OVERSEAS CLUBS

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1944, Page 8

OVERSEAS CLUBS

FOR N.Z. SERVICEMEN LONDON*, Aug. 31 To examine the club and accommodation facilities for New Zealand servicemen on leave in Britain and to see how they may be improved or extended, Lady Freyberg and Colonel Waite have arrived here from the Mediterranean. Three New Zealand Forces clubs in Cairo Bari and Rome have been outstandingly successful. The newest of them is in Rome. It is housed in one of the city’s best hotels which was taken over complete with an Italan staff and even an orchestra. In Britain the New Zealand Forces’ club in Charing Cross Road, London, has been throughout the war a rendezvous for New Zealand servicemen, particularly those in the airforce and navy. It has been run by New Zealand residents in Londo and their friends on a voluntary basis, but on a less pretentious scale than the Middle East clubs. Steps are being taken to see how its scope may be extened. These were suggested by Mr. Fraser during his recent visit to Britain. Mr. Fraser had in mind ' the needs not only of New Zealanders on leave in the city, but the several thousand' men expected after their release from prisoner of war camps in Germany. He expressed the desire of the Government that every possible provision should be made for the welfare of these men, and this will be an important phase of the work of Lady Freyberg and Colonel Waite in Britain. They are collaborating with Mr.. Jordan and the New Zealand Service authorities.