Public Opinion.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13523, 6 October 1916, Page 5

Public Opinion.

THE ANZAC CLUB.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I was astonished on reading your paper to notice that it was proposed to erect a four-storey building on the McHardy site in Cuba Street for the Anzae Club. Presumably those responsible have given a lot of earnest thought to the subject, but it seems extremely questionable if the best results will be got for the expenditure if this scheme is adhered to. A four-storey building will cost a lot of money for upkeep and it can never be satisfactory architecturally in such a circumscribed location. A movement of this description should, in my opinion, be built on a section standing back from the highway so that it can be seen in good perspective. To build on a circumscribed site would be to cramp the structure in every essential detail. The local subscribers to the fund would like some authoritative statement as to the money which it is proposed to spend, and the accommodation which it is hoped to provide. It would be very unwise in the opinion of many to spend a large &unx of money on an institution likely to prove a white e.'ephant two or three years after the war. Worse still to make a comfortable focus-point for the least worthy of the returned men. Many thoughtful citizens are beginning to put into words the fear that the Anzae Club is not likely to have the beneficial result tl at its promoters anticipated. They would much prefer to see the nest eg>;- created through Mr McHardy's genevosity, and the selfdenial of an army of willing helpers, turned to some prrpose likely to be of real permanent benefit to the soldiers such as an . institution where they could be taught farming or useful trades. If a clii) is needed for a social rendezvous that could be provided for a few hundreds of.pounds, but this idea of a four-storey building with its upkeep is, some of us fear, likely to do positive harm rather than resultant good. I should like some other pen than mine to discuss this question. "The soldiers ihst" should be our motto. —I am, etc., SUBSCRIBES.