HERETAUNGA CLUB

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 107, 22 May 1937, Page 6

HERETAUNGA CLUB

Luxurious Quarters Opened by Mayor COMFORT THE KEYNOTE "We aim to make, this club as comfortable as the home," remarked an official of the Heretaunga Club when showing a Herald-Tribune reporter over the club's luxuriously-appointed rooms in Market street, Hastings, which were oificialiy opened last evening. Comfort is indeed the keynote of the whole suite of rooms. The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor, Mr G. A. Maddison. There was a large gathering of members and friends, and th© seating capacity was taxed to the utmost. Mr Maddison said that he regarded it as an honour and a compliment to be invitedl to the opening of the club. It marked an important epoch for the club itself and also formed a milestone in the advancement and development of Hastings and the surrounding districts. He believed the club had accommodation unexcelled by any kindred association in New Zealand. It was certainly a home away from home, as its founder had desired it to be. Mr Dudley JN.ewbigin, as landlord of the building, had helped the club considerably. The buildmg had been well designed and disclosed the master mind of an able architect. Mr E. Anscombe and Mr H. W. Abbott, the builder, had carried out their work faithfully, and Mr W. A. Meads's artistry had added much to the attractiveness of the rooms. Mr Maddison congratulated the president, Mr C. H. Slater, and his committee for the enthusiasm and enterprise shown by them, and he felt sure the new club rooms would remain a monument to Mr Slater and those associated withi him. ' Thirty Years' Progress. The club had made remarkable progress in the !30 years since it was first established, said Mr Maddison, and he recalled wi.th gratification, adioii'ation and pride the names of the pioneers who had. i'ounded the club and who had also played such a great part in the early days of the town. * He thanked the club i'or its generosity in subscribing to appeals made by him for funds for charitable purposes, in which respect the ciub had always been ioremost. In entertaining visitors to the town the club was also playing an important part. Friendship was th© aim of the club, Mr Maddison conclude'd, and he felt sure that its efforts in this direction would prove of great value. ( ' "We are indeed fortunate in having a Mayor like Mr Maddison," began the president, Mr 0. H. Slater, in thanking Mr Maddison for his presence. "Our' Mayor is able to entertain the King or his representative and yet feelg no civic responsibility too' small for him. We all love him. He is a true democrat and feels for the underdog." Mr Anscombe and Mr Abbott, who were associated in . the ' erection of the building, spoke briefly, the former displaying a very apt wit. Mr L^urio Meads, speaking on behalf of his father, pointed out that it was nbt fine buildings or decorations but the members who made a club. A number of toasts were honoured. after which Mr Dudley Newbigin spoke a few words. A community sing and musical items by the orchestra were tollowed by supper, Weii-Appointed Ciub Rooms The vestibule at the top of the staii's by which the club is entered is typicai of all the rooms. A circular glass ceil>ng with electric lights above it effecfcively hidden from view slieds a diffused light. To the left of this is the library, one of the largest of the rooms, fitted with comfortable furnisiirngs and writing tables. The lounge is a iiomely and comfortable room with members' lockers fitted into the wall. There are a number of small eard-rooms and a large billiards-room % containing three full-size tables, with three shaded lights above each table, adequate seating accommodation and two cheerful electric heaters built into the wall. A small telephone booth is provided for members' use, and other small rooms and a cloak room are provided for the committee and officers of the club. The kitchen has modern appointments, the latest type of sanitary sinks and hot and cold water. Effective Lighting and Ventiiation Particular attention has been 1 paid to lighting. Numerous windows and skylights make the rooms bright by day, and the visitor by night is at once impressed by the brilliant electric lighting, carried out by means of the latest type of "hidden lighting". in the ceiling and walls, supplemented by frosted lianging lights. Glass is also used extensively in doors and partitioning. A special system of ventiiation has been installed in the ceiling. A pleasing colour scheme has been followed throughout all the rooms, and the walls are papered in soft tonings. On the .walls bang several dozen large framed pictures presented to the club by members. The floors are covered witli thick battleship linoleum cemented bo the floors, and every room is heated by the modern and artistic electric heaters.