N.Z. FORCES’ CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 266, 10 November 1945, Page 4

N.Z. FORCES’ CLUB

CLOSING DOWN IN LONDON Recd. 7.35 p.m. London, Nov. 9. The New Zealand Forces Club in Charing Cross Road will close on November 30. This decision was reached by the committee of the New Zealand War Services' Association. Its reason is that with 3500 servicemen returning to the Dominion thi s month there is no longer any need for three New Zealand clubs in London, the others being the Fernleaf and the Milestone, both of which have hostel accommodation. Known to thousands of New Zealanders during the war, the "Forces’ Club” was formerly an Italian club, and when the New Zealanders took it over five years ago it was full of Italian propaganda and busts of Mussolini. In its earlv days it was a particularly popular rendezvous, and although in more recent times its popularity has dwindled and at times, there was some criticism, yet it continued fully to be patronised, not only by New Zealanders but servicemen and women of all nationalities. Its Christmas celebrations when the club was open to New Zealanders only, were always a feature, and its Christmas dinners justifiably popular. Its monthly dances during the winter were invariably well attended and many are the New Zealanders who have been entertained with their friends and relatives at a luncheon in the club after receiving decorations from the King at Buckingham Palace. The club's expenses were always covered by the New Zealand War Services’ Association, which had a capital of £BOOO, rised mainlv as a result of matinee early in the war which the Duchess of Kent attended. From this fund £BOO was provided for a work party, which made up hundreds of comforts for servicemen. Another £BOO was granted for purchasing of hospital comforts and £l5OO for hospital visiting. Other grants were made for .education, loss of kit by enemy action, also to service and Merchant Navy personnel requiring assistance. Sports equirment, radios and games for New Zealanders in hospitals and in R.N.Z.A.F. squadrons cost £7OO. Before the Fernleaf Club opened nearly £lOOO was provided to assist New Zealanders get priority in hotel accommodation in London.

Although the club is closing the offices of the association will continue to direct hospital visiting, hospitality and other such functions until all the service personnel hav-i returned home. The balance-sheet shows that about £6OO remains of the original £BOOO that, together with profits on the sale of cigarettes, some £2OOO will it is expected, be available for paying in to the national fund when the offices finally are closed down.