FERNLEAF CLUB

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 5

FERNLEAF CLUB

New Zealand Services In London Official Opening By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright (8 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 21. The Fernleaf Club, the new military club for New Zealand servicemen m London, was officially opened by the High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) to-day in the presence of a number of prominent New Zealanders, including the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. This formal ceremony followed the unofficial opening of the club five days ago, for so great is its need that everyone of its 120 beds have been occupied each night. Mr Jordan, who read messages from the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser and the Hon. W. E. Parry, addressed the gathering, which included General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, Admiral Sir William Parry, Lady Freyberg, Lord Jellicoe, General H. K. Kippenberger and Mark Hambourg, the pianist. Thanking Lady Freyberg and Colonel F. Waite for all they had done to establish the club, Mr Jordan said he was delighted when he heard they were coming to London from Italy to relieve others of a big task and responsibility. The voluntary workers of the New Zealand Forces Club in Charing Cross Road had done a big job for five years, and so had Lady Hewart at

Kiwi House, but there was great need for further provision fbr New Zealanders. He paid a tribute to the English hosts and hostesses for their private hospitality, also other service clubs and wished the Fernleaf Club .ever’’ success.

Appreciation Expressed Mr Sullivan, thanking everybody who had helped with the arrangements, said: “I sometimes wonder whether people who work so hard and give their services realise how it is appreciated by the people at home in our little country. Many parents with sons scattered around the world naturally have their anxieties, but those anxieties are mitigated to a substantial extent by the knowledge that New Zealanders and friends of New Zealanders are looking after their men.” Colonel Waite, explaining that the Fernleaf Club is one of a chain of military clubs established by the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, said there would be no overlapping with other institutions in London. He explained that the Fernleaf Club would deal particularly with New Zealand prisoners of war when they eventually reached London. “We want this club to be a real home to New Zealand servicemen and women during their time in London,” Lady Freyberg said. “Through the splendid co-operation of the Ministry of Works we have been able to secure these five houses which have been homes before. Houses like these are not institutions, and even though they have now become a club I hope they will retain something of the feeling of homes.” Lady Freyberg mentioned additional lounges, bedrooms and kitchens. “There is also a lovely library, snack bar and other bar, which is going to be very popular.” Lady Freyberg referred to the wonderful gift from the Canadian Red Cross of a number of crosswork quilts which helped to make the bedrooms so attractive. “It is rather a romantic thought that the quilts should be made by the women of one Dominion to be used by the men of another Dominion in the Mother Country. We are very grateful,” she said. Lady Freyberg also read a telegram from “my General,” extending best wishes of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Italy to the Fernleaf Club and wishing it every success.

The Fernleaf Club is indeed the talk of all New Zealand servicemen and women who have seen it, and its popularity and success are assured.