WELLINGTON WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5245, 15 January 1878, Page 3

WELLINGTON WORKING MEN’S CLUB.

The first half-yearly meeting of this institution was held in the Manners-street Fire Brigade Station last evening, the president (Mr. P. Galvin), occupying the chair. • About forty members attended. After the formal readimr of some minutes, the following report was read by the secretary, Mr. V. Claridge:— “The committee, in laying before you their first half-yearly report, desire to congratulate the members on the steady progress which the club has made daring the first six months of its existence, embracing, as it does, two life members, ninety honorary members, and about one hundred and fifty ordinary members. Although the number of ordinary members has not come up to expectations, your committee fully believe that as soon as more commodious premises can be secured, and consequently greater attractions held out, the number of ordinary members will be very soon considerably increased. “ The question of getting more suitable premises has engaged the attention of your committee for some time past, but they regret to state that they have /been unable to procure a more suitable place for the increased wants of the club. Three or four places have been under offer, but, considering the amount of accommodation, the rents asked have been so hioh that your committee did not feel justified incoming to terms. However, this is a matter which must engage the serious attention of the new committee, as the success of the club will undoubtedly depend to a large extent on the accommodation and attractions which can be held out to those who are already members, and also to those who intend joining our ranks.

“As you will see by the balance-sheets which will be laid before you, the financial position of the club is in a healthy state. The assets, which have been set down at a low figure, considerably exceed the liabilities ; and your committee are hopeful that at the end of the twelve months there will be no liability, and that you will have then all the furniture, books, &c., to the good. To effect this, it will be necessary for every member at present in the club to use his influence with his friends, and endeavor to induce them to become members also. If the majority of the members will but do this—and your committee are sanguine that they will—-then there will be but little doubt of the success of the club, . ’ “Correspondence was opened with the President of the Dunedin Working Men’s Club some time back, with the view of endeavoring to place the respective clubs in such a position that a member leaving either club and produaing i clearance card, signed by the President aud Secretary, could join in either place without the payment of an entrance fee; but your committee regret to state that no reply has yet been received. They also decided upon making the President of the Dunedin Club, Mr. Mackintosh, an honorary member of this club, with the view of creating an amicable feeling between the clubs, and also with the view of acknowledging the assistance which they received at starting from the Dunedin Club. And here they would tender their best thanks to Mr. Stronach, the able secretary, for the information which he supplied to this club at the starting of it. “The committee regret that the Debating Club, which was started some time back in connection with the club, has not prospered as well as they expected ; but doubtless when the winter season sets in, and more suitable accommodation can be had, the matter will be taken up again with increased interest. “It is unnecessary for the committee to give a list in detail of the newspapers which are to be found in the club, as that was given in the progress report which was submitted at your first meeting ; but your committee desire to thauk the proprietors of the various newspapers which are sent to the club for the manner in which they have placed their journals at the disposal of the members. “ In concluding their report, the committee desire to thank all those who have assisted them in bringing the club to a successful issue, and they have no doubt that the Wellington Working Men’s Club will soon be reckoned among the permanent institutions of this city, and that it will be an object of interest and pride to the inhabitants.'’ (Applause). Tbe balance-sheet showed the assets to bo £IOO, and the liabilities £O6. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, on the motion of Mr. Collyeb, seconded by Mr, Jones, club’s omcEits. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Galvin, seconded by Mr. Smith, that the club be governed by seven instead of five officers. The President, before quitting the chair for the election of officers, thanked the members for the consideration shown to the committee. True they differed on one or two > occasions, but it was only by mutual compromise the club could ever get on. If they went on the principle to give and take a little, he was sure they would prosper. Mr. Brown, who was then voted to the chair, said: We are very much indebted to the president and committee for the satisfactory state in which the Wellington Working Men’s Club is at present. I had occasion to visit your room, aud was very much surprised to see the large collection of readable matter which adorns the tables. It is creditable to the members and officers; and I have not the slightest doubt myself, that if you continue

to go on as you have during tiic past half-year, vou will soon find yourselves in a very proud position. Of course you must go slowly, and for that reason you must keep down your expenditure as much as you can. (Applause.) Mr. P. Galvin was re-elected president, several members eulogising bis past services as adding much to the success of the institution. Mr° Walker was re-elected treasurer. The election of a Managing Committee was proceeded with openly, and the following gentlemen selected:—Messrs. Broadribh, Capper; .Tannings, Isherwood, Haydon, Lester, and Watson and Pallant were elected auditors. . . ... A vote of thanks to the retiring committee was carried by acclamation. After discussing the advisability of securing more commodious premises, the meeting terruinated. _