GATHERING AT WANGANUI.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4131, 20 August 1900, Page 5

GATHERING AT WANGANUI.

OPENING OF A NEW CLUB. (Special to the “ Times.”) WANGANUI, August ID. Saturday last will long bo a memorable clay in Wanganui, as being the date upon which the splendid new building of the. Cosmopolitu Club was opened, with many manifestations of rejoicing, in the presence of representative men irom all parts of the colony. It seems strange at first blush that so much importance should attach to .tiro inauguration of promises of this kind, but when it is remembered that the Cosmopolitan Club has a membership, of eight hundred’' it will do scon that its affairs deeply interest a large number of inhabitants of the town. The club was founded in 1892, and so rapid has been its progress that it has been found necessary to erect extensive new premises of two stories high, with a frontage of 105 feet to Campbell piaco and 52 feet to Wicks toed place. The building is a handsome one of brick, with a plaster front, and is a credit alike to the club, to Mr W. Pinches (the architect) and to Mr H. Oliver .(the contractor). Its. inauguration was made the occasion of a great demonstration, when the club invited many distinguished visiters and threw open its doors to them and members. • Among those, who , accepted invitations were the Hons J. G. Word and J. Carroll, representing the Ministry : the Hons Major Harris, Scotland and Jcnkinson, M’sL.C. ; Major Steward, Messrs Guinness. Buddo, A. L. D. Fraser, G. Fisher. McLachlan, Morrison,’ ‘Pirani, Barclay, Hanan, Gilfnddcr, Willis, J. Allen, T. Mackenzie, Smith, O’Meara, McGuire, Hornsby, Arnold, Houston, Fintman, Pavata and Heke, M.’sII.R. These travelled from Wellington in special .carriages, . and on .arrival at Wanganui were mob by officials of the club. A gold key in a handsome box was presented by Mr G. Spriirgcns (the president) to Mr Carroll, who. declared the club open. ■ Addresses wore delivered in .the social

liall which was densely crowded, by Messrs Carroll, Wal'd,''.Buddi), Fisher, Heke, M.’sH.R., and Mr 1 Hatfick (Mayor of the Borough). The general tenor of the speeches was of a congratulatory kind, the hope being expressed that the; club would strive after a high ideal of usefulness and aim at the improvement of its members. In this connection' it may be noted that tho club library consists of twelve hundred! hooks, and an order nf>w .being executed will add another thousand to the number. Lectures a lid - entertainments nro held in tho social hall during the winter months, and are largely attended. At the close of the addresses the visitors inspected the building, which was' found from cellar and basement to the broad promenadte on the roof to be planned, finished and fitted in first-class style. . On the ground floor are ;—Bil-liar-room, 47 foot by 27 feet; club-room, 34 feet by 19. V feet; a spacious bar,chess and card rooms, etc. Tho upper floor is occupied by a social hall, read-ing-room, library and) commiteo room. Afternoon tea was-served; up, and tho largo' company thoroughly enjoyed the whole proceedings. In the evening about 400 persons sat down to a banquet in the drill shod, beautifully decorated foil tho nccrsb'n,

r ” Snriggons* (president), who occupied tho chair, read apologies for absence from the Governor, the. Premier and others. * Numerous toasts were honoured, and n pleasant, evening passed. The proceedings, closed about 11.30 by the singing of the National e.ntbcui. Tho weather was fine during' Saturday, and also on Sundry morning. It is estimated • that over 700 ‘ persons look nart in a steamboat excursion, which was in every way successful. Three steamers carried the ' excursionists. There were bands of music, and a free lunch and afternoon tea. were dispensed to •everyone. Unfortunately rain set in towards evening, hut aIT returned to town delighted with-tlie.trip.