WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2697, 29 November 1882, Page 3

WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

A special general meeting of the members of the above was held last night, to receive the annual report of the auditors and the balance sheet.

The President, Mr J. M. Thompson, oo cupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of members.

The President stated that Mr Leahy’s notice of motion re the appointment of three auditors would stand over till next quarterly meeting. The following address was then delivered by the President: — The success the club had achieved during the past twelve months was a matter gratifying alike to both officers and members of the club, and must bo a source of pleasure to the promoters, whose most sanguine hopes nave been more than realised. Although numerically the list of members was not much larger than last year, being 388 this as against 300 last year, yet the interest taken by the members in the welfare of the club, by their regular attendance punctuality in the payment of their sub scriptions, care in the selection of its mem. hers and in the election of officer's for the government of the club, was a guarantee of its future success. The financial position of the club was altogether satisfactory. The expenditure for the past twelve months had been very heavy, probably involving a larger draw on their resources than they would he called upon to make for many years to come, for besides .£350 paid off the purchase of their

i present property and the sum of .£lO4 4a ! for alteration to the same to adapt them to , the use of the club, various other mi mg had been required for extraordinary purposes, such as double rents and taxes, con—- , sequent upon their having to take posses- ! sion of present premises before the expiration of the lease of the old ones, also extra, furniture required, printing and advertising, stamp duty on transfer and mortgage, &c., all items that they would not be required to provide for in future. His predecessor, Mr J. S. Wykes, had informed them in his address last year that in consequence of the almost immediate expiration of thc-ir then existing lease of their old premises, they would have to look round for a suitable site for a club. As they were aware an advertisement had been inserted in the local papers calling for tenders. Several were received, and eventually that of Mr Clark, for present premises, for the sum of A 2900, of which .£3OO was paid as deposit, the remaining balance to remain at 7 per cent for eight years, subject to a payment off the principal on the Ist December in each year of .£IOO, the balance of principal to be paid off at the expiration of eight years. As to the wisdom of the selection of the site no two opinions could be entertained, as they had a central position, in fact, a site equal to that of any other club in Cliristchurch, and a building suited to all their requirementa with one exception, and that was a subject to which he desired to call the attention of the members. They must all have felt the great want which existed of a hall or large room in which to hold their lectures and entertainments. A hall capable of holding four or five hundred persons might be made a source of revenue, as well as enabling them to give a class of entertainment which would be a great bpon to the members socially and intellectually. He trusted that during the coming year the committee and himself would be able to lay before them a scheme for their consideration that would enable them to erect a suitable hall. During the past year they had been enabled to add largely to their library. This was mainly due to the liberal donations of both books and money from gentlemen outside the club. One gentleman especially, Mr G. Gould, had given, most liberally both in money and books, and he was happy to say that the club had acknowledged the same in the best way in their power by electing him as an honorarylife member. They would, he believed, agree with him that, as a reference library, theirs was a very valuable one. Whilst on the question of the library, there was one thing that must be a source of regret, viz., the constant and evidently determined theft of books from the library, which, however, had been confined to the novels. In conclusion, he begged to thank the officers and committee for the manner in which they had performed their duty during the lash twelve months, which has been no light task, especially during the time they were endeavoring to provide new premises, and whilst speaking on the subject, he must not forget to mention the valuable services rendered by the trustees—Messrs Tombs, Daye, and Bird ; also, the valuable assistance given, by Messrs Reece and Whiteman, as members of the site committee. To each and all he desired to tender his sincere thanks for the able and willing assistance they had given him during'the year, and lie trusted they would continue that support throughout the coming year, and he had no hesitation in saying that they would make this the premier club in New Zealand. Mr W. Ellis moved that the address feerecorded on the minutes.

Mr Neil Black seconded the motion, which was carried.

The Secretary then read the balancesheet, which showed the receipts from all sources, including a balance from last yearof .£135 6s Id, to be £2264 10s 4d ; the disbursements during the same period had. been £2224 4s 7d, leaving a balance in hand of £4O 5s 9d. The assets were stated as being £3452 Os 51d, and the liabilities at £250 18s 9d, leaving a balance to credit of assets and liabilities of £627 16s 9 id.

Mr B. J. Leahy read the auditors* report, as follows : !i_ To the President and members of the Working Men’s Club. Gentlemen, —We, the undersigned, your auditors, have to report that we have compared the books of the club with the vouchers and receipts, and, with the following exceptions, found them correct, after & great deal of what we consider unnecessary trouble. We would respectfully point out that there is a great want of system in. keeping the accounts of the club, as we find, from the Bank book cheques have been, drawn without vouchers having been passed for them, and vouchers have been made out for a certain amount and cheques drawn for a different sum. This, it is evident, will lead to endless trouble to your auditors, as well as confusion to your secretary, as we consider no moneys should be paid from the club funds without a voucher being passed, and then the cheque made out for the amount. We beg to recommend that a much more simple method of accounts should be adopted, and if it meets the views of the members of the club, we, as your auditors, will render every assistance to your secretary in initiating the same. In conclusion, we beg to congratulate the club on its financial progress. (Signed) Neil Black. B. J. Leahy. The report and balance-sheet were received. Mr Tombs thought the report of the auditors was somewhat vague, and might be taken as casting a slur on the secretary. Mr Black denied the slightest intention on the part of the auditors to cast any blame on the secretary. All they wanted to do was to save the secretary a great deal of time, and to simplify the keeping of the books of the club. Some little discussion ensued, and ultimately Mr Wilkins moved “ That the report and balance-sheet be adopted.” Mr Martin seconded the motion. Mr W, B. Hobbs moved as an amendment—“ That the balance-sheet only be adopted.” Mr Ellis seconded the amendment. A lengthened discussion followed, and ultimately the amendment was lost, and the original motion carried. A suggestion was made that in future the balance-sheet should be prepared so that the members could have an opportunity of inspecting it prior to the general meeting for adoption thereof. The meeting then terminated.