THE SOLDIERS’ HOSTEL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9695, 25 June 1917, Page 6

THE SOLDIERS’ HOSTEL

ITS OBJECTS EE-EXPLAINED. Three questions have been put by the general secretary of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to the secretary of the Soldiers’ Hostel at Newtown iii regard to the proposed hostel for crippled soldiers. These are:— (1) What is the method of appointing the governing body in whose bunds the control of tno club will be? <2) Is the club to be used restnctively for crippled soldiers? (3) What site, if any. is proposed tor the club? „ , , . This information was first sought of the Hon. G. W. Russell, who referred the association secretary W the secretary of the hostel executive (Mrs Boden). In reply Mrs Boden states:— "Our body is incorporated and registered in the Registrar of Friendly Societies’ Department, with which the Hon. Mr Russell has nothing to do, and therefore he was not in a position to give any information. Your query No. 1 is fully answered by a perusual of our articles of association, a copy of which may be seen at the Registrar s office. Apart from this, thanks to the newspapers, our aims, objects and intentions are fully before the public, and we have received most kindly recognition of our modest efforts on behalf of returned soldiers and sailors and sick camp soldiers. After the war the hostel will be available exclusively for crippled soldiers and sailors. The beneficiaries will be clearly defined. "Your manager was waited upon per. sonally by me" at the inception of our scheme and a conference of the two executives promised. That this has not eventuated is not due to any lack on my part. During my visit I incidentally mentioned a site we had in view. Subsequently its price jumped up by more than two thousand pounds. Benefiting by that experience, may we be permitted to state that at least five other very good propositions are before us and tho most suitable one will be chosen ?

“Dealing with tho interview in the 'New Zealand Times' of Wednesday, reference is made therein to raising funds by means of art unions. We certainly could wish some better method of obtaining the necessary money was available, but large sums, all by art unions, are being raised for patriotic purposes (including Soldiers' Clubs), which would not otherwise be received, and as we are acting within the law, we see no reason for objection. With an art union every shilling received and every ticket issued have to be accounted for, and the drawing takes placo_ on September 6th, before representatives of press, police, and civic authorities, and any others who care to be present. "As regards the hostel, up to date about 2000 meals and 750 beds have begn supplied free to men who have not had money to pay for them. Could some of tho public live (as I did for inside experience) in that hostel for a week they would realise the grand and noble work being performed by Mrs McDonald and her staff. These are all women who have suffered by war and are full o? sympathy accordingly. Fortunately the percentage of troublesome cases is not very great, and many fine follows not only enjoy a ‘home away from homo,' or when attending medical boards, from all over New Zealand, but many also assist the stuff to maintain order, keep the billiard-table in order, and do many other little things that are much appreciated by the staff- " That successful work has been and is being done there can be no doubt, and wo have some very satisfactory examples of men who have benefited by entering the hostel and coming under the influence there present. In conclusion may I point out that whilst we inculcate a sense of responsibility by expecting all who can to pay the moderate charges made, wo freely assist all soldiers and sailors.”