ACCOMMODATION AT WEEK-ENDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 March 1944, Page 2

ACCOMMODATION AT WEEK-ENDS

I To the Editor J Sir,—l notice from ‘‘The Mail” of Bth March, reporting the meeting of the executive committee of the Nelson Provincial Patriotic Council, that the important question of the provision of accommodation for service men at week-ends was discussed and mention made of a report from the police on every week-end since Christmas; men had been sleeping out in parks, etc. 'lt is very apparent that hotels and boarding houses are unable to cope with this extra call for accommodation. Tor some weeks now, at the Y.M. C.A. Hospitality Club, we have regularly at week ends, gladly been able to arrange for accommodation for a number of service pien, as we have a list of homes willing to assist in this direction. Last week-end, no less than forty * were provided for, thanks to the assistance of our regular friends, plus help at short notice from Trafalgar and Dominion hotels, and “Naumai” boarding house, who fortunately were able on this occasion to provide shelter. Accommodation for service men is an urgent matter, a civic duty, and calls for immediate attention and planning. During the summer months, sleeping outdoors is not a great hardship. but with the approach of winter, it is essential that every service man genuinely needing it should be found shelter. I hope some organised- and responsible body will at once take the necessary steps to set up an accommodation bureau, and provide friendly shelter. In the meantime, 1 will be pleased to continue doing all I can to assist, and if any householders willing to offer accommodation for service men at week ends (bed and bre~\fast or full board) with or without pay, will let me have their name and address, stating number they are willing to accommodate, I will be pleased, in case of need, to get in touch with them.— I am, etc., EMILY K. MILNER. Trafalgar avenue, Nelson. (Telephone No. 716), 10th March. Teachers and students of music are reminded that Wednesday, 15th March, is the last day of entry for the June theoretical examinations of Trinity College of Music, London.*