TE AWAMUTU CLUB.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 269, 2 December 1913, Page 3

TE AWAMUTU CLUB.

Despite the unfavourable weather last evening, there were about fifty members and friends who assembled at the opening of the Te Awamutu Clubs' rooms in Sloane Street. The premises, which have until lately been in ussl. by Mr S. Robottom, have been thoroughly renovated and furnished in an up-to-date manner. The'president of the club (Mr H. Y. Collins) said it gave him great pleasure to preside at the opening of the club. It had been the original intention to secure premises of their own, but as this would have meant a considerable

delay, it was thought advisable

to look after temporary premises, I / a,nd he thought those, present would agree that they had been iy vfrry fortunate in securing the .-rooms that they now occupied. Mr Jackson had met the committee in a very liberal manner, and ] he was deserving of the thanks of the club. There were several h improvementsthat would be made but he considered they had made an excellent beginning. (Applause). Now that the club had made a start he urged members to make , use of it. He urged upon members the utmost importance v of observing the rules. It would tend to make the work of the : committee easier, and be for the cf the club. In conclu--4H HP he urged them to pull to"""gether and make the club a success.

The health of " The Te Awamutu Club (Incorporated)" was then drunk with musical honours. Dr Reekie (vice-president) said it was very gratifying to see so many pVesent. He considered the club had been most fortunate in regard to its membership, and he did not think they had started too early. In a town like Te Awamutu, which was noted for the number of its sports clubs, it was a pity that such an institution as the club had not been started earlier. They had been very fortunate in the choice of their president, secretary, and working committee, and he considered it a wise move on the part of those who decided to procure the present premises. They must agree that the club had made a good start, and he urged all those who could see their way to join the club to do so. The speaker dealt with the many benefits to be derived from membership of the club. Mr J. B. Teasdale said that he was happy to be present, and to assist in anything that tended for the advancement of the district and town. He considered that the formation of the club was a step in the right direction, and, he' felt sure, it would prove a successful and beneficial institution. (Applause.) He also referred to the municipal electric lighting system, and urged upon all present to do their utmost for the carrying of the~poll." His remarks were frequently applauded and it was apparent those present were anxious to see the municipal lighting installed. Mr Innes-Jones said he felt sure the club would be a success, as there was ample evidence that such "an institution was needed. It would tend to promote friendship, and would possess many educational advantages. The toast, " Absent Members," wasproposed by the president, coupled with the names of Messrs Luxford and Oliphant. In referring to the members who were still at Auckland doing duty as " specials," Mr Luxford stated that the work there was almost accomplished. He referred in eulogistic terms to the Te Awamutu contingent, and the way they had conducted themselves under most trying circumstances*. He congratulated member's on the start made and he considered it was only a matter of time when theTe Awamutu Club would be among the foremost in the Dominion. The toast of "The Ladies" was responded to by Messrs Jeffery, Elliott, Florence and , Luxford. The president proposed the toast of Mr and Mrs Jackson,who, he said had been a great help to the club, and had met them in every way possible. (Applause.) In" thanking members Mr Jackson said he would be only too willing to assist the club in any vmv possible in the future. Mr A. Young, in proposing the toast of the president, referred to the great interest that he had taken in the formation of the club. They had been fortunate in having such an excellent president, and he had been ably assisted by his committee. In reply the president said he had done his best. He congratulated members on the way they had worked together.' He enjoined members to work for the good of the club, thereby jnajfing it a success. r / Songs were contributed during mthe. evening by the following ■ gentlemen : Messrs Morrison, P#eaward, Elliott, Florence and A recitation was given by Mr J. Luxford, and a violin solo by Mr E. Moeller, while Mr (Jittos ably presided at the piano. ' Other speeches made during the evening by Messrs Briscoe, McCardle, Virtue, Oliphant, Elliott, Potts, Edgecumbe and Huston. A most pleasant and enjoyable evening was brought to an end about 12 o'clock.

The club is comfortably housed in Jackson's buildings (adjoining the Te Awamutu Hotel), the

'premises having been altered somewhat to meet the requirements of the club. A card and smoke room is cosily finished, whilst next it is a commercial and lounge room, nicely furnished, and thoroughly comfortable for the requirements of members. The billiard room, in which are two tables, has been thoroughly renovated, and is most attractive. , The suite of rooms has been so arranged and furnished as to cater for the requirements of members, and although the furnishings are not elaborate yet they are very neat and comfortable, and the arrangement throughout reflects credit upon all those concerned.