I read yesterday the Johnsonville RSA in Wellington had finally ceased trading, with substantial debts. It was a story I covered when I worked in Wellington. At the same time, I was covering the demise of the Wainuiomata RSA, also debt ridden, whose remaining members now meet in a pub.
In a similar vein, Men's Sheds in Wellington were viable but somewhat fragile affairs.
Yet here in Wairarapa (while I can't speak for the account sheets), RSAs and Men's Sheds seem to be positive, thriving, energetic establishments.
Returned Services Associations traditionally have to overcome hurdles of colossally spacious clubrooms - and the potential rent problems, if they didn't own them - anachronistic decor, a dwindling membership and bad food. Falling membership is perhaps inevitable, as our veterans get older, but there seems to be a powerful vein of pride in Wairarapa for long-time clubs. But it's more than just tradition. Even relative newbies, such as the Henley Men's Shed, turned five this week, and is now open five days a week.
In Wairarapa, it seems, it's important for men to have places to be men. There is certainly the room to do so in the country. I know of one guy who works on his own vintage aircraft in a hanger at Hood Aerodrome - probably an impossibility in the Big Smoke.
The "bloke place" was alluded to in a presentation to the Featherston Community Board, when member Richard Burgess spoke about "blokes being blokes together"; a healthy situation which provides men with comfort, friendship, discussion - and access to tools.
Perhaps I could argue that men's partners could provide some of that, but women find strength in the company of other women, so it stands to reason that men restore their well-being with other men. It was, he suggested, a public health matter. As well as a friendly environment, men might actually talk about their health with other men. At least they wouldn't be despondent, mopey and grumpy - well, less grumpy.
Considering men generally die sooner than women, it is fantastic in Wairarapa there does seem to be thriving places for blokes to be blokes. It's not a sexist thing. It's a health thing.