WELLINGTON ORPHANS CLUB

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2451, 3 May 1915, Page 9

WELLINGTON ORPHANS CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Wellington Orphans' Club was held last Friday evening in the Grand Hotel. In the absence of the Hon. A. L. Her dm an, president, Colonel Collins, C.M.G.. occupied the chair. There was a large gathering of members. The chairman in submitting the report and balance-, sheet, mentioned the fact that the great international orisis had interfered with last season's operations owing ,to many members joining the colours for active service at the front. The prospects, for the forthcoming season were very bright, aB many new members had joined. Tie report and balancesheet were then adopted. The following officers were elected:—Patron, His Excellency Lord Liverpool; vice-patron, Colonel Collins, C.M.G.; president. Hon. A. L. Herdman; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. P. Luke, E. A. Batt, Wm. C. JRobinson, D. M'Laren, W. Perry and Wood; secretary, Mr. H. Wood: treasurer, Mr. W. Wigg; committee, Messrs. G. Christie, H. C. W. Blick, A. G. Wallace, Fraser Thomson, W. Goudie, Levy, W. Fraser, and the Rev. Mr. Hunt; hon. accompanist, Mr. Ernest Luks; hon. auditors, Messrs. P. J. M'Govern and D. Carman. Before the conclusion of the evening special reference was made by Bro. Orphan Sievers to the retirement of the secretary, Mr. R. A. Keenan, founder of the club, who has held office for the last five_ years. In view of the invaluable services rendered by Mr. Keenan, it was unanimously' decided and carried with musical honours to make the retiring secretary the first honorary life member of the society. Colonel Collins, in supporting the resolution, said that the able and efficient administration of Mr. Keenan well merited such recognition. Mr. Keenan, he said, was the life and soul of the club since its inception, and its successful career was mainly due to his indefatigable efforts and initiative. Mr. Thomson and several other members warmly endorsed theso sentiments ; and general regret was expressed at Mr. Keenan s retirement, who feelingly responded. The secretary was instructed to convey tho club's sympathy to Mr. Bloy, who is laid down with illness. A recommendation was mado by the outgoing committee that the club should opoii its season by the promotion of a ladies night. It was resolved that the sum of £180 raised by the club for the installation of the Town Hall clock be handed over to the council provided an undertaking was given that the balance would bo contributed by the council for the installation. It was reported that an Orphans' Club had been established at Wanganui, and that in all probability reciprocal visits would be made. The opening, night of the session was fixed for the middle of Ms £»