GOVERNMENT HOUSE CLUB

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24542, 26 March 1943, Page 5

GOVERNMENT HOUSE CLUB

FACILITIES FOR AMUSEMENT A croquet lawn is the latest outdoor attraction at the new Government House Services' Club, which, although opened little more than a fortnight ago for the men of the armed forces, is already making good progress. On Sunday afternoon about 60 men gathered round the lawn, and, as croquet is particularly popular with Americans, many joined in friendly contests with other servicemen or amused themselves with ladder croquet. Others were content to sit talking or reading under the beautiful old trees, and to enjoy the restful atmosphere which is such a marked characteristic of the club. Even indoors there is the same effect of light and space and the same feeling of relaxation. Excellent lighting, both by day and night, comfortable chairs, ample writing facilities, and tables strewn with magazines, provide all the essentials for spending a quiet hour. In the ballroom, where the weekly dances are a great attraction, quoits, indoor bowls and a number of pingpong tables now supply plenty of daytime amusement. The club is at present open only to the men of the armed forces, but not to servicewomen, for whom a club of their own is to be opened on April 2 in the Queen's Arcade. Members of the Red Cross Transport Corps yesterday afternoon took a party of soldiers from the Auckland Hospital Military Annexe to the Government House Club, where they were the guests of the entertainment committee of the Lady Galway Guild, the members of which are the club hostesses this week. The men were received by Mrs. M. E. Svensen. chairman of the committee, and Mrs. E. H. Levien, club organising secretary. Musical items were followed by tea on the terrace.