IN CLUB LAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3275, 21 July 1911, Page 5

IN CLUB LAND.

OFFICIAL RE-OPENING OF GISBORNE CLUB.

*v A HIGHLY-SITC OESS FUL FUNCTION.

The official re-opening of the hanusome premises recently erected by uue Gisborne Club took'place last evening. The function took the farm of a banquet, which was held upstairs in the spacious social-hall, and attended by some 140 members and guests. The catering arrangements weio excellently carried out by Messrs Clare and Sons, and after full justice had been done to the splendid menu provided. a lengthy toast-list, interspersed with high-class musical items, was gone through. Mr H. E. Bright, chairman of the Club, presided, being supported on his right by Judge Jones and Mr A. H. Wallis, vice-President of the Poverty Bay Club, and on his left by Messrs J. W. Bright and l IF. Parker.

The chairman read apologies for nonattendance from Sir James Carroll (Acting-Premier), Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., Hon. Captain Tucker, and Mr a. F. Kennedy. After the toast of “The King” had been loyally honored, Mr J. S. Wauchop proposed the toast of “Kindred Clubs.” In doing so he referred l to the extreme kindness shown to the members of the Gisborne Club by the Poverty Bay Club. Poverty. Bay Farmers’ Club, Cosmopolitan Club, and Young Men’s Christian Association, in throwing their club houses open to the members of the Gisborne Club after their premises had been destroyed by fire in October last. The toast was responded to by Messrs A. H. Wallis (Poverty Bay Club), W. Lissant Clayton (Poverty Bay Fanners’ Club), C'. H. Ambfidge (Cosmopolitan Club), and J. R. Kirk (Y.M.C.A.) The toast of “The Gisborne Club” was eloquently proposed by Mr J. W. Bright, who complimented the members on having steadfastly set their faces against all idea of obtaining a charter for the Club. Such an institution was of high value to the young men of the community, and he trusted that the Club would furnish the future governors of the destinies of the town in civic matters. The marked advancement the Club had! made was due in large measure to the Arise counsel and guidance given in its infant stages by Mr W. Miller (applause). The high standard' of Club life set by tlie Club had gained the confidence of parents, and if this was maintained the institution would advance in prosperity and usefulness. In responding, Mr H. E. Bright said the present committee took little credit for the success the institution had attained, realising that much of it Avas due to the Arise manner in Avliich its destinies had been guided by its founders. The members AA-ere heartily pleased that evening to be able to recerre and entertain their guests in their neAV Club-house. Mr W. Pettie was entrusted with the toast of “Architects and Builder's,” and in doing so paid l a high tribute to the manner in which the architects (Messrs Graham and Brown) and the builders (Messrs Colley and Kirk), had done their work. The building added to the architectural beauty of the town, and was a credit to all concerned in its erection!

Mr L. T. Brown responded on behalf Of the architects, and Mr J. Colley on behalf of the contractors.

“The Visitors” was proposed by Mr W. Johnston, and responded to by Judge Jones and Mr H. J. Day. The toast of “The Ladies” was gallantly proposed by Mr W. Miller' and ably responded to by Mr F. W. Nolan. The musical programme submitted ■was of exceptional merit. The Gisborne Club orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr M. L. Foster, played a number_ of selections during the evening, their performances affording the company keen enjoyment. Amongst the pieces played Avere “Waltz Dream,” “North Atlantic Squadron,” and “Blue Moon,” all of AA'hich were enthusiastically encored. Songs were contributed by Messrs H. J. Brownlee, A. E. Morris, Turner, and H. E. Hill.

Herr Heinrich Kahn, a A'isitor to Gisborne, contributed *a A-iolin solo, “'Ballade Polonaise” (Vieuxtemps), so artistically that he AA'as rapturously encored, and his encore number, “Cavatina” (Raff), AA*as equally Avell interpreted.

At the conclusion of the proceedings Mr G. Stock proposed the toast of the performers, referring specially to the Gisborne Club Orchestra and Herr Heinrich Kahn.

During the evening the visitors inspected the neAV club premises, and many expressions o.f admiration were passed Upon the excellence of the appointments and the taste displayed in the decorations.