ORPHANS' CLUB

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2278, 12 October 1914, Page 3

ORPHANS' CLUB

The Orphans' Club's final gathering for the season on Saturday evening was presided over by the Chief Orphan, the Hon. A. L. Herdman, and was a great success. Among those present were: The club's patron (Colonel R. J. Collins), Sir James Carroll, Mr. J. 1. Luke, Mr. Bradney, M.P., and several officers of the Expeditionary l'orce and representatives of the.-Wellington Savage Club. The talent was of an exceptionally high standard, and was confined to members of the Club, which speaks well for its entertaining resources. Orphan Goudy, who was in good voice, sang several pongs, his best selection being Huhn's defiant ballad "Invictus," popularised in Wellington by that peerless tenor Mr. Paul Dufau'lt. Orphan Lux, who is a skilful musical monologuist,' gave "The Girl That I Kissed on the Stairs, , and Jest Plain Dog." Orphan Eiby's sweet, but fragile, tenor .was heard in the oldtime ballads "I Seek For Thee in Every ■ Flower," and "My Pretty Jane," and Orphan R. A. Allwright's stalwart baritone <wae heard to advantage in "The Trumpeter," and "The Peace of Allah " Orphan Laslett Exton sang a charming ballad, and with Orphan Allwrifht gave a thoughtful interpretation" of the duet "Watchman, What of the Nor was the elocutionary side of entertaining neglected. Orphan J. Culford Bell, who is always worth hearing, recited a clever sketch depicting the comic agonies of a "Tommy" being decorated with_ the Victoria Cross. It wasmosfc admirably done. The reciter faithfully suggested the embarrassment of the eoldier, whose thoughts wandered to how the regiment would curse him for bringing them out on parade. "The Clown's Soliloquy," by the same performer, was also ably recited. Savage (Dr.) Hales gave the Harfleur speech of Henry V, from Shakespeare's historical play, with, tremendous dramatic force and legitimate action, and proved his versatility by singing "It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary," and a despondent ballad, the narrative of which relates how someone "had picked a lemon in the Garden of Lovo, where they said only peaches grew." Not the least enjoyable numbers on the programme'wero those contributed by the orchestra under the direction of Mr. Herbert Bloy. During the supper adjournment the health of Chief Orphan the Hon. A. L. Herdman was proposed by Orphan Colonel R. J- Collins, who referred to the interest tho former had taken in the affairs of tho club since ho had been appointed to' tho high office he now adorned'. Orphan.. Hovdman replied in humorous vein and bogged permission to propose tho health of Sir James Carroll, who also made an interesting speech in response Both gentlemen also mado • reference to the European war, tho seriousness of the present position, and expressed their belief that ultimately England and Lor Allies must win, - ; • '•■■ '' .............