THE MECHANICS’ AND WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

Evening Star, Issue 3560, 21 July 1874, Page 3

THE MECHANICS’ AND WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

To the Editor. —However praiseworthy may be the object of Messrs Clarke and Larnach in offering their liberal subscriptions towards the establishment in this City of a Mechanics’ and Working Men’s C'ub, 1 think that an institution of this description should be started by the men themselves. A public meeting might be called in the first instance, when the propriety andneces ity of establishing such a club might be discussed. If it was thought advisable to establish one, a committee could then be appointed, a number of the men themselves being upon this committee. The mechanics and work ing men here are now i» such a favorable position as regards funds, that I have very little doubt but that if they decided upon starting a club, they would almost be able to do so without auy pecuniary aid from the outside public, vf course the patronage and Support of such gentlemen as Mr Larnach, who employ large numbers of men, would, in a measure, be necessary to secure the success of such a club. But. as a rule, in the estab-

lisbment of such institutions as this, the working men must themselves of necessity be at the head, and if outside aid of any kind is given, it must be from behind the scenes ; in fact, self reliance is a great item in the success of such institutions. Although I myself am a professional man, still I should be happy to aid in initiating any establishment which would lead to the benefit of the working men.—l am, & c., Professional. Dunedin, July 2Q.

To tht Editor. Sir, —T request you to favor me with the opportunity of explaining that it was not my intention to attack the generosity of individuals, so much as the motives which prompt gmeresity and the principle on which institutions of the kind are generally founded. In answer to your assertion that it may do for the masses of Great Britain to feel indignant when one privileged by birth assumes the patronage of a dub, and that our social state is very different in the Colonies, granting such to be the case, I undertake to prove that my objection to the manner in carrying out the'present proposal was bat ed 6n reasonable grounds; for the existence of a privileged class bylaw and the accident of birth has reduced the masses in Great Britain to a state of subserviency, so that any act performed by a per* on of distinction is ignorantly regarded as an honor, and the motive lost sight of in the impression it creates—whereas in the Colonies you say all are working men, and the only difference between us is that some are more successful than others. Hence I maintain that as the title of working men’s club would embrace all workers it would necessarily include

many who are equal in self-control and in morals to the donors, who as independent men would never consent to be placed under the restrictions of a charitable donation. I have not the slightest desire to accuse the donors of unworthy motives in making such an offer, for I am not Chartist enough to suppose that rich men cannot be as sincere as their poorer brethren ; tut I must confess that the offer at such a time subjects it to suspicion, and more especially when the settlement of the gas question was linked unnecessarily with it. Neither do T consider my remarks can be deemed personal in dealing with a ques-

tion which affects the public generally. Space will not permit me to prove in detail how some charities tend to create dependence, and dependence panoerism, given in some instances with good but mistaken motive, and in others to secure popularity. I am pleased to observe in Saturday’s issue that you deprecate the practice of imitating the worn-out customs ef old countries, and consider them unfit for the Co'onies, and the new order of things to which we are quietly and rationally conforming ourselves, dispensing with the privileges attached to birth, and the law of entail to which the land laws are subjected. You must also be aware that many institutions for the workiag classes of Great Britain are founded by so-called noble patrons, to conciliate and divert the attention ©f the hungry and dissatisfied from subjects relating to their condition, and, dangerous to the existence ©f a class known and recognised as nonnroducers. Working men’s clubs were formed on this basis, fo divert the minds of the people from reform, and restrictions were placed ©n them which would net be tolerated in any other country. I am familiar with, and have visited ten different countries, and therefore may be excused for making the assertion. I alsc

accord with your views, and e anteud that the ormarioa of a club ou the same principle as those established iu Great Britain would be totally unfit for the Colonies, for reasons before mentioned. At the same time, nothing leads to greater social intercourse, and tends to break down imaginary distinctions, than clubs organised in a proper manner, and conducted on cmmopelitan principles. New countries, in one sense, are more in need of nstitu : ion- ef the kind than old countries, where ihe people know each other for two or hrce generations ; whereas in the Colonies 'here is a continual influx of strangers, which in itself engenders suspicion and re serve. (Society is also of a mixed character, and forms itself into sections, according to prejudices imbibed in early years, which wear away gradually, it is true, but the pro-

cess is so slow that it requires some common platform (on a livelier principle than churches) where men of all colors and creeds can assemble and frate' nise together to discuss the topics of everyday life, thereby improving eaoh other and dispelling the coolness which casual acquaintanceship calls into existence. The formation of a club of this kind has for some considerable time occupied the attention of a few men in Dunedin, who intended shortly to submit, their views to the pnb'ic and solicit their suppoi t. The name

of the institution is to be the Cosmopolitan Social Club, and would derive its support from all classes of the community. Every comfort would be provided for the benefit of the members that is supplied e'sewhere, including refreshments of every kind, also hi Hard, reading, smoking, commercial room, and coffee, sleeping accommodation for members only, and baths. No money would be accepted as payment : tokens of different value would be sold by the secretary, and member receive a dividend in proportion to the number ef tokens purchased, in addition to the dividend paid on. shares. All members would be on an equal footing, and demand the same attention from the management, irrespective of social distinction, By this you wi 1 perceive the management would not be interested iu the sale of liquors, consequently rules would be strictly enforced, and moderation taught to be exercised. Rich men indulge in toddy and wine in their clubs every day in the week, and who can say that artisans have not the right to the same advantages, if they combine for the purpose of securing them? If a club be formed for the improvement of social intercourse, let it be untrammelled by restrictions as to what members shall eat and dri vk. If it be a temperance club, then by all means place it under such restrictions as will be suitable for that class of people; then Sr, “Observer” will cease to grumble. L am pleased to state that the prine pal credit in this matter is due to others. 1, as a newcomer, and familiar with its many advantages, am only a co-operator in the undertaking, and I have not the slightest doubt but that the starting of such a club 4s the one described will receive your hearty support. Your criticisms on my letter to a certain extent I consider just, as the absence of an explanation caused you to view my motives from a standpoint exactly opposite to my intentions. I am, &c , Observer. Dunedin, July 20.