Minister Pours First Beer

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29827, 21 May 1962, Page 17

Minister Pours First Beer

The Papanui Working Men’s Club in Sawyers Arms road was opened on Saturday by the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake), who described the club as a most welcome amenity in a fastgrowing district. He said that it would serve as a true social centre for the community. "The club provides amenities for civilised drinking, a library, indoor bowls, auditorium and projection box, and many other activities have been planned.” Mr Lake said a lot of work had been done by many enthusiastic people*on the project which was started only three years ago from nothing. The dub had ample land for future expansion and attendance at the opening showed that it would meet a real need, said Mr Lake. He added that he hoped the Licensing Commission would soon see fit to increase membership from the restricted 700 at present. ‘‘About 700 more want to become members already.” In wishing the club well for the future, Mr Lake said he was glad that it had chosen the historic and respected title of a working men’s club.

The club is of steel portal frame construction with concrete block walls and covers an area of 6400 square feet. A section incorporating the entrance, library, committee room, and secretary’s office is covered by a butterfly roof. The total cost of the building and land was £28,000. Four 540-gallon stainless steel refrigerated beer tanks supply the 52 feet. of bar space, and 50 tables and 200 chairs are provided for members in the main hall. Other amenities include toilets, kitchen, canteen, projection room and stage. The building is finished in pastel shades and heated by oil fire burners. In the picture above, Mr Lake is shown pouring the first beer. From left are Mr O. W. Hayes (president), Mr H. E. L. Pickering, M.P. for Hurunui, and Mr D. McKay (bar manager).