THE ALHAMBRA CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2147, 24 March 1908, Page 2

THE ALHAMBRA CLUB.

SUCCESSFUL OPENING OF NEW ROOMS. A particularly pleasant- function eventuated last evening, when the Alhambra- Club celebrated the opening of its new premises in Ardoyne Buildings by holding a social. There was a large attendance of members and friends, presided over by His Worship the Mayor. In liis opening* remarks, Mr. T/ittllev expressed the pleasure it gave him to preside over such a gathering. In looking over tho rooms and its fittings it was evident that the members of tins young club were entering a new phase of its existence under very happy auspices. Mr. T. Holdswort-h (President) proposed the toast- of the Sister Clubs, which was resuonded to by Messrs W. Johnston (Gisborne) and Leydon (Cosmopolitan). Mr. Brady proposed “The Borough Council.” The M avor, in response, reminded his hearers that it was for the ratepayers to take an interest- in public matters, and if they did this the Council would be only too ready to give effect to their wishes. He would like to see them take up the drainage scheme and have it- carried through. The Rev. Dawson Thomas, in proposing “Tho Alhambra Cliib,” said the club, had unique prospects for success, and he certainly hoped they would be fulfilled. He felt suro the club had a prosperous career ahead, and that it would take a prominent place in the life of Gisbc*ne. 11l responding, Mr. Holdsworth said the Alhambra Club was “the baby” of Gisborne clubs, but ho was convinced it would in later years emulato the success of the older institutions. The prospects were excellent-, as could be judged from the fact that tho membership now stood at 140, and there were 20 more nominations awaiting acceptance. Personally, he would like to see more social intercourse between the local clubs, and suggested that some billiard or other competitions might be arranged between them. Mr It. M. Birrell proposed “Sport,” which was responded to bv Mr. Wm. Webb. The champion sculler, who was lustily cheered on rising, said he felt it a great- honor to be permitted to respond to this toast. He said his experience in sport was chiefly confined to rowing, at- which he liad competed Iffy many years as an amateur, and more recently as a professional. There was no doubt professionalism received the greatest support from the public, though really the amateurs deserved it more. Other toasts honored were those of “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr. Stewart. and “The Press,” proposed by Mr. M. Neill. 1 1 ' An excellent programme of songs, recitations, and other items was contributed to by the following: Messrs E. R. Miller, A. T. Bastings, H. Hallaghan, A. W. Lowe, W. Oliver, H. J. Grieve, A. J. Strong, E. Austin, H. W. Ingram, S. Smith, and W. Wheeler. During an interval tlio Mayor presented the nrizes won in the club’s recent billiard tournament. They wore as follows: E. Austin 1, F. Wilkinson 2, V. Somervell 3.