THE SOLDIERS CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16022, 14 September 1915, Page 9

THE SOLDIERS CLUB.

OPENING CEREMONY.

SPEECH BY THE MAYOR.

"AN URGENT NECESSITY."

The Soldiers' Club was officially declared open bv the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. J. H. Gunson, yesterday afternoon, in the presence of patriotic officials and others, including Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Hume, officer commanding the Auckland military district, Mr. George Elliot, MrV. J. Lamer, between 70 and 80 soldiers, a number of whom have seen fighting at the Dardanelles, and many ladies and gentlemen interested. The visitors expressed surprise and pleasure at the completeness of the furnishing of the club. Mr. George Elliot said the idea of establishing the club originated with the ladies of the Victoria League, but, as the resources of that body were not sufficient for the purpose, the Patriotic Association took the responsibility. The rooms, furnishings, and other articles had been given, and the association would not be asked for a penny ; in fact, the club opened with a small 'balance. Messrs. Snedden and Neville Newcomb, who had been appointed by the Patriotic Association to make the arrangements, had done splendidly. A ladies' committee had arranged to supply ■ afternoon teas and suppers, and the duties for 13 weeks had been provided for- The men would pav a small charge for refreshments and billiards. The sums thereby received, it was hoped, would pay the majority of the expenses of the club. The idea of the promoters was to provide a meeting place for soldiers —those who were going to the war, and those who had returned. When saying good-bye to soldiers, they all realised that they were bidding farewell to heroes. (Hear, hear.) He had great pleasure in taking part in the opening of the club, and welcoming the soldiers present. (Cheers.)

Invitation to the Maoris. The Mayor was cheered as he rose to speak. Everybody, he said, appreciated the work of the committee which had fitted up the club. They could not do too much for the soldiers, who, he hoped, would use it to the fullest extent. Not for many decades, he added, had there been such an institution as a soldiers' club. He recited the facts regarding the outbreak of the war and the commencement

of the raising of patriotic funds. The soldiers had passed through things of which those present could have little conception. He trusted that the returned soldiers would realise that their services were appreciated. To the natives, as' well as to our own flesh and blood, we were greatly indebted. (Hear, hear.) Those now encamped at Narrow Neck were splendid troops, and would give a good account of themselves. They all trusted that the Maori soldiers would use the club as well as their pakeha brethren. (Cheers.)

A Great Service. ' Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Hume said he would like to take the oonortunity to express the gratitude of the soldiers to the committees, and to those who had contributed. to the club. When questioned on the'subject, he had said that a club was an urgent necessity. The institution would be the means of a great many soldiers receiving the rest and the pood fellowship they needed. It was a great thing for soldiers to stick together, and the club would render great service. To the ladies and others who had offered gratuitous assistance, and to the committee who had brought the club into existence, he, on behalf of the soldiers of the district,'was extremely grateful. The club had been started, and it would go on. (Hear, hear.) The Mayor then formally declared the club open, the National Anthem was sune, and three cheers for the New Zealand Forces were heartly given at the call of the Mayor. The visitors were enterI tained at afternoon tea.