The Wellington Club was established in 1841. The process for the admission of members in the rule book ensured that only respectable men, acceptable to the existing members, could join. The process allowed for unacceptable candidates to be 'blackballed' – members voted for new members using a white ball to show support and a black ball to signify opposition. A single black ball usually meant a rejection. Once elected, members had to pay a joining fee of 10 guineas (£10 10s.), which in 2011 terms was over $1,000.
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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
Rules and regulations of the Wellington Club. Wellington: Wellington Club, 1862 (S-L 1119-4/5)
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