WORKING, MEN’S CLUB.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5085, 11 July 1877, Page 3

WORKING, MEN’S CLUB.

A meeting of those interested in the formation of a working-man’s club was held yesterday evening in the sideroora of the Odd Fellow’s Hall. There was a very large attendance and the general character of the meeting was ’such as to indicate that a deep interest is taken in this very desirable movement. His Worship the Mayor was elected to the chair. The Mayor, in taking the chair, said he not only felt honored but gratified by being asked fn Preside over the meeting. ’ He was with the promoters of a Working Man’s Club most heartilv, and whether the present effort should be a success or not,’he felt satisfied that it would not be altogether lost. There was no place like a happy home, —all those personal and social virtues, which they proudly associated with the British name, centred in home and home life but there were large numbers of young men and others among them who had not yet cot homes of their own, and in all of them there were social instincts, which could only be "ratified in meeting with their fellows from time to time and interchanging sentiments one with another ; and for all these the club came in as a comfortable meeting-place. The publichouse had hitherto been the poor man’s club ; but the present aim was to give him a better and a greatly cheaper one,—a room, where he could 'sit comfortably and smoke his pipe, or otherwise enjoy himself. He believed such an institution was wanted; it would be helpful to other beneficial social movements, and having started they must go into it with a determination to make the venture a success. With this view they must he willing to take and give with each ether. Beyond the rules which they may jointly agree to there should be large liberty to the members. He believed that the more they associated together —the more they possessed places of mutual instruction and entertainment, free from any restrictions except such as they imposed upon themselves —the more they were moulded and moved by brotherly sympathy—the more surely would they be emancipated from the dominion of mere sensual gratification They would now proceed to business. • committee’s report. The Secretary, being called upon, then read the report as follows “ Four meetings have since been held. At

the first meeting the rules of the Dunedin Working Men's Club .came under consideration, and after careful attention they were generally approved of ; but your committee deemed it necessary to make some amendments, which will be submitted for your approval or otherwise this evening. “ A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Jones, Capper, and Lewis, were appointed to lobk after suitable premises for the club. At the next meeting they reported that they had found premises in Taranaki-place, which they thought would answer admirably, the rental of which would he 80s. per week, at will be for you to approve of their action or otherwise, as the aufc-committe were authorised to take the premises for six mouths, subject to your approval. “Your committee, in order to give due publicity to what was being done, deemed it advisable to have 200 circulars printed and distributed, which has accordingly been done. “ Your committee decided to hold this meetin the Odd Fellows’ Hall, as it was thought to be more centrally situated than the Foresters Hall.

“ With regard to a steward and stewardess, the matter received the attention of your committee ; but they took no steps, as they thought the subject was one to be dealt with by the standing committee, which you will be called upon to elect this evening. “ The committee would also tender their sincere thanks to the editors of the Wellington journals for the assistance they have rendered towards the establishment of the club, and for the many valuable suggestions which they have given in their papers. “ They also beg to tender their thanks to Mr. Capper, Molesworth-street, for his kindness in placing his residence at the disposal of the committee.

“In conclusion, your committee would express a hope that the club will be a success, and from the many favorable comments which they have heard from the public, and the favorable manner in which it has been criticised by the Press, that such will be the case. Your committee are hopeful that the club will not only he a boon in a social point of view, but that it will yet prove an educational blessing as well. As the club grows strong, your committee are hopeful of being able to procure a good library, and in the course of time they may be able to get up courses of lectures, and such other things as may tend to elevate the class for whom the club is specially intended in an intellectual point of view. Your committee also hope to see agvmnasium, and other amusements such as they have in connection with working men’s clubs on the Continent of Europe.” The Chairman” remarked that the practical point in the report appeared to be the renting of premises, and he asked for expressions of opinion on the subject. Mr. Capper, as one of the sub-committee, remarked that the premises alluded to in Tara-naki-plaoe appeared to him to be admirably adapted to the wants of the society, at present at least, so far as its position aud accommodation were concerned.

Mr. Galvin supplemented the last speaker’s remarks by saying that the premises of Mr. Lovell, who was willing to let them to the club, were larger to a considerable extent than the others, but the reat was 10s. additional to that asked for the smaller premises in Taranaki-street, the rent asked for which was 30s. per week. The only objection to Mr. Lovell’s place appeared to be, firstly, the extra rent; and secondly, the fact that the house had formerly been occupied as a boarding-house. Mr. Galvin suggested that the matter should be left- in the hands of the standing committee. A discussion arose as to the suitability of premises for holding a billiard - table, which it was contemplated to purchase. Mr. Galvin said it had been resolved not to expend more than £25 at once in providing means of amusement, and for a short time it was thought better to content themselves with chess, cards, &c. The Matok remarked that the meeting would do well to give the committee power to purchaso--**- billiard table, as At . would. Bo "thought, be found necessary. In answer to a question, Mr. ClaeidGE, the secretary, stated that it bad been decided by the committee to adopt the Dunedin Club’s rules, by which drink would be allowed in the club. Mr. • Short moved, and Mr. Claridgb seconded, and it was carried,—That the report be adopted, subject to the leasing of premises being left in the hands of the committee. RULES. The rules prepared were then read, and gave general satisfaction. - It was resolved, —That the rules as read be the rules of the Working Men’s Club. THE ENROLMENT OF MEMBERS Was the next business before the meeting, prior to proceeding with which, however, Mr. Jennings read a letter he had received from a member of the Dunedin Working Men’s Club, which has been signally successful, as was indicated by a statement contained in the letter to the effect that the large new building erected by the club would be opened in a month, and that the event would be celebrated by a supper and ball. The enrolment of members was then proceeded with, and all those present not previously members came forward spontaneously to have their names put down on the list and pay their entrance fees, over £7 being collected. There are now between 60 and 70 members on the roll. His Worship the Mayor and Mr. S. Brown (contractor) were enrolled hon. members. election op officers. The next buiness was the election of office bearers. Mr. Galvin moved, and it was carried, — That His Excellency be requested to become a patron of the Working Men’s Club. The following officers were then appointed ; —President, Mr. P. Galvin ; secretary, Mr. Claridge ; treasurer, Mr. Warcup ; trustees, his Worship the Mayor and Mr. James Brown; committee, Messrs. W. Austin, Capper, G. Richardson, Jennings, and Harper. This concluded the business, and after a vote of thanks to the chair and to the local Press for asaistance’rendered towards the formation of the club, the meeting dispersed.