Blenheim

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 48, 28 November 1907, Page 13

Blenheim

The inaugural- ceremony in connection with the opening of the recently established Catholic Club "(says the ' Marlborough Herald ') was held on Wednesday evening, November 20, in the Catholic Hall -.and new club rooms' in Maxwell Road. It took the form of a social and conversazione, and was very largely attended. The large number present was an indication of the great interest taken in this new institution,~which is desigifed to promote the social, mental, and moral welfare of the men of the Catholic denomination. — Many similar clubs are being successfully carried on in New Zealand, and' the 'Blenheim Club has. been established under very favorable auspices. Already the membership totals over 100, and a complete Suite of club' "rooms have been provided, the previous building being enlarged by the addition of a spacious billiard room, fitted with .a firstclass new table. Reading and social rooms are also provided, and a library is being ■ established, towards which the committee would be glad to receive - donations of suitable books. The club rooms adjoin the Catholic Hall, and will therefore be very convenient when social functions are in progress. In connection wit3i the formal opening the Rev. Father Holley, in a few introductory remarks, spoke of the pleasure it gave him to see such a large attendance. He introduced his Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. Mc'Jallum), who had kindly consented to assist at the, opening. The Mayor said he was pleased to be present and took it as an honor, to be invited to such an important ceremony. He recognised that the establishment of . such clubs as these" was an advance in civilisation. He would not detain them by making a long speech, and had" great pleasure in declaring" the Blenheim -Catholic Club- open. He wished the 'members and promoters every" success. The Rev. Father . Holley called upon the member for the district to make a, few remarks. _ - ' The Hori. C. 11. Mills was received with applause. Me was glad to be invited to such a function, which showed the advancement of the district. In match larger towns he had visited they could not boast of such pretentious buildings for club purposes. ~He was more than pleased to be present because he saw many old faces and also many new ones. He was always pleased and willing, as the representative of~ the district, to attend such social functions, no matter what denomination organised them. He had been looking round and saw many- evidences of great prosperity, and he was convinced that -the' prosperity had come . to stay— at least, he hoped so. . He concluded by expressing a hope that the club would succeed and prosper. The billiard room "was. formally opened with a match between the Mayor and Mr. Mills, the former winning, after a pleasant contest, by a few points. ♦ The hall was nicely- decorated with flags and evergreens and presented .an attractive appearance. A ladies' committee supplied refreshments in their usually efficient manner. Songs were given by Mrs. Hale, Misses Higgins and Morrison, and Messrs. Bryant, Holer oft, and Father Holley ; and a • duet by Mr. Bryant and Miss Higgins. Miss McCane , played the accompaniments during the eyening.