Memories of the Last War

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 270, 2 November 1940, Page 7

Memories of the Last War

Y.M.C.A. CLUB OPENED IN BRITISH TOWN (From the Official War Correspondent attached to the N.Z. Forces in Great Britain.) SOMEWHERE IN BRITAIN, October 4, 14*40. In the course of the last war a detachment of New Zealanders was stationed for a while in the country town near which units of the 2rfd N.Z.E.F. are now billeted. Their memory lingers, and their reputation lives after them—a reputation which makes a man proud to be their fellow-countryman. A New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Club and canteen in the town was opened this week by Brigadier R. Miles. Its genesis was revealed by a member o'f the ladies’ committee of the local Y.M.C.A. “When we heard that New Zealanders had come among us again,” she said, * 1 we were anxious to do all we could for their comfort. Because, you see, there were New Zealand soldiers here nearly 25 years ago; and we have never forgotten what fine men they were. Friendships were formed then which have endured ever since. We hope you may stay with us a long time, so wc may have a chance to become as friendly with you as we did with the men who were here before.” The club offers, besides canteen service, a reading and writing room, liberallv stocked with magazines and stationery, a billiard table, a bagatelle table, darts, and a general recreation room which can be converted quickly into a hall holding from 150 to 200, I where concerts or picture shows can be given. The whole is situated in the basement of the town’s Congregational Church, of which the minister is a former Y.M.C.A. secretary and staunch friend of soldiers. Canteen help is organised by the ladies’ committee of the "church. The opening on Sunday evening was marked by a free tea, and after church (during which the recreation rooms below were open) a George Arliss picture was screened by the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. 's mobile cinema unit. The club is open from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Brigadier Miles, in an opening address, expressing gratitude to the church authorities for offering the free use of the premises, and to the ladies’ committee for undertaking responsibility for voluntary staffing. There had been undoubted need for a New Zealand meeting place in the town, and it was appropriate that the initiative should have been taken by the New Zealand Y.M.C.A., which was doing very good work, not only centrally but also in the camps and billeting areas of scattered individual unita He hoped men would make full use of the facilities provided, and show their appreciation by maintaining a high standard of conduct.