THE WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2016, 10 August 1880, Page 4

THE WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

It may perhaps be unknown to a large section of the community that there exists in Christchurch an institution bearing the name at the head of this article. Nevertheless it is true. Starting without any flourish of trumpets, and in a very unostentatious manner, it has now assumed a position which augurs favorably for its future success. The progress it has made since the formal opening—only about four weeks ago—has been such as to induce the belief that it is destined to rival in point of numbers its older kindred institutions in Dunedin, Wellington, and elsewhere. When it is considered that it only started in the first week of July, and now numbers over one hundred members, it will at once be seen that considerable progress in a short time has been made. The premises secured for the habitation of the club are exceedingly suitable, being the old Telegraph Office in Gloucester street, and since the club have entered into possession it has been entirely transformed. On entering, the first room to the left is the reading-room, a nice light airy apartment, furnished with papers, books, &3., affording accommodation for about thirty or forty. Hero is the business centre of the club. Notices of forthcoming discussions, members proposed, &c. t are posted here, and the secretary has his desk here. Beyond this is another nicely furnished room, which is devoted to chess, draughts, and other games requiring quietness, and is also the library. Passing along the passage we come to what may be called the general meeting room. This is a very large apartment, well lighted and furnished with tables, &3., for such card games as may be allowed under the rules. Upstairs are two other rooms which are to be appropriated to the committee. Tho rules of tho club, it may be stated, are very strict. No member is admitted except after ballot, two black balls excluding. Intoxication is strictly prohibited, and any member infringing this rule is at once expelled, nor is gambling of any kind permi'ted, tho committee exercising strict supervision over all games played in the club. The refreshment department is under the supervision of a custodian, and is only obtainable by tickets, which are issued by tho president, treasurer, and secretary as required, and only members are permitted to obtain these. Before presentation to the custodian they are nicked, b-> that they cannot be again used, and placed in a locked receptacle, the keys of which are kept by the president and secretary. Discussions on various subjects, not being political or religions, and approved by the committee, take place at intervals, the large room being devoted entirely to that purpose on the evenings set apart for it. The success which has attended the institution is the more remarkable as no publicity has been given to the movement, and it has been entirely carried out by the working men themselves. The rooms throughout are comfortably furnished, and a considerable part of the work hag been done by the members. A number of prominent citizens have been enrolled honorary members, and no doubt ere long the Working Men’s Olub of Ohristchurob will be a very extensive institution.