For the Sake of the Soldier: Voluntary Work of Brisbane Women — John Shaqi
For the Sake of the Soldier: Voluntary Work of Brisbane WomenMacleod, Rita
History
For the Sake of the Soldier: Voluntary Work of Brisbane Women
Macleod, Rita
World War, 1914-1918 -- Medical care -- Australia; World War, 1914-1918 -- War work -- Australia
Imperial Service Club.
THE HOME OF THE RECRUIT IN 1914-1916.
Although this club is now closed it will always live in the memory of
the soldier who was a recruit during 1914-16. It provided a place of
rest and amusement to thousands and thousands of soldiers, and the
energetic band of women and men, who put their untiring energies into
the club, are deserving of unstinted praise.
It was open every day, including Sunday, and there were always certain
members of the women’s committees in attendance during the day,
while both men and women were on duty at night, the club closing at
10 o’clock. The scheme was carried out on an extensive scale, and
everything possible was done to make the club a comfortable rendezvous
for the soldiers. The billiard tables were a great attraction, and
stationery and other necessaries were supplied free of cost. A
restaurant provided light refreshment, and all sorts of amusements
were arranged to attract and interest the soldiers. Over a hundred
letters were often received in one day for the men, and the reading
and writing-rooms were a boon to the lonely country recruit. Many men
left their personal belongings in the care of the committee, and these
are stored ready for the owners to claim them on their return from the
war. Socials, dances and entertainments were continually being held,
and several musical instruments were always at the disposal of the men
in the large lounge at the basement of the building. The White City,
other attractions for the soldiers, and the fact that there were so
few recruits in camp at the end of 1916, occasioned the closing of the
club, and the women who worked so enthusiastically for the movement
have since turned their energy into other patriotic channels.
[Illustration]
RECRUITING READY-RECKONER
FOR MARRIED MEN PREPARED TO JOIN THE A.I.F.
“FOR HOME AND EMPIRE.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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