of Auckland, Sir James Gunson, in 1920. One of these men yesterday was in the city, it being pension day, while another was whirling round a billiard table in an invalid chair, manoeuvring skilfully for a cannon or to pot the red. He is credited with breaks of 50 and 60. The third of the "originals" was in a cosy ward working out chess problems. He is participating in a correspondence chess tournament, and has competitors as far afield as Bluff in the south and Kerikeri in the north. Twelve months is allowed for the completion of the games ,and so far the veteran has not completed any of his matches, which commenced in April. "The interchange of moves is a jolly good thing in stamps for the Government," was his bright comment. The men. have a diversity of interest, hobbies and amusements. They are men to be reckoned with at bridge and cribbage, are ready for any light task that -is likely to lighten the burden of the sisters, and are clever at various handicrafts. Macrame baskets and sets for dressing tables, worked with fleas silk and fluffed up with a small brush, were amongst their proud exhibits yesterday, but it was explained that work of this description was not as popular as formerly. Some of it still foun'l its way to the disabled soldiers' shop, it was stated, hut the market for ?n-»'i wa'-rs had decreased owiiiu to "osiin , *" T U->i null ii undercutting of prices. Periodically coii- ,| certs are held at the home, while the

radio is at hand to bring news of the] world, of sporting events,' and music. Boxing and wrestling are followed with the keenest of interest, and the tour of the Springboks is a popular topic of conversation and speculation. All Black Supporters. In the Test on Saturday week the All Blacks had no more ardent supporters than the men at the Evelyn Firth home, who, to use an expression of one of them, are "fair dinkum New Zealanders." Invitations to the mathiees staged by theatrical companies and football matches, and a constant stream of visitors ako provide entertainment and interest for the men and show that they are by no means forgotten men. The ( home itself is equipped with everythingjj for their comfort, including a wellstocked library. The books are well thumbed and there is no doubt that browsing along the pleasant paths of literature fills in many an odd hour. And ■before these veterans are left to their pleasures and privacy, a word must be said of their dog—Sandy. A wire-haired terrier, he is the property of the matron, or rather she thinks he is. Sandy is beloved by all the men, who have allotted him his own seat duly branded with his name. He is never far away from Mr. J. Skillen, one of the three oldest residents. Sandy travels with his selfappointed master wherever he goes, and strapped to. his invalid chair is a frequent visitor to Carlaw Park. When in need of a reet the terrier, who is claimed to be human, finds a cosy spot at the foot of Mr. Skillen's chair. His .sagacity waa apparent when he faced the camera yesterday for several pictures, and stood up like a perfect gentleman. Bright Auckland Spot. The Evelyn Firth Home is one of the bright spots of Auckland, and the men are loud in their praise of everything about the institution and those who care for them. "A home away from home. I call it." summed up the visitor's guide. ■ Old soldiers contrary to belief evidently do not "simply fade- away"; they live on with the old army spirit even in adversity! These men 'in the Evelyn Firth Home commenced their •rrw+pet battle .f> fter their fighting days I were over, and they- have risen cheerfully ■ above the handicaps under which they ! are labouring tSrough life.