CANTERBURY CLUB IN AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21908, 8 October 1936, Page 8

CANTERBURY CLUB IN AUCKLAND

MEETING PLACE FOR FORMER RESIDENTS

The marked success which has attended the establishment of a club in Auckland composed erf former residents of Canterbury, was evident at the October meeting. On the walls of the club’s rooms are hung some excellent etchings of Christchurch buildings by Fitzgerald, including the Cathedral, Canterbury College, Christ’s College, and the Old and New Boys’ High Schools. The club’s patron, Sir Walter Stringer, on. account of ill health, was unable to deliver his address on “Old Canterbury,’’ and a “reminiscence” programme was substituted. Mr J. E. Greer who presided, said that the committee had arrangements, in hand for the celebration of anniversary day .on December 16 in a way it had never before been celebrated in Auckland. The proceedings, he said, would ’open with a luncheon to which the civic authorities of Auckland, together with all former Canterbury residents would be invited. Canterbury lamb and Canterbury trout would be included in the menu, and as a reminder of “home” the tables would be decorated with Canterbury bells, sprigs of tussock, and matagouri. In the afternoon, bowling matches were being arranged, and in the evening a social reunion and dance would be held.

Among the speakers during the evening were Mr T. Clarkson, who recalled the old cycling days on Lancaster Park; Mr F. K. Hunt revived memories of former members of the legal and medical professions in Christchurch; the Rev. R. G. Coats contrasted the advances made in the customs and costumes of sea bathing at Sumner and New Brighton, and Mr Walter Prvitt recalled the hardships endured by the early settlers. Interspersed with the addresses were many humorous and appropriate anecdotes by the chairman, vocal solos by the Rev. Walter Averill, and Mr G. Morton Smith, and Mr Len Flliott played the accompaniments.