SOLDIERS' FRIENDS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 144, 19 June 1915, Page 9

SOLDIERS' FRIENDS

SOCIAL LIFE AT THE CAMP ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS BODIES. NEED OF CITY ROOMS. During the early part of the war the Sydney-street Schoolroom was used as a club-house for the comfort and convenience of soldiers. This welcome enterprise was mainly due to the active interest of Wellington ladies, and it was much appreciated. However, the desire of the military authorities was rather to encourage the establishment of social rooms at Trentham than any institution which might have the effect of attracting men to town. The temporary club-house has lapsed, and buildings have been erected at the camp by, the Young_ Men's Christian Association", the Salvation Army, and the Anglican, Presbyterian. Roman Catholic, and Methodist Churches. Here the- men have concerts^ and there is also provision for reading, writing, and smoking in cosy corners. There is some admirable competition in catering for the soldiers' comfort. THE BUSY V.M.C.A. The V M.C.A. hall can seat over a thousand men, and there is no space to spare when the entertainers go out twice a week. Much of the best local talent has cheerfully enlisted, and the volunteers find ample reward in the gladness which they can give. The building has a special compartment for reading and writing, so that about ninety men can be thus occupied while a concert is in progress. In town the rooms of the V.M.C.A. have always an open door for the soldiers They can have a Iwok, magazine, or paper by the fireside, and there is also a place for a smoke. They can also have games, and always they have friendly folk about them. Any fear that these things are accompanied by homilies or preachings is utterly ground' less^ The word Christian in the Association's name is interpreted in its broadest sense; the atmosphere is thor' oughly comfortable The executive is eager to do all in its power to give bright hours to the soldiers When they are weary of trudging up and down the city streets they can turn into the Association's" rooms in the full assurance that any prejudice as to "sanctimonious' ness" will vanish when they have crossed the hospitable threshold ., HOMES FOR THE LONELY. Among the men at Trentham are somo who are comparatively strangers .in a strange land ; Wellington has been a lonely place for them in the social sense They have the _ companionship of other soldiers— but this is not enough. They have a human yearning for a touch of home life— a pleasaht, refreshing break in the time of training. These are tha men whom the V.M.C.A. particularly desires to help. Friends have been found with homes available for those who feel the \yant of such hospitality— and the Association is confident that such comfort will be offered to every man who needs it. If he asks, he will receive. He will have access to a home where the tea-kettle will sing for him, and other kindness will give him good memories of Wellington Names can bo left with the caretaker at the Y.M.CA.'s rooms at Trentham, or at the Association's office in Upper Willis-street. AN EXPERIMENT IN SYDNEY. The opening of a club ior soldiers in. Sydney has been very successful. The membership is now over 1500. and it is increasing. Admission is easy ; a signature does it. The invitation of the management runs thus :— " The committee hopes that you will come to the club when you are on leave in Sydney and make full use of its comforts and conveniences. " You will find smoking, reading, and writing rooms, telephone, books, papers., magazines, piano and gramophone. " For a small charge you can get billiards (3d), hot and cold baths (6d per half-hour), tobacco, and refreshments. " Parcels may be left with the caretaker, and a receipt will be given. " The central position gives easy access to places of interest, and amusement. ' " The club is open every day in. the week, Sundays included (no billiards on Sundays), from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m." • SCOPE IN WELLINGTON. _ The circumstances are different in Wellington, but it is believed by those who are heartily interested in. the soldiers' .welfare that the provision of suitable rooms near the Lambton Railway Station would be very beneficial. Here parcels could be left, and the men could comfortably pass any waiting time. The argument is that such an institution need not be elaborate enough to lure men from Trentham ; it would do good service for those who like to come to town occa« sionally, club or no club If such accommodation can be arranged the upkeep wilt not be a costly matter. The V.M.C.A. is willing to supply any help needed for the care of the rooms, and other friends of "the boys" will gladly assist.