Invercargill Club

This sturdy and solid institution of Invercargill is a classic model of the Victorian-style institution of Gentleman's clubs, but with a special Southland style.

Like it's counterparts in Canterbury and Auckland, it was gents-only from the start, which in this case was 1879. After a spell renting the billiard room of the Imperial Hotel, and because of the general socioeconomic status of the members, it wasn't long until they had attractive, solid and purpose-built premises. Dating to 1892, this building is to the design of FW Burwell, architect of much in Invercargill, and co-incidentally a founding member of the club. His counterpart CJ Broderick was also a member.

Standing firmly, if a little shy Don Street, the club is set back from the road fronted by a fabulous low fence, immaculate lawn and boxed hedges. It is sandwiched somewhat by the later Tudor House and Public Trust Office buildings, the features that define it's facade being some small Corinthian columns, downstairs bay windows and upstairs arched windows. Inside, the snooker room and an elegant staircase are notable.

Socially, the club follows the Victorian traditions, with a classic Southland leaning towards the Scots, with strict rules of limits for potential gamblers, and an absolute ban on dogs indoors. Event more Scottish was their determination in 1898 to import their own whiskey, rapidly expanding into other spirits and then into a profitable bottling and retailing enterprise. Tobacco products from Egypt followed.

When prohibition came in in 1905, the canny club again came up trumps using a loophole which allowed members to keep their own liquor on the premises, ensuring business continued virtually as normal thoroughout the 40 year period that the rest of Invercargill was dry.

The club later survived a fire, and built a squash court, and started selling drinks at wholesale prices to keep membership up. Women were allowed in the door, first the wives of members in 1967, and then as members in 1997. Otherwise, things are now, as they were, at the Invercargill Club.

A concise and interesting history of the club, penned for their centenary in 1979 is hosted here.

Image Credit: The Club, Invercargill, circa 1905, Invercargill, by Muir & Moodie studio. Te Papa