PROGRESS IN THE HUTT

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 143, 18 June 1924, Page 2

PROGRESS IN THE HUTT

OPENING OF NEW GYMNASIUM. The Hntt Eugby Gymnasium was' officially opened last evening, in the presence of fully three hundred enthusiasts, including quite a number of ladies and representatives of town dubs and thu Wellington Eugby Union. Proceedings were most enthusiastic, and the success of the function augurs well for Eugby football in the district. The gymnasium is one of the best in the Wellington district. It has a main hall, 80 s 40, as well as a large committee-room and a dressing-room, while in other respects the equipment is up to date. The president of the club (Mr. J. Kennington) was in the chair last evening, and in his opening remarks expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering. He reviewed briefly the work which had been done by many helpers to obtain the bunding, which was going to be of great use to the young men of the district. •

The Mayor (Mr. W. T. Strand), in declaring the building open, said that he was sure the gymnasium would Eerve the purpose for which it was built for many years to come. An effort had been made over a period-of years to raise funds for this purpose, and a sum of fiibO had beea received, the Rugby Union had been approached; and it advanced £350, and leased the present ground to the club'at a very nominal rent. Many things, however, were still required for the convenience of those training. He expressed the club's thanks to the builder, Mr. Upton, not only for the work done but for the excellent suggestions he Lad put forward. r

Colonel G. F. C. Campbell pointed out that if it were hoped to have the young men develop into good citizens the public of the district should take an interest in them. The best training for a footballer was to play the game. But in the gymnasium was the place to learn the finer points and the theory of the game. He trusted that the players would make good use of the building and urged them also to learn the rules !oi the game, and ever remember to play as. gentlemen. On behalf of the Wellington Bugby Tjnion, Messrs. S. G. Hale and J. PrendeviUe congratulated the club upon the good progress it had been making, and also made complimentary reference to the fine building which was beine opened. Councillor M'Bain Baid that he was pleased to see that from a state, of apathy a few years back there was now a very, strong civic spirit in the Hutt. He also referred to the strong determination exhibited by all interested to attain the object for which they had set .out. ■ . • J The interest which is being taken in the club s affairs was further' demonstrated at the close of the meeting when a number of enthusiasts volunteered donations for additional improvements to the gymnasium. During the .evening enjoyable selections were played by the Hutt Muniopal Band, and an exhibition of training, given by a team of. players under the coaching of Major Rogers, who trained the Australian Army Service team, was also much appreciated.