Beside the gymnasium (illustration 18), which was near the Halifax Citadel, a "soldiers' institute" and skittle alleys were built the object of the institute being "to counteract the evil influence of the low places of entertainment in the city..." The institute was really a club for soldiers where food and temperance drinks were sold, and games such as chess, dominoes and darts were provided. Most importantly, they were an alternative to spending off-duty hours in the dismal, uncomfortable barracks or in the town's taverns. In some cities the furnishings for the institute were provided by the community, perhaps in recognition of the advantages in having additional distractions for the rank and file.
