HOSTEL FOR SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 162, 10 July 1940, Page 10

HOSTEL FOR SOLDIERS.

READY IK THREE WEEKS.

The hostel for men of the fighting Services in the building made available in Poynton Terrace, off Pitt Street, by Mr. H. J. Butcher, will be available for use in about three weeks, according to a report at last evening's meeting of the executive and finance sub-commit-tee of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee.

Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. "Dawson 6aid that there 'had been a magnificent response and when the renovations and fittings were completed the hostel would •be a fine one. There would be accommodation for 75 men. It was proposed to charge as little as possible, and to provide all comforts. Already they had been promised free ' bread for three months, and laundering for the duration of the war. A special report stated'that donations in cash and kind already amounted to £1700. Merchants had supplied timber valued at £180 and boards and wallboard at £00. Master builders were providing labour valued at £100. Other donations were plumbing material valued at £120, aiul furniture £850. The Power Board and the Auckland Gas Company were supplying cooking ranges, urns, hot water system and lighting at a cost of £300, many firms had offered goods, and drapers were considering donating sheets, quilts and towels worth £275. Blankets could not be obtained wholesale or retail, and it was hoped that these could be borrowed from the arniv.

Items still required were money towards wages for plumbing, kitchen and dining room requirements, assistance towards painting and staining, a piano and wireless set. A suggestion by Mrs. M. M. Dreaver that women's organisations should undertake to fill the cupboards was referred to the women's activities eub-committee.