TARANAKI CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1922, Page 4

TARANAKI CLUB.

ENTERING NEW PREMISES. A PLEASANT CEREMONY, The. members of the Taranaki Club made a very pleasant ceremony last evening out of the formal handing over of their new clubrooms by the contractor, Mr. A. B. Burrell. Round about five o’clock a good number of the members bad gathered in the spacious main lounge of the new rooms, and here the keys of the building were handed over. The ceremony was short, but time was found for a few interesting speeches and reminiscences by older members of the club. The president (Mr. A. W. Webster) extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors and referred to the event as a very important one in the history of the club. The present Taranaki Club was established just on 30 years ago, with a membership of 86, of whom 15 were still members. Members now numbered 286. Their club was the outcome of a former one, and he believed only two or three of the original members were still alive, one of whom, Mr. W. D. Webster, was present. They were taking over their new clubhouse, which was erected on their own freehold, and he thought they would agree with him that it was a credit both to the members and the town. He hoped they would not be too critical of any little inconvenience they might be put to for a week or so, and he assured those present that the committee had had a very strenuous time. They were all rather proud that matters had been brought to a successful issue. Mr. Webster went on to refer to the club’s financial position, and then complimented the architect (Mr. T. H. Bates) on the very excellent building, and thanked him. for the trouble he had taken to carry out suggestions that had been made. He also congratulated the builder of the very thorough manner in which he had carried out his work. Congratulatory speeches were also made by Messrs. W. D. Webster and R. Cock, the latter supplying some details of the original club. Mr. Burrell referred to. the pleasure it gave him in being present and to the assistance be had bad from his sub-contract-ors and his foreman. He then formally handed over the keys. The prosperity of the new club and the health of Mr. Burrell were drunk with enthusiasm, and members then dispersed to admire the appointments of the new building. Before doing so, their appreciation of the services of Mr. Burrell was again made evident in their request that he would accept a painting of the building.