“DOWN UNDER CLUB”

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 248, 16 July 1941, Page 4

“DOWN UNDER CLUB”

To Benefit N.Z. Airmen In Canada During his visit to the United States on behalf of the Government, Mr. J. G. Coates, in his capacity as a member of the National Patriotic Fund Board, has been able to go into the question of the amenities available for New Zealand airmen in training In Canada. A report on this subject has been received by the board from Mr. Coates. The secretary of the board, Mr. G. A. Hayden, stated yesterday afternoon that Mr. Coates had advised that a club called the “Down Under Club” had been established for the bertfit of Australian and New Zealand airmen in one of the Canadian towns through which all New Zealanders passed. The expenses of this club would be met proportionately from Australia and New Zealand.

“New Zealand's share,” Mr. Hayden added, “will be paid by the National Patriotic Fund Board. Through the provision of institutions of this kind a meeting place and other facilit'es are provided that are welcome to the men on leave, and there is this further important consideration that they' enable the board to cater for the men as a whole, which Is our chief aim.” In addition to providing and maintaining the institutional huts at the training camps in New Zealand and overseas, the board recently erected and equipped a club in Suva for the New Zealand Forces stationed in Fiji, and it is also responsible for the maintenance of the New Zealand Forces Clubs in London and Cairo, both ot which have been highly praised.