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.

RECRUITING READY-RECKONER FOR MARRIED MEN PREPARED TO JOIN THE A.I.F. “FOR HOME AND EMPIRE.”

RATES FOR A SOLDIER. Total Fortnightly Pay. Fortnightly Patriotic Fund allowance (if necessary). TOTAL fortnightly income. Fortnightly Pension if husband totally incapacitated. Fortnightly Pension if husband killed.

With a WIFE and no children £4 9 10 ——— 4 9 10 4 10 0 2 0 0

With a WIFE and 1 child £4 15 1 0 12 6 5 7 7 5 10 0 3 0 0

With a WIFE and 2 children £5 0 4 0 17 6 5 17 10 6 5 0 3 15 0

With a WIFE and 3 children £5 5 7 0 17 6 6 3 1 6 15 0 4 5 0

With a WIFE and 4 children £5 10 10 0 17 6 6 8 4 7 5 0 4 15 0

In addition to the above there is 1/- per day deferred pay, amounting to £18/5/- per year, which the soldier draws in a lump sum on his return.

Then, again, a man has to remember that he is fed and clothed while in the A.I.F., which is, of course, a big item to consider.

Don’t forget, too, that the rates quoted above are for the PRIVATE.

Such a big proportion of the men enlisting in Queensland to-day are married men, that we thought it would be a good plan to state all the rates of pay and pensions clearly for their information.

There is no doubt that the single men are not coming forward as they should, and many married men are coming to the conclusion that there is only one thing to do—take up the sword themselves.

HOW TO ENLIST.

In Brisbane—Go to Adelaide Street Enlisting Depot (next to State School).

In the Country—Go to the nearest Town Clerk, or Shire Clerk, or Local Recruiting Committee, who will give you all the necessary instructions.

STATE RECRUITING COMMITTEE OF QUEENSLAND, Vice-Chairman: Col. Hon. A. J. THYNNE, V.D., M.L.C. G. M. DASH, Captain, State Organizing Secretary.