[To THE ED/TOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,--R has, been thought
that a short account of a village club started on somewhat unusual lines might be of interest to your readers. With a population of no more than five hundred, we have built and furnished a working-men's club, which is not only entirely self-supporting, but is able to pay a dividend of 5 per cent. and carry forward a balance of 8 per cent. on the original outlay at the end of its first season. The club rooms, two in number, consist of one large room devoted to whist, bagatelle, and a library, and a smaller room furnished with a full-sized billiard-table, and large enough also to accommodate a great number of spectators. The building, including foundations and complete equipment, cost £300, the only exceptions being the library and the instal- . ration of acetylene gas, which was put in by the vicar of the parish at his own expense. The whole of this capital of £300 was subscribed in the village in £1 shares, and a 5 per cent. dividend was guaranteed by the principal landowner in order to obviate any difficulty in the transference of shares. Honorary members are subscribers of 5s. and upwards ; annual members pay 4s., and monthly members 6d. The total membership is over one hundred, though of this number many join only for a month or two at a time. When the club was opened in September, 190 there were only three residents who knew how to play billiards, but such has been the interest taken in the game that the table has scarcely ever been vacant for a half-hour throughout the winter months. Though the payment is only ltd. each per half-hour, the takings have amounted to no less a sum than £35. The club is managed by a committee of fourteen, of whom two are in charge every evening from 6.30 to 10 p.m. Their work is entirely voluntary, but throughout the season they have been found at their post, and it is largely owing to their devotion and interest that the club has been such a success. The total income for the first season from all sources amounts to no less a sum than £94. Our expenses come to £54. We are therefore able not only to declare the full dividend of 5 per cent, upon the capital, but to carry forward a balance of £25 towards the sinking fund. In these days all are well acquainted with village reading-rooms, but the novelty, of this undertaking lies in the fact that it has been built, furnished, and carried on by a number of the villagers themselves, who have not only subscribed the capital, but have gladly given their time to make the club a successful one. It would seem that in any village of five hundred or over, where there are no serious rival attractions, a like scheme would probably meet with equal success. Fuller details of the scheme will be forwarded to any one applying direct to the hon. secretary, Parwich Institute, near Ash- bourne.—I am, Sir, &e., X.
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