SOLDIERS AT ROTORUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 11

SOLDIERS AT ROTORUA.

NEW Y.M.C.A. BUILDINGS. OPENED BY SIR J. ALLEN. GIFT FROM THE MAORIS. [Bt TELEGRAPH. OWN COBBJESPONDENT.] ROTO RCA, Friday. The hut erected by the Y.M.C.A. on Pukeroa Hill, Rotorua, with the wing donated by the widow of the late Sergeant Mervyn Gorringe, was opened on Thursday morning by the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir James Allen, in the presence of a large gathering of soldiers and civilians. Lieutenant-Colonel H. F. Bernau, commandant of King George V. Hospital, and Mr. W. Hill, resident officer, congratulated the Y.M.C.A. on having provided bo admirable an institution for the use of the returned soldiers. They also paid tributes to the good work done by the other soldiers' institutes in Rotorua. The Adting-Prime Minister, who was received with applause, said it was a great pleasure to him to open the building. The Government was gi'eatly indebtod to that great organisation, the Y.M.C.A. He did not wish to belittle the work of the Salvation Army Institute and the Church of England Institute. They had done excellent work, and he endorsed Colonel Bernau's remarks that there was room for all. Their rivalry was a rivalry in a splendid causa. The Y. M. C. A., the Salvation Army, and the Church of England Institutes had done magnificent work in the field. It was not alone the food and tie beverages which were provided that the soldiers appreciated, bat- the sympathy and help extended. They aimed, with the Gospel of Christ as a guide, to help the soldiers in every way, and on such a foundation their work was bound to succeed. Speaking to the soldiers, ho t rusted they would always remember what the Y.M.C.A. had done for them, and never fail to respect the building and everything in connection with it. Ho hoped that they would make the most of the splendid rooms provided for them, which would assist in rapidly restoring them to health. It gave him great pleasure to declare the building open. (Applause.) The chairman of the Maori Patriotio Association, Whakaue Hikairo, said he had great pleasure on behalf of his association in handing over £50 to the Y.M.C.A., and suggested that the money be used in beautifying the grounds in front of the buildings and constructing a croquet lawn and tennis court. The Hon. Gso. Fowlda said that on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. he had great pleasure in receiving the gift, which would be devoted to the. purpose mentioned. The George V. Hospital orchestra played a number of selections. In the afternoon the building was thrown open to the public, and was visited by a large number of people. The building contains a bflliardroom, j with three tables, a lounge (the Gorringe wing), a writing-room, two rooms for the secretary, Mr. F. E. Chappell, a darkroom for photography, and a kitchen. The writing-room is fully furnished with requisites, and the walls are set off with suitable pictures. The outlook from the ■we&ern windows is extensive and pleasing. A noticeable feature of the building is the wide passages. Altogether the " nut" if decidedly comfortable and attractive. i