The gentlemen's club ethos was well established:[2] Members puffed imported cigars, drank the finest wines and spirits and ate the best food from fine bone china set down on crisp white linen cloths, sparkling with sterling silver cutlery.

It was a haven for kindred spirits, a place to rub shoulders with the colony’s leading men free from the distraction of women, rowdy children and demanding workers.

A strict code of conduct ensured that bad language, insulting behaviour, drunkenness and other unacceptable acts were quickly dealt with by the club’s committee.In the 1950s membership continued to include many names from business, development, politics and the history of Western Australia.

More importantly they found companionship.The economic growth of the state also brought increased competition for club services.

In the mid 1970s,[2] members expected the best services and facilities yet were critical of the efforts of management and the Committee to deal with finances in difficult times.There was a financial crisis, yet the club survived.