RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14023, 28 March 1919, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CLUB

PUBLIC MEETING IN HAMILTON.

APPEAL RE-LAUNCHED

The meeting called for last night,'in the Town Hall, tor the purpose, of qle■viving the scheme to erect an new Soldiers’ Club in Hamilton, was well attended, among those present being a very large number of returned soldiers. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. 1L Fow) presided, and Messrs J.‘A. Young, ALP., A. E, Manning, E. Hammond (president of the Waikato suh-provin-cial district of the Farmers’ Union), and Ewen McGregor were also on the platform. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Valder, Richards, Geo. Boyes, E. O. Blamires, and J. Ivoughlin, sen. The Mayor explained'that the meeting was convened to re-open the matter of building a new Soldiers’ Club. As they all knew, the scheme was first outlined by the late Mayor (Mr J. W. Ellis), and was very dear to his heart. Under Air Ellis’ guidance, the scheme was pushed through its preliminary stages, much enthusiasm was displayed, and many donations were promised. A committee was set up, and all worked hard. Then came the snecial Red Cross appeal, followed by the epidemic, and, of course, the Club scheme had to he held over. Now it had leen decided to reorganise and endeavour to carry the proposal into effect. They all recognised that the returned soldiers deserved the best that people could give them. Above all, in the appeal to lie made, they wanted one man who - would give much tiwo to the work. The committee would help loyally. A splendid site on the Waikato River hank had been given by the Borough Council, rr>d on this it was hoped to erect a Club on the linos previously decided upon. They hoped that the appeal would lie put through in six weeks. Cannot do Enough for Soldiers. Air A. E. Alanning moved: “That this meeting considers that the establishment of a Soldiers’ Club in Hamilton is of extreme importance, and pledges itself to further the scheme by every means in its power.” Mr Alanning outlined the proposals adopted by the previous committee, whch laid it down that the name of the Club should he the Hamilton Returned Soldiers’ Club; that it he vested in three trustees; that the. management committee consist of three returned soldiers and three honorary civilian members; tha>, the subscription of honorary members he double that of the soldier members: that the Club lie non-residential, and liquor he not allowed on the premises. Alany people, when approached formerly. had said; “Yes, we know that a Club is wanted, but let ns win th’e war first.” Well, the war was won, and it was up to everybody to put their whole energies into the scheme, and provide the men who had done so much with some soeml home. The Chib would he open to all reputable civilians, for the solders did not want to he a class apart. The older men of the community had their homes and their clubs, and were perhaps inclined to hecome a little selfish .and wonder why the younger men wanted# a elnh. In the tpwn there were hundreds of young men living 5n hoarding-houseq. a nd the onlv places for them at night were the ■nictnre theatres and hilhnrd saloons. T*- was the duty of the citizens to see that, these young men were provided with some nlaee to go to. and where they won't) hp vnder some control. He heheveH that this would eventually he looked pnon as a municmal responsibility. What were they doing fo r the voting men of the town? Very Tittle. It should he looked upon as a privilege to do something for them, and especially for the returned soldiers. The returned men wanted a. club. The present club in Hamilton had. done excellent work, and was a magnificently-rnn institution; hut they should give the soldier the best building and the best furnished club in town. There Was no reason why the club should not he a success. They could not do eriongh for the returned men. A man > with a- big mind and a big heart—the late Air J. W. Ellis—had advocated the club, and those who had loved and respected him could not do better than push forward a proiect which was so dear to his heart. Air E'lis had been responsible for raising £ISOO for the club. Air Alanning pointed out that the work always fell on a few. This should not lie so, for there were hundreds of people who could do something. and. once started. they would find it a pleasure. He honed that a strong committee would he formed, and that in six weeks’ would have sufficient money for the club. The Citizens’ Responsibility.

Mr Young, in seconding the motion, emphasised the appeal. The citizens hact a responsibility to provide a, club for fthe returned soldiers. He asked for an expression of opinion from Hie meeting, so that the committee would know that they had the cc*ifidence of the community. If all worked together for the one object, success was assured. The civilian community must do all possible to add to the comfort of the returned men, and give tliem every opportunity to meet their comrades in social intercourse in omc central rendezvous, where they could fight their battles over again. In the near future there would be many problems to face, and none more acute than those which concerned the returned soldier, particularly repatriatidn. The prow si on of a club where soldiers and civilians would mingle would do much to help in the solving of these problems. The club would provide a central meeting place, which would be beneficial to the soldiers, and the community as a whole.

Mr. E. H. Hammond supported the proposal. He considered two issues faced the people—whether the soldiers had done sufficient to earn relaxation, or whether they had failed in their duty. The answer was apparent. They were that night enjoying what the soldiers had assured to them—the feeling of absolute security—and they should rot sleep on top of that security. They need not fear that the men who had gone away and assured security for them would abuse the club. The people had two opportunities of removing their obligations—one by putting up a club in recognition of what the soldiers had done, for them, and the other by tying benzine tins to their cars and driving them up and down the main street. Which would thev adopt? Some discussion arose as to the control of the chib. It was pointed out that (he committee of throe soldiers and thr°o civilian honorary members was really the house committee, and the chib would bo undor the control of the Returned Soldiers’ Asscwintion. Committee Appointed.

The* following executive committee was sot up:—Messrs E. Wilson, H. H. Shaw, J. T. Browne, W. Gann, F. T. Wilson, A. H. Hyde, Whitaker, and J. Varney, with power to add. A vote of thanks to ‘.he chair brought the meeting to a close. v,-. A meeting of the committee, was held subsequently, when the following gentlemen were added:—Messrs. J. 11. Fow, H. Voider, A. E. Manning,. ,E, McGregor, and D. Hay. Mr Manning presided. It was resolved to engage an orgam'ser, and commence organisation immediately.