NEW BRIGHTON HOME.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 532, 23 October 1915, Page 10

NEW BRIGHTON HOME.

FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS. OPENED ITO-DAY. The North Brighton Convalescent Home for Eetumed Soldiers was officially opened this afternoon in the presence of a large : gathering. The building, which has been placed at/the disposal of the Veterans' Association for 12 months by Mr Hucks, faces the beach, and is ideally situated. Provision has been made in the dormitory (which faces the water) for 12 beds, and room is available inside for eight more beds. Donations to the furnishing have been made by Mr W. Whitta> a billiards table; Mr A. Peppier fa, sideboard; Bed Cross Depot, bed linen afcd towels; Milner and Thompson, Joan of piano; Eedpath and Co., ton coal. Other donors gave reading matter, etc. ••••' The opening function took place on the roof of the building, and those present afterwards partook 'of afternoon tea. The arrangements were under the supervision of Mr Timbrell, secretary of the association. During the afternoon the New Brighton Band rendered a number of items.

Mr J. A. Flesher (Mayor of. New Brighton) said the efforts of the Veterans to provide for men who required accommodation were most praiseworthy, and they were to be commended for it. It was not intended that this should be a permanent home, but only a temporary recuperating place. He hoped the institution would fulfil all the? objects the promoters had in view. Dr Thacker, M.P., said the Veterans' Association were to be congratulated on expressing in this way their sympathy with the boys who had gone t» the front. He did not believe in ! the Patriotic Fund absorbing the Veterans' Fund. He considered they would do better by keeping the funds separate. "If you let your money get into ; the hands of the' Government,'.' he said, "you will not see it again. The Government are going to try and exploit the, money raised by public subscription. '' They should see to, it that ttyeir funds went to their men." He pi&ised the situation of the homeland the provision made, and commended the generosity of Mr Hueka in placing the building at the disposal of the soldiers. Colonel Creswell also spoke.