LOWRY HUT

Grey River Argus, 19 July 1941, Page 3

LOWRY HUT

For N.Z. Troops OPENED AT CAIRO. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service). CAIRO, July 17. Before a large representative gathering an institute known as the Lowry Hut was opened here bv Mrs Freyberg yesterday. Representatives of all units of the N.Z.E.F. and various branches of the British Forces diplomatic services, civilian and relimous life in Cairo attended the ceremony. The building, for the entertainment and provision of comforts .of New Zealand troops at the Base Camp, was built from a ten thousand pounds fund donated by Mr and Mrs T. C. Lowry, of Hawke’s Bay. It is undei' the supervision of their daughter, Mrs Percy Chapman, and the Y.M.C.A. It is s'tuated on a line site overlooking the camp. The institute offers social faci ities for a large number of New Zealand soldiers. Among those present at the opening were General Sir James Marshall Cornwall (Commanding British Forces in Egypt), General and Mrs Freyberg, and nearly every senior officer of the New Zealand Forces. i Y.M.C.A. Commissioner H. W. Shove said that ever since Mr an Mrs Lowry made their magnificent gift, the Y.M.C.A had been anxious to make the fullest use of it. General Freyberg expressed the gratitude of the so’diers to Mr and Mrs Lowry for their magnificent gift He paid a tribute to the work of the Y.M.C.A. for New Zealand troops. H' expressed regret at the severe los~ suffered by them in Greece Mrs Chapman said she wished he parents could have been present U see the large crowd In attendant If the hut were alwavs as full as at the opening ceremonv. another would b* needed. Mrs Frevberg in declaring the hut open said that all appreciated t p very gieat generosity and warm hearted kindness which had made the gift possible. She paid a tribute to the imagination and energy of Mrs Chapman, which had combineci to make the institute a delightful centre. Bishop Gerard, Senior Chaplain, dedicated the building with nrayer.