FERNLEAF CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26198, 8 July 1946, Page 4

FERNLEAF CLUB

A VALUABLE INSTITUTION HAVEN FOR NEW ZEALANDERS A tribute to the work of the fernleaf Club for New Zealand servicemen in London during the war was paid by Dr P. J. McCormack in a broadcast talk last night. Dr McCormack, who was for a time medical officer at the club, said that the Fernleaf Club had provided amenities that were sincerely appreciated by the thousands of New Zealand servicemen who had visited it during its existence. In addition to proViding excellent board and lodging, the club had a library, billiard room, and snack bar. The men who were served in the club were the envy ofall those not eligible to use it, for they were served with a three-course meal equal to the best provided by any hotel, for only Is 6d a head. On ceitain occasions there were New Zealand delicacies such as toheroa soup, oysters, and whitebait, which the men enjoyed to the utmost.

The club was staffed by Tuis and volunteers, who did everything possible to ensure the comfort of the men visiting the club, Dr McCormack said. Full medical and dental attention was also provided at the club, which was a cheery corner of New Zealand set in the heart of London. The entrance hall was always gay with flowers and foliage, which came in van loads from Lady Freyberg’s country home. New Zealand could feel very proud of its Fernleaf Club, and any reports of over-staffing or luxurious living in the club were without foundation, for everyone had worked very hard for the comfort of the servicemen.

Many eminent people visited the Fernleaf Club either as the guests of servicemen or as visitors, including Lord Wavell and General Maitland Wilson, as well as several well-known New Zealanders such as the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, Mr D. G. Sullivan and Mr P. C. Webb. In its later days the club’s first care was for repatriated prisoners of war, who needed the best attention that could be given them. The good and ample food provided made a great change in their appearance, and their attendance at the sick bay diminished rapidly. From the club the men fanned out all over the United Kingdom, and everywhere they went they were always welcomed, not only for themselves, but also because of the lasting impression made by the 1914-18 “Diggers,” whose name had become in the nature of a tradition. / “ The Fernleaf Club is now no more " Dr McCormack said, “but to all who were privileged to work in it and to enjoy its hospitality, its name will always be remembered with gratitude."