Hosts and Guests in War Time. (The Victoria League, 22
Eccleston Square, S.W.1.)—At the request of the Colonial Office the Victoria League prepared, and now issues as one of its War Pamphlets,a summary of " the more conspicuous and organized efforts of societies and individuals " to provide hospitality for the Overseas troops during the war. The report does not attempt to deal with the work of such vast organizations as the Y.M.C.A., the Church Army and the Salvation Army, but is concerned mainly with the Maple Leaf, the Victoria League and Peel House Clubs, known collectively as " The King George and Queen Mary Club." The first social club to be run by the Victoria League was opened in June, 1915, and in December of the same year sleeping accommodation for 80 men was added. The first residential club was that of the Maple Leaf, opened in August, 1915, the first of many houses to bear the title. Some idea of the usefulness of the work can be gathered from the fact that the number of beds occupied in the London clubs of the Victoria League between June, 1915, and July, 1919, was 282,864; the number of meals served was 1,225,151, and "£105,710 had been deposited in the clubs for safe keeping, besides a V.C. and other personal treasures." Incidentally the report reminds us how variously our great Overseas Army was made up, for there was a special Committee for the West Indian Contingent and another for the River Plate Contingent to assist volunteers from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The summary closes with the following message :-
" The men who met us in the Soldiers' Clubs and in the homes of Great Britain may rest assured of as warm a greeting in Peace as in War.—The Victoria League was invited by several repre- sentative workers to compile this brief record of the happy experience of its own and of kindred associations. For all, it ventures to say that their late guests live in their memories as friends. For the League in particular it would add the earnest hope that many of these friends will revisit the Old Country. and should they find their way to the League's new house, 22 Eccleston Square, London, a hearty welcome will await them there."
Previous page
