NEW CLUB IN KITCHENER BUILDING

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 146, 21 June 1916, Page 2

NEW CLUB IN KITCHENER BUILDING

PROPOSED INSTITUTE DESCRIBED

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.

Ever since its inauguration the Wellington Returned Soldiers' ■ Club has been handicapped owing to insufficiency of accommodation, and the'growing need of an improvement has become more and more acute. The object for which the club exists is generally well known, and the fact that the desired improvement is already in the mailing 6hould prove welcome news to all public-spirit-ed citizens. The promoters have been fortunate in securing the main portion of what are known as Fletcher's Buildings, situated on Lambton-quay, nest to the bm'Jdaig at present occupied by the club. These buildings, are admirably suited for the purposes of the club, the rooms being large, airy, and well lighted, while there are facilities for every convenience which may be- required. They were erected some eight years ago, and are the joint property of Mr. Hamilton Gilmer and the trustees of the estate of the late Mr. Allan M'Guire. Apart from the ground floor, which is occupied, the building contains four large stories, and overlooks Lambtonquay. In taking over the buildings and j proceeding with the -work o£ transformation^ the promoters did not consult the public, but confidently anticipate that when an appeal is made it will be met with a ready response. Mr. Gilmer was the first to come to the assistance of the promoters by notifying that, as far as his share is concerned, the building would be rent free for three years. The architects for the work are Messrs. Hoggard, Prouse, and Summer, *.he carpentring work is being carried out by Messrs. Campbell and ' Buvke, and the electric fittings by Messrs. Turnbull and Jones. It is probable that, the building ivjH be known as "Kitchener Building." WHAT THE NEW PREMISES WILL BE. Yesterday, when a representative of The Post wits taken through the building by Captain Donald Simson, bands of carpenters were busy on every floor, convartkig the spacious rooms—so long unoccupied—into a comfortable, don-venic-nt club It was evident that the promoters have got to work with a will, for in a comparatively short space of time the inner part of the building has been remodelled almost beyond recognition. Starting with the first floor, this may be briefly described as a library and depot combined. It is to be furnished as a comfortable loimge room, reading room, lending- library,- and will* have a piano, gramaphone, writing tables, and a telephone for members. Attached will be an enquiry office, parcel, and icloak room, the latter being conducted on the ticket system. This will enable all men, whether belonging to Wellington or not, to leave their coats or bags in safety while waiting for trains or boats. Correspondence for mranbers will be kept in the office or forwarded as directed. It is proposed to put glass ends in and a canvas top 1 over the verandah, and this will enable i convalescent men to sat out on fine days and enjoy the fresh air. On occasions it is ( intended that the Patriotic So-, ciety's Band shall render selections, for the benefit of the men. The seeqsid floor will be devoted mainly to an up-to-date billiard room, which will i contain three tables. Play will be regulated at a smali charge, anda competent caretaker-mark-er will be in charge. Attached will be conveniences, two tepid shower baths, hair brushes, and boot and uniformcleaning material. On the third floor there will be three offices—the club office, where the typist will be accommodated, the committee room and secretary's headquarters, and a private office. The telephone will also be fitted on this floor. There will be a kitchen, which ■wiill contain gas- ranges for heating water and a serving counter for dispensing refreshments. The- centre of the room will be furnished with tables. The- fourth, or top floor, will be dew/ted to a ladies' cloak room <tnd a leoture hall, the latter of which will also be used as a gymnasium and dancing hall. One of I the striking features of ithe new premises will be the roof garden. It is intended to erect glass sides or lattice work along the concrete parapet on the roof, thus making a pleasant resort for the men, j and a considerable addition to the available space in the club. FEATURES OF THE CLUB. Those who are desirous of assisting in a monetary fashion will learn with satisfaction that a comprehensive scheme of management has been outlined by Captain Simson, who states that the conduot of the club will be absolutely guaranteed. No alcohol will be permitted on the premises, and any infringement in j this direction will be severely dealt with. The obstacles and difficulties to be met with in the management of a club on the lines proposed are fully recognised, i. but it is considered that the committee [of returned men is capable of undertaking the responsibility. The club will be a meeting-place for all returned soldiers and sailors who are eligible for membership to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, while -the men will be enabled to apply for assistance, either regarding grievances or advice. There will be facilities for the Director of Base Records, war relief associations, recruiting committees, and lecturers, and special times will be. set apart for visitors' days, visitors' evenings, and musical evenings. The arrival of transports from time to time has received consideration, and in this connection ojfe floor will be set apart when necessary ' for the usa of returned men and relatives. In addition to the social side of the undertaking records will be kept of missing and absent relatives, also employment lists and applications for employment. In short, the needs and comforts_ of the men have been carefully studied, and what is now needed to make the scheme a success is the co-operation of the public. WILLING HANDS WANTED. Apart from providing the initial outlay the public will be expected to lend practical support in various ways. Money will be required if the institution is to progress on sound lines, and there will be need of voluntary helpers. There is yet a great deal to be done, and the promoters are confident that the people will respond as willingly and unselfishly as they have done in the past.