CATERING FOR THE FORCES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23743, 15 September 1942, Page 4

CATERING FOR THE FORCES

CHRISTCHURCH EFFORT PRAISED 1 i AN AUCKLAND TRIBUTE (P.S.S.) AUCKLAND. Sept. 14. "What Christchurch, is doing to cater for the needs of the armed forces and. the Merchant Navy ought to cause heart-searching in Auckland,” says the “New Zealand Herald,” in a leading article published this mprning. "Even if it could be proved that the various clubs and other voluntary organisations at work here —and doing excellent work in their own way—when; added together equalled what Christchurch is doing, that would be no answer to the implied reproach. “As an example, the Union Jack Club can well be studied. A large and suitable building has been obtained. Cooperation between the Patriotic Council and a staff of voluntary workers provides a range of facilities and services which could scarcely be improved upon. Meals and recreation figure largely, but still more valuable are sleeping accommodation, bathing facilities. and clothes cleaning and pressing services. These are things which count when men far from their homes are on leave. “What Christchurch is doing Auckland could do just as well and on a larger scale. Given the lead—or, what is more important, given access to the necessary building—the community would undoubtedly respond with material and offers of service. It is a challenge to the authorities to act, and act quickly, for the sake of the members of the forces and for the credit of Auckland.”