WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12265, 11 October 1902, Page 2

WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Napier Working Men’s Uub was celebrated last night by a smoke concert in the social hall of the club, which was crowded with town and country members. The chair was occnpied by the president, Mr H. J. Helder, and amongst those present were the Hon. James Carroll (Native Minister), Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.HR, Dr. Pitohett (dolieitorGeneral), Mr A. Turnbull, 8.M., and representatives of the Hawke’s Bay Club. “The Parliament of Now Zealand,” was proposed by Cr. Westell, and responded to by Messrs Carroll and Fraser, and Dr. Fitohett. The Hon. J. Carroll said it had afforded him very great pleasure to accept the committee’s invitation to bo present at this gathering, which he understood was the silver birthday of tho club. When going away he would carry with him pleasant recollections of the entertainment that had been provided. He had heard the Napier Working Men’s Club spoken of in very high terma in different parts of the colony where he had boon at similar gatherings. It was pointed out as a model, as an example for like clubs, as being perfeot in the way it was managed, and in tho observance of its rales, and as something to gnido similar institutions throughout the colony. It was a question they might yet have to face as to whether or not clubs would contribute thoir portion towards solving a very difficult problem, a question which was referred to the people ovory three years —the law in reference to the liquor qut slion. He did not express an opinion on that himself, neither did ho »»k anyone else to do eo. Thera was a proper time for that, when tho people would have to decide it for themselves, but whatever they decided would only have an immediate effect, for the groat question still remained unsolved. One point that might bring this question to a more nmiablo settlement had not been touched upon. Ho saw no reason why organisations such as these, propesqy carried out on fair, honest, and just principles, might not bo made factors in the cottiemont of the question he had alluded to. Ho congratulated the members upon poesossing euoh an excellent institution, and wished it continued prosperity. Various other toasts were honored, including “Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” responded to by Captain Jamea Ross, “ Kindred Clnba,” Mr E. W. Andrews replying on behalf of tho Wanganui Cosmopolitan Club j and “ Local Bodies," acknowledged by Cr. Weatall. The musical programme was exceptionally entertaining, the orchestra of tiro Frivolity Minstrels submitting a number of very enjoyable selections. Items were also given by Messrs A. E. Renouf, H. Bear, W. Plowman, H. Hooper, Brunette, Caplain Hughes, Sergeant-Major Tuck, aud Hon. J. Carroll. Mr C. Eagar presided at tho piano. Mr W. Beading, of the Trosadero, catered very satisfactorily. Extensive rlterotions have jnst been made to the interior of the club, which is now without doubt superior to any institution of its kind in New Zealand.