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24 October 1896
The Young Men's Club is the infant institution of the town - a very vigorous old man kind of infant. Suggested by Dr. Arthur when recently visiting Mudgee, the idea was warmly taken up by leading spirits of the town, who lost no time in useless preliminaries. The large hall of the School of Arts having been secured for a gymnasium, the club was promptly formed and affiliated to that institution - one subscription entitling members to the privileges of both. The School of Arts member’s roll has thus been increased by almost the whole membership of the club, the very respectable total of 120. The subscription was fixed for youths under 21 at 2s 6d per quarter, over that age 5s, and all males over 12 are eligible. That the institution has "caught on" is evidenced by the average attendance of over sixty members. The gymnasium, which is provided with Roman rings, horizontal and parallel bars, trapeze, single sticks, clubs, dumbbells, gloves, chess, draughts, &c, is open three evenings each week, and members enter into the exercises with great zest and good temper. The management maintains strictest discipline, and good conduct is insisted upon. The officers, to whom every credit must be given for the success which has attended the club, are: President, Dr. Lester; vice-presidents, Messrs. Kellett, Lonargan, and Blumer; hon. sec., Mr. A. Carpenter; hon. treasurer, Mr. H. Clark; committee, Messrs. Kennewell, Holden, and Ward1
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