CLUBS V. HOTELS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14682, 13 May 1908, Page 7

CLUBS V. HOTELS.

THE HON J. M'GOWAN'S VIEWS. [Pick Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 12. At; the opening of'the now building of tlie Auckland Working Men's Club last overling, the Hon J. M'Gow&n (said that ho considered such institutions were among the finest social institutions one could possibly got. Ho did not know that he would not he in favour of doing away with the whole of the licensed houses in the dominion if clubs were only established in their places. A man who entered' a club had to undergo a scrutiny, and had to bo balloted lor before lie was elected, which meant that he had to undergo the- test of respectability. Some people seemed to think that clubs Mere* places where men went to enjoy themselves and drink freely, without being under the public gaze, but this.was not so. As a matter of fact, he knew that insobriety wa.s prevented in clubs, and that responsible officials did the best they could to show a good example to other members.