USE OF THE ANZAC HALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1943, Page 3

USE OF THE ANZAC HALL

(To the Editor) Sir,—Like many other Featherston people I was incensed to read a report in yesterday’s “Times-Age" of the Wairarapa Hospital Board’s meeting, at which a request, for the return of the Anzac Hall, Featherston, to the use for which it was originally intended—the' entertainment of soldiers —was refused. Particular exception is taken to the reported remarks of Mr Lee, SecretaryManager of the board: “Is it the men in the camp who want the hall or is it the girls in Featherston?” Mr Lee might be excused his remarks on the ground J'of ignorance of the position, but that he well knows that there are now several hundreds of men in the camp mentioned. Their work in the main is arduous and uninteresting, and unfortunately when they are on local leave Featherston offers little to them in the way of recreational facilities and they have about two choices —the pub or the club. Miss Donald and a number of other Featherston ladies have carried on a wonderful work in running a first-class Services Club for the men in khaki, which is greatly appreciated. The building however is now entirely unsuitable to meet the ever-increasing demands made upon it. During the last war thousands of pounds were raised by the settlers of the district (including many of Miss

Donald’s'relatives) to open this hall for the entertainment of soldiers on leave. Till recently it was used as a hospital, but with the opening of a modern hospital at the camp itself this need has passed away, and the hall is now empty of occupants. Surely the equipment could be stored elsewhere? If the hall, at some future date, were required for use as a hospital a couple of trucks and a squad of men could speedily replace it. A large sum of money was spent in Masterton to convert an old building into the present Red Cross Services Club. Is it too much to ask that the Soldiers’. Club in Featherston should be restored to the use for which it originally was erected? In conclusion I would like to say that the soldiers in Featherston would like to say “Thank you” to the ladies of Featherston for Their untiring .efforts in the interests of the troops. Their’s is no glamorous job—no publicity, no snappy uniforms, no mention in the society columns—just plenty of hard work, cheerfully done, and greatly appreciated by the troops. 1 regret that for reasons contained in my covering letter I am unable to sign this with my own name; I must perforce remain, ANONYMOUS. Featherston, September 16.