RETURNED SOLDIERS' HOSTEL.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 1 (Supplement)

RETURNED SOLDIERS' HOSTEL.

DEPUTATION TO SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND BOARD.

THE SCHEME DISCUSSED,

(From "The Colonist," October 10th.)

Last ovemng a deputation from-the Nelson Returned Soldiers' Association, comprising Messrs E. B. Witty, F. MeCabe and N. A. V'ercoo; waited xipon the Advisory Board of cae Sick and Woumled Soldiers' ■ Fund' Society for the purpose of soliciting financial assistance towards the establishment of a hostel for returned soldiers in Nelson. Mr Witty said the deputation came to the board without diffidence, ■'because they felt assured of a sympathetic hearing. After a good deal of consideration, and with the experience of other centres to guide them, the Returned Soldiers' Association had decided that a club-house or hostel, with perhaps outdoor occupation attached, would be the best thing that could be done for the returned soldiers. A very generous offer of assistance had already been made by a citizen, and, with the assurance of substantial help from patriotic societies and other generously disposed citizens, the scheme had now come within the rang? of practical politics. The actual carrying into.effect of the idea depended upon the financial support accorded. The most urgent need for such an insitution Yvas "brought before their executive daily, and the manner in which these clubs were used in other places proved beyond doubt their usefulness. The association, proposed to eroct a substantial fbuildino;, with comfortable appointments, and accommodation for the temporary use of convalescent men and country members corning' into the city; the' grounds to !nr laid out in gardens', where bees, perhaps, could he kept, and intense cultivation carried out by partially disabled men, the proceeds to help to supplement their pensions and maintain the club. It was considered that the flub could best be run on military lines. 11 was realised that the club would necessarily outlive its usefulness in 15 or 20 years, but while it was in existence it would be an active proposition, snd would therefoite justify ts establishment. After its term of usefulness had expired it could perhaps 'be handed over to the city to be utilised in the best possible manner. It was fels that anything the Advisory Board could do to Help the returned soldiers would be a tangible example of the gratitude of the citizens for whom they, had fought and a fitting memorial to" those who had answered "the call of the Last'"Post. ;

.Mr McCafce believed the scheme would come within the province of the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund. It was proposed to raise £60Q0 or more to establish the scheme. The association already had the promise of £2000; they desired to ask the board for £3000, and would appeal to the public for tiie balance. Ihe institution would be partly self-supporting, and the balance would be raised by entertainments and supplementary donations. He pointed out that Nelson was the last place in New Zealand to have a returned soldiers' hostel.

Replying to questions, it was stated that about 2000 men had gone from Nelson, of whom 350 were back.

The Mayor said that at present the returned soldiers had a club room at the Institute which was quite inadequate. There were at present SO or 90 men bein^ treated at the Hospital, and on certain days in the week* the room at the Institute was overcrowded. A comfortable and well equipped room was-badly needed. Mr1 Vercoe, secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association, agreed that present room was quit© unsuitable. . The deputation having, -withdrawn, the Mayor said the matter .was one of great importance, and he might say he favoured the proposal, but the question would have to be gone into very carefully. He would be sorry to see any scheme launched without adequate | maintenance being' provided for. He I suggested, that a committee be set up to discuss all aspects of the question with the Returtied Soldiers' Association.

Mr H. Everett raised the qiiestion whether the scheme came within the legal limits of the objects for which the Sick and Wounded Fund was raised, pointing out that the money was subscribed for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers, .whereas the club jiyqujd. Be used by returned men generally. : ■■'■;r. ■ . ':; ry

Mr C. J. Harley said, even if the scheme did not come within the objects of the fund, he did not anticipate any difficulty in extending the objects, which could be done at the annual meeting. He woiild be unwilling to put any damper on the project, but the greatest care would have to be exercised not to start a scheme without providing for its maintenance. 'He thought some residential place could be acquired at a comparatively small cost tuat Would meet the requirements of the soldiers. 1 The Mayor thought they would be justified in making a grant from the funds.

Mr J. P. Ha ye 8 did not think so, but agreed -with Mr -Harley that if the scheme did not come within the objects of the fund the objects could be extended. .... . . ■•;. --• .„ • :

'vMr'W. C. .Harley pointed mi t-that by the time all the men came back tlte majority would ho either' sick' or wounded.

Mr J. Hunt thought it it" was proposed to go in for gardening and beekeeping more land would be required ■han could be procured in the city. He moved that a committee be set up to report afc next meeting. Mr J. A. Wallace said he was "willing to do. everything ho could.to help, but it was a question whether they should make a grant from the fund or appeal to the people. If they made a grant for a club in Nelson, there would also lie claims on the fund for the establishment of clubs' in other parts of the district. Mr Everett seconded the motion. Mr Walter Sinodgrass said a club in Nelson would be a convenience to soldiers coining in £rom the country, and it must be in the centre of the town. Mr Hayes agreed" that the returned soldiers Mere entitled to a comfortable, decent resort, and they were entitled to ask the citizens, especially those who had not "•one to. the front, for assistonce. He thought the scheme too elaborate, and believed it Avoiikl be better to l'pns-'^ n, pince with commodious rooms snifca.b]ol for writiiur, tea, billiards, etc. Bedrooms wore not practicable, pri.d pick soldiers would be better lookprl aftrvr pt the Hospital than at n:'residential club. Mr Iv. .7*. !Rilp" did -not consider that the fund was raised to provide accomm.odntfnM *ot sound soldiers, and saidthere would be objections to the money i beino; spent in that direction. T^e motion was carried, and the follrnvJTTf 'committee was set nr>: —Messrs ;W. AY' '?WTarßss, .T. H. Cock. J. Hunt, C. J. Karlcy and J. P. Hayes.

Early vn ,May last Mrs C. J. D^v-j i'tl, of Picton avenue., Ncwtowri, WpJ--j Hmdon, who owns a ynunw r.pple or--Hi.-ird nfc Taxman, had a ';a«p eacli of. Delicious and Stunner specially packed, j nnd forwarded them to Kngland to hor| husband, who is serving his country as; an electrician on ono of the warships | ill 'Hoinfi waters. -,'rhefruft wos cav-i ried in tho ship's cool .store. a7id Word! has just been received by Mrs Drewitt that it arrived in excellent _ condition, tlie Sturmeris being especially satisfaci'tory. - ■.":■■