GOOD ADVICE.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 315, 24 April 1878, Page 4

GOOD ADVICE.

t* the opening ortlie -Anddand Vv r or3cf.n i^ Men’s Club the Hon J. Sheehan delivered an address, from which the following is an extract: —“ Now,; I speak with some diffidence, looking at the company in which I am standing, but I should like to warn you against two or throe things, which on no account should be admitted jut ,i this place. I say, with all respect (

to the Bishop of Auckland, that on no account should you trench upon religious matters in this Club. I speak these words without any disrespect, but, in a country like tins, as soon as you allow that disagreeable clement to enter, you can close your doors. Men should be entitled to come in here, no matter what is their faith; no questions should be asked; they should be all on. an equal platform.—The Bishop of Auckland : Hear, hear.—Mr Sheehan ?—Let the working man have a few evenings to himself; let him smoke his pipe during the week day r s and enjoy recreation, and on Sunday lot him be delivered over to the custody of my right reverend friend. One more fell spectre : I hope you will not allow politics to interfeae with your business. Take my advice ; lam myself a deplorable example of what it may bring yon to. (Loud laughter and cheers.) The moment you allow men to come amongst you with an electoral roll, that moment you will date the decline of your institution. They are a most troublesome people these politicians. No matter whether your colours be grey or green, or blue or white, let them be shown in your ‘ Working Men’s Club.’ You should bo in a position to say to every one joining - , ‘ We care not what religion, what race, what color, or what particular faith you belong to ; so long as you are a straightforward working man you are free to enter the portals of this building.’ I feel bound to say that upon those two principles will rest the chances of ultimate success. If you once let these two things to get to work in your body, then your efforts will be in vain.”