FREE DRINKS AT CLUB

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 13

FREE DRINKS AT CLUB

New Building At Kaiapoi

Kaiapoi’s new workingmen’s club was packed with 500 men on Saturday when the forma! opening was celebrated with speeches and the d-ispension of free liquor for an hour and a half. The club's committee set “an excellent example for tlie rest of the people of Kaiapoi” when they undertook the new building, said the Mayor, Mr O. M. Williams. who declared it open. Generations to ccme would benefit from the new building, he said. Time would prove the courage and confidence ol the planners of a club of value in the c-mmunity, said Mr H. L. Pickering. the member of Parliament for the d.strict. Mr N. E. Kirk, a former Mayor of Kaiapoi, saw tlie building as “an important addition to the many improvements in Kaiapoi today. “It represents the spirit and harmony that has enabled Kaiapoi to do so much in such a short time,” he said.

More compliments were paid by Mr R. Martin, president of the South Island Association of Workingmen's and Cosmopolitan Clubs. He was among eight representatives from other South Island clubs.

Applause followed an announcement by the club's president (Mr H. Wilkinson) about the club’s finances. Sixty-two debenture holders had paid £12,000 toward the £30,000 cost of the building, he said. He also announced the plastering of the old building as the next stage in the plan. Free drinks were offered from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thanks for the generosity of local liquor merchants was expressed by Mr Wilkinson. A ladies’ evening was held later.

The opening of the new building marks the seventyeighth year of the club. The building is the third on the site, and, together with die bowling club, a large parking area and improved surroundings. the club provides good amenities for its 1700 members. The new social hall, measuring 80ft by 55ft, has a 60ft bar. with jug, glass, and flagon services. Total additional floor space is about 5840 sq. ft.