SAFETY VALVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 197, 20 August 1943, Page 4

SAFETY VALVE

SOLDIERS' CENTRE NEED IN CITY URGED A lead by the City Council in having established at the earliest possible moment in Auckland a spacious and widely-equipped recreation centre to provide wholesome entertainment for members of the armed forces was urged by a large deputation of prominent business and professional men which waited on the council at its meeting last night. As chief spokesman, Mr. J. V. Macky said there was no desire to embarrass the council in any respect, and it was appreciated that there were organisations doing excellent work on the lines indicated, but there was a widespread feeling that much more was needed to preserve the physical welfare and efficiency of the men in the armed forces and to protect the moral welfare and happiness of the girls of the city. These two objects were interwoven in the provision of a large scale, properly organised entertainment centre, providing for games and dancing where the men could attend with their girl friends. There were at present such entertainments as the pictures, he continued, but these ended about 10.30 p.m., .and the men on leave till midnight or 1 a.m.- were left at a loose end. These were the dangerous hours, when the young men were tempted to seek dangerous avenues of entertainment. He illustrated the point by exhibiting a leaflet circulated among the services that had come into his hands. This promised "wine, women and song" as entertainment at a certain place, and he had been informed of other similar places. -'- Approval of Military Heads Mr. Macky said his experience of rescue work had informed him of the economic loss in womanhood caused by such places. He felt that these places would not. attract the men of the forces if they had a place to go to with their girl friends where they could be entertained in a bright, healthy and happy atmosphere. He stressed that the centre should be a place where the - average man of the forces could indulge in pastimes in which he could "let off steam. The proposal had the warm approval of the military authorities, including Major-General Bell, while the American authorities made a point ol having a sports arena for competitions. He understood sets for bowling alleys were available if arrangements and sites could be found for the alleys. He was certain no ditticulty would be encountered in raising the necessary money. Mr. Douglas Robb supported Mr. Macky, and added his view that the proposal was psychologically sound, while Mr. Harvey Turner. also commended it from his experience of a similar work in Cairo. He suggested that a feature of the enterprise should be a well-staffed information bureau.

Matter For Special Meeting The Mayor, Mr. Allum, thanked the deputation and assured them Ihliv representations would receive the most careful consideration of the council The matter had already, he said, occupied the council's attention He later moved that the proposal be referred to the finance committee for consideration and report. Mr. A. St. Clair Browne suggested ■ the matter-be discussed by the tun council." ". -. /:'.;.■ The Mayor pointed out that the proposal was the establishment of an entertainment centre. In his ' four years' association with tne Patriotic Committee the difficulty had always been to find accommodation for such places and how to finance them. These were things that could be considered by the finance committee and 6 the matter would then come to the a special meeting if desired, to be fully discussed. He had been led by Major-General Bell to believe that the city had adequate entertainment facilities for our own men. The motion to refer the matter to the finance committee was carried..