HOKITIKA WORKINGMEN’S CLUB OPENED

Grey River Argus, 25 August 1948, Page 7

HOKITIKA WORKINGMEN’S CLUB OPENED

On Saturday evening the Hokitika Workingmen's Club was officially opened by the Mayor, Mr A. E. Ferry, ’there was a bumper attendance present, which, included visitors from various parts of the district and-Run-anga attended in full strength. Mr E. W. Heenan presided and the ceremony was held in the main lounge room which was taxed to 1 capacity . with members and guests. At the official table with the chairman were the Mayor. Mr E. T. Stoop, representing the' Westland County Council, Mi Harrington. President of the Runanga Workingmqp’s Club and Mr M. Fraser, President of the R.S.A. Prior to the ceremony the visitors and members had an opportunity oi inspecting the club and it received many congratulations on a splendid effort. The chairman extended a welcome to the visitors and then called upon the Mayor to open the building. The Mayor congratulated the club on its enterprise in securing the club-rooms. It was needed in Hokitika and would provide a useful service for its members. He congratulated those responsible for the excellent manner in which they had carried out their various tasks, and said it showed what could be achieved by a band of men who were willing to pull together. The team work had been efficient, and the club-rooms were a credit to the town and to those responsible for the work. The Mayor then called upon the chairman to introduce the various speakers. Mr M. Fraser, President of the Returned Services added his congratulations to the club and its members. The completed club-room was a tribute to their efficient team work, and he congratulated the members on their enterprise and trusted that the R.S.A. in the near future, when building restrictions became easier would make a start with their own clubrooms. In conclusion he extended every good wish to the Hokitika club. Mr E. T. Stoop said he had to apologise for the unavoidable absence of the chairman of the County Council, Mr Mark Wallace. The Council extended its good wishes to tne club, which would fulfill a useful purpose to its members and would be an asset to the town and the West Coast.

Mr Harrington, President of the Runanga Club added his congratulations to the iocal club. To say his members were surprised at the spacious club rooms was putting it mildly. The club was indeed a credit to the local members, and urged members to conduct the club on strict lines. With full co-operation of all members they had nothing to fear. The Runanga club offered its congratulations to Hokitika, its full support at all times and the earnest wish that the club would fulfill to the utmost its service to the members. The chairman outlined to those present the history of the club up to the opening night. He expressed thanks to those persons who were not members of the club, for their heln and assistance, the loan of equipment, the skilled tradesmen had given wonderful help, and the various working members had rendered valuable service. The capital outlay was well within the estimate set out as the club had been financed by members’ fees and a debenture issue. The members had subscribed a large amount oi money and it would be interest-free for some time. It would be the aim of the club to repay the money at the earliest opportunity, and then set about reconditioning other portions of the building. The committee that was first set up to organise the present club could be proud of their achievement. It was pleasing to hear the complimentary remarks by the visitors and guests, and to know that the enterprise of the club members was appreciated. The membership stood at .150, and it was not intended to close the list for some time. The chairman then called upon the Mayor to declare the club open. After the’ Mayor had done this, all present were invited to be guests of the club, and "a very pleasant evening was spent. During the evening, Mr G. Bowman enlivened the gathering with items on the piano accordoen. Apologies were received from Messrs M. Wallace, D. Pettigrew and W. JBruce. The main lounge room presented a gay scene. The new rimu polished tables, modern gas heating, and flourescent lighting gave the room a comfortable appearance. During the evening the old committee room had to be requisitioned to cope with the overflow. A radio set had been installed. During this week it is hoped to complete the furnishings. The club commenced its active life on Monday afternoon. ■ The offer of Mr John Morris to act as caretaker during the afternoons was accepted with thanks. This will enable the club to give a full service to members during the afternoon.