REST CENTRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 125, 23 November 1943, Page 3

REST CENTRE

N.Z. TROOPS IN PACIFIC

OPENED BY SIR C. NEWALL <Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.)

;■■■" SOUTH PACIFIC BASE, Nov. 12. "I was most pleased to accede to the request to open this clubhouse," said his Excellency the Governor General, Sir Cyril Newall, to personnel of the Third (N.Z.) Division at a special function at a base camp to mark the inauguration of a new centre for troops recreation and rest. His Excellency, who praised the work of the representatives of the National Patriotic Fund Board and their helpers in building and furnishing the club, expressed the hope that it would become a social centre for as many of the forces as could be there from time to time. The "club, which stands in the heart Of'the Division's training camp, has been designed to fill a paramount need of the Pacific troops, to provide living quarters and a complete recreative centre for personnel on leave. Troops .'in, the Pacific, said Brigadier W. W. Dove, M.C., who introduced Sir Cyril Newall, had not had the advantages of big cities and adjacent countries in which to spend furlough, and it was the intention that this club would m 'some measure provide a change of environment that so many needed but so few could enjoy. Although troops in the forward areas fcwill be unable to take advantage of tthe club's facilities, as communication [difficulties preclude their being given •furlough, those at the training depot land in base units will find its suit--ebility for concerts, dances, and accommodation a great asset.