THE SOLDIERS’ CLUB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 7523, 4 January 1917, Page 1

THE SOLDIERS’ CLUB.

In case there , should be any idea that our men do not appreciate the accommodation provided fox them by the New 'Zealand War Contingent Association, it may be staled that up to the end of September 7500 beds had been occupied at the Hostel in Russell Square, or a daily average ol 125. lieu passing through London had taken 4000 breakfasts at the club. 12000 dinners, 1800 teas, while the club canteen had Served .more than 1-1,000 soldiers. It has to be borne in mind lhat the facilities that arc provided by the Association are in many cases (he alternative of a second-rate public bouse. It is a considerable achievement to have provided for 857 New Zealanders per day who are constantly passing through London. The use of the club is entirely optional, but the committee by meeting leave trains give the soldiers a chance of 1 beginning their furlough among friend's and undue safe conditions' for themselves. THE NATIONAL GAWK. There is no fear that the New Zealand National game will fall into abeyance while our men are on service in Europe. At least one of the casualties in the English hospitals (o-day is the direct result of ’ a football accident behind the lines in France. Wherever any of. our soldiers arc gathered' together in England, there is a Rugby, fifteen, and before the first forces had made its appearanon They were playing Rugby matches with local clubs. Incidentally at Swansonl on Saturday before GOOD people, they ~, "yned the tables' on South Walesby defeating, them by 9 points to 7. One of the knottiest quesHkmsi'which have had to be decided iby the Now Zealand War Contingent Association for some time past, was the problem of alloting a moderate sum' of money for the equipment of the Rugby representatives oi live different brandies of the service in the reserve camp at idling and a representative team from the live. The difficulty was got over by voting £'2s to tjhe camp generally 'for- the purposes ol obtaing football equipment.