THE VICTORIA LEAGUE CLUB.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE .48,XCTAT014"] Szn,,—I wonder whether many a reader of the Spectator beyond the seas (and we know that their name is legion) would not like to know something of the Victoria League Club—this "gift club" ; for it is indeed a gift of gratitude, presented by English men and women of the Old Homeland to those fine and hardy brothers from afar, who have not thought twice before laying aside their ties "out there" to stand shoulder to shoulder with us and by us—God bless them !—in England's hour of need. The Club is not as well known as one might perhaps imagine, and that is why, Sir, I venture to trespass on your space to voice its many excellences. It is "right there "—in the very hub of things (for how could a club be better placed than at 16 Regent Street, between the Circus and Waterloo Place F), and yet standing back sufficiently to ensure a certain restfulness, Then there is a long, cool, and spacious room, with a side buffet where " orders " are taken, and carefully-laid little tables, each with its flowers and its menu, which shows, by the way, how excellent a hot meal can be got for a shilling (and upwards if desired), while a good cold lunch costs no more than tenpence, a substantial tea being only five. pence. Many " extras " are, of course, to be obtained, all at equally moderate prices, but I have only mentioned some of the outstanding "virtues," sure to commend a bill of fare to a man with an appetite, with a consciousness of an empty " skoff-box," as a South African would feelingly put it. Then beyond this dining-room is another fine apartment with a billiard.table and stacks of newspapers from every corner of the globe fairest in each man's eyes—the particular corner he has left to throw in his fortunes with us in this world-struggle. And there are little writing-desks conveniently placed, book- cases, and a piano, and, by no moans least, some fine pictures —real treasures—lent to the Club by the Tate Gallery for its adornment, adding greatly to the dignity of these most com- fortable rooms. A great boon to the members is also the fact that they can here secure a list of lodgings, and how much they appreciate this is seen by the readiness with which the men have availed themselves of these lists. Doubtless many a one, still thousands of miles away, may be preparing for this long " trek " over to the land of his forbears, for the mother- land has a way of pulling at a man's heart-strings, and when he comes, here is the Club ready to welcome him ; he need have no moment of lonesomeness if only he knows beforehand where to find it. And for the sake of those dear women they have left "back home," is it not well that all should know of this "hearth," where the "sacred fire "- is ever kept burning for some of the country's best and bravest P—I
Previous page
