CHRISTCHURCH WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12550, 11 July 1901, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

The twenty -first anniversary of the; Cliristchurdi WorLng Men's Club was celebrated last night Dy a " Sain Weiler Sworry." The social hall was draped with military ensigns, and the stage was decorated with weapons presented by .members of the" returned contingents from South Africa,, the whole making a most appropriately decorative scha-me. Tables were laid for one hundred and thirty guests,' and eve*ry seat was occupied at the appointed time. The. catering was efficiently done by Mr J. Buggey, who 'had an able staff of assistants. At the- word given, by the Chairman—" Harris, is the- swarry ready?" "Yes." "Then remove the kivers"—a repast of "legs o' mutton and trimmins" was "served up and honoured. When th-s '' churchwardens " had been produced and lighted:up, the President, Mr J. M.. Thompson,- proposed " The King and the Royal Family," which was loyally received. He then read apologies lor unavoidable absence from Mr A. E. G. Rhodes (Mayor of Christchurch),' Mr J. Edmonds (president of the Petone. Working Men's ClubK Mr W. W. Collins', M.H.R., Mr W. Simpson (president of the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club), Eight Hon R. J. Seddon. Mr W. E. Samuels, and others, who all complimented the club on its progress, and wished it continued,prosperity. . In the absence of the Mayor, Mr C. M. Gray proposed the health of the President, committee and officers of- the club, congratulating them- en the success which had attended the club's operations during the period of its minority. He thought that they had every reason to be proud of the Mayor of the city, and the manner! in which he had entertained the Royal visitors, and, in addition, had w> ■ successfully' conducted the business of the city during a phenomenal period. Likewise, he thought that credit was due to the members of the Council, who, though changing from,time to time, had well represented the interests of the citizens. He alluded briefly to the progressive policy adopted by the Council, and, amid a considerable- amount of applause, enumerated the various scientific appliances now being provided for. the improved sanitation of the city. Mr J. M. Thompson, in reply to the .toast,'©'B his health, gave a resume of the history of the club from its inception, in which" he- had taken a pa.rfc, and gave great creu-j to those who ihadf assisted him and his colleagues in developing,the progress of the club. He referred to the club's library, and the '.social influences which it had brought to- bear on the- community.. He disclaimed any idea of self-praise, but,-as other generations might arise who knew not Joseph, he rega-rded with pkasnire the criticisms which had at first been levelled against the club. They had been stigmatised as being the perpctuat-rrs of a drinking club, of a sarnb'ing hell,: and nf all sorts of evils. But the club had survived- twenty-one year?., and stood there now. in the proud position of being one of the lending clubs of the"kind' in tin colonv. He held that the club had justified its establishment, and concluded amid cheers by referring to the va-rious, members who had helped to mafe* it a success. . The ,toast of "Our Bovs at the Front." proposed by Mr M. Davie, was cordially received, and was • responded to by Troopersi Wright and Barry, and Ser-geant-Major Berland, the latter of whom trav-a some interesting particulars of his South African experiences, both under fire and as a prisoner of war. • Mr G. R. Hart proposed "Success to. the Club and its Founders," referring at length to the difficulties which thev had to surmount at the inception of th© clubt, and the many financial and other troubles that had succeeded it. Mr J. J. Anderson acknowledged the compliment on behalf of the founders, and references were made to Mr Phipps, who had done so much in the interests of the club at its earliest stages. • '. Captain .Ma.rc.iel proposed " The Kindi'ed Clubs," remarking fhat club life was an extension of home life, and as a traveller lie viewed with satisfaction the results thathad attended m-smbershin of such a club a.s the Christchurch Working Men's Club. Messrs J. Hooker (Sydenham) and C. E. A. Beazley (Richmond) responded. The toasts of "The Caterer and Custodian" and ''The Chairman," with others, were given and honoured, and during the evening musical items were given.