THE OHINEMURI CLUB.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5035, 4 October 1926, Page 2

THE OHINEMURI CLUB.

NEW BUILDING COMPLETED.

ENJOYABLE OPENING EVENING.

To celebrate the occasion of the opening of the first premises actually owned by the Ohinemuri Club a<n informal social evening was held on Saturday night. The president, Mr E. Edwards, presided, and there was a large and representative gathering of members from Paeroa and district. In a happy speech Mr Edwards said that a new era had commenced for local clubdom. The Value of the club: to members, and the enthusiastic support that had been forthcoming, had induced the committee to discuss ways and means to carry into effect the building of the premises which they were so proud to occupy that night. Proceeding, the president outlined the steps that had been taken to finance the project, and paid a high tribute to the work of the members, individually and collectively. Without such valuable 'assistance, both by gratuitous- service and finance, it would not have been possible to have carried the project through. With such enthusiasm and loyalty the true club spirit had been inculcated, and to all who had .assisted in various ways grateful thanks were extended.. The building wa,s one of which to be justly proud, and it. was hoped that the members would avail themselves fully of the privileges provided, and that many happy hours 'would be spent in the new premises,-

The president referred to the splendid work done by the builder, Mr W. Marshall, and called upon him to address the gathering.

After thanking the members for the kind references accorded hip! Mr Marshall said that his work ha.d been done with willingness and joy. He considered that the members now had something of which to be proud. The building whs hardly perfect, but owing to the great deal done by the Diembers themselves the available finances had gone a long way further, -and every penny had been spent judicious? ly. ' The institution would not onl/ prove a boon and a, blessing to members', but it was a distinct asset to 1 Paeroa. A club should not be regarded with selfish motives, but rather as a link attaching to. the town. He trusted that it would help to bring men closer together and further and strengthen friendships. In conclusion Mr Marshall hoped that a sphere of usefulness, happiness, -apd prosperity would prevail.

Holding the distinction of being the club’s first president, Mr E. W. Porj:itt was invited by Mr Edwards to form'ally declare the premises open. In the course of his remarks Mr Porritt said that the club had ; started with three members, and it had been Mr W. D. Nicholas who had suggested forming an incorporated club, which was established in September, 1918, in a wing of the Criterion Hotel. With the carrying of restoration in Ohinemuri the members ha,d been forced to seek other premises. The new building was the result; and members might well feel proud of what h'ad been accomplished. In days gone by .many matters, of importance and benefit to the town had originated and been discussed at the club. He hoped .that the members would support the institution and foster and preserve the privileges with a tru® club spirit. He felt very proud of what had been accomplished, a,nd as time went on he wohld look forward to seeing further improvements! carried out. The speaker then declared the premises open 'and wished the members all happiness, good health, and prosperity., Situated with a frontage to Princes Street, and with a right-of-way from Noh-manby Road, the new building has a, commanding view and is bn a valuable site. In addition to a strangers room, canteen, kitchen, and conveniences, there is! a social room 24ft by 18ft, billiard rcfom 25ft by 18ft, smokers’ room, three cardroom’s, and a vestibule. The interior of the building is beautifully finished arid handsomely furnished, the whole being a distinct credit and well in keeping with -the progress of Paeroa.