SOLDIERS’ CLUB HOUSE

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 61

SOLDIERS’ CLUB HOUSE

PUBLIC VISIT OF INSPECTION

A largo number of ladies and gentlemen, including many prominent citizens, returned troopers, and parents of boys at the front paid a visit yesterday, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., to the Soldiers’ Club House, at the corner of Moray place and Maeandrew street. The large house, formerly th« residence of the late Dr Hockon, is to ba altered in several respects and lifted up in a manner that will give the soldiers the idea that “ it’s just like being at homo.” Rooms are set apart as a library, smoking room, card room, billiard room, and social hall. The billiard room is to be enlarged, and the social hall -will be provided by placing folding doors between tvyo of the large rooms upstairs. In addition, there will bo a large balcony, with a northery aspect, and overlooking the beautiful grounds of First Church. The garden is a delight. At present the laburnum trees are showing a wealth of leaf, and the chestnuts are in bloom. It is a line resting place. It should be added that the club is not a residential one. In each room was placed a list of the contributions required to make the homo comfortable, and doubtless many of the visitors made notes of articles which it is within their power to donate. Afternoon tea was served bj a band of willing assistants. Addressee were given by the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) and the Primate (Bishop Nevill). Mr J. A. Park explained how the idea of the soldiers’ rest arose. It originated at a mooting of old Otago Riga School boys some months ago, when a committee was set up to arrange for the erection of a monument in the High School premises. The suggestion was made at that meeting that a rest would be a desirable institution, and the idea was brought before the Patriotic Committee, which referred it to a sub-committee. In the meantime Mr Patrick came forward with his generous offer of the late Dr Hockcn’s residence, which ho had now handed over to the committee. The committee, assisted by a number of ladies, had worked energetically in connection with the heme, and it was now in a fair way to become an ideal resting-place for the soldiers. Ho believed the two in-, stitutions would work together amicably—indeed, he believed that in a few years further accommodation might bo found necessary. Mr Park suggested that distinctive badges ought to be supplied to returned troopers, so that, even 10 or 20 years hence, they would be recognised as heroes who had fought for the Empire in its time of trial.—(Applause.) “We must look after them.” ho added, “ because they have looked after us.” —(Applause.) A nortion of the rest, will bo available for the soldiers returning this week, and it is hoped to have the whole of it in full swing in a fortnight.