ORPHANS' CLUB OPENING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2765, 8 May 1916, Page 3

ORPHANS' CLUB OPENING

, i , THE SPIRIT OF, THE AVAR, The new session of the Wellington Orphans' Club was opened on Saturday evening. The Bov. A. E. Hunt presided, and among those also present were Sir Joseph Ward', the Hon. A. h- Herdman, and Mr. C. J. Parr. M.t. Mr. Parr is the Chief Orphan of the Auckland Orphans' Club. , , , The Hon, A. L.' Herdman, who. had held the position of president for two years, installed his successor, the Rev. Mr. Hunt. In the course of a few remarks Mr. Herdman said that he should never forget that it had been his privilege to be president of ther club during the most momentous period ot our history. Durinp; his term nfeny great events had taken place, anio&s them the decision of Mr. Massey ana Sir Joseph Ward to sink party politics, and combiue for the common good, and to abolish political controversy, ior the time being at any rate. (Applause.) Mr." Herdman hoped that the Orphans season would he prosperous and cheerful, that the clouds hanging over the nation would dopart, and that before the president came to the end of his twelve months the sun would be again shining on a bright and prosperous, and lian«y people. (Applause.) _ , , 6(r Joseph Ward, who was admitted, that evening as a new member, also spoke very hopefully of the future, and wished the club every success.

Mr. C. J. Parr, replying to the president's welcome, thanked the Wellington club for its kindness, and said, that if any of the Wellington Orphans went to Auckland they must go along to the club and allow -Auckland an opportunity of returning the hospitality. He .was glad to see a clergyman in the chair. Only rarely clergymen, occupied these positions, but after all there should be nothing at such gatherings which would be offensive to a man of tho cloth. He agreed that the club should not close.its doors in war time; it was the British spirit to be cheerful in tho face of adversity. We must remember that our forefathers had always hold on with that quiet British cheerfulness which knows no licking. The war had made very serious inroads on the Auckland club. Over 190 had left (with the club's best blessings) to go to the front. (Applause.) Over thirty of them had been wounded, and somo had paid the supreme price. He noticed tho name Anzac on the walls; many of the Auckland Orphans were among those Anzaos, who had done the impossible. (Applause.) The- newly-installed president was loudly applauded when he rose'to speak. Mr. Hunt said that when it was proposed that he should occupy the chair, he had felt unworthy of the position, but he had decided to respect the club's wish. He felt that he could assist a- little to make others cheerful in this way as well as in other :ways. Despite a handicap, the club got through last .year with a credit.balance and with only three subscriptions outstanding. Tho membership was now stronger - than' ever, and there were forty-two new members. The club expressed its hearty appreciation of the splendid work done by tho orchestra under Mr. Moschini. Also, Mr. Geo. Holloway, their honorary accompanist, deserved their hearty thanks. He thanked the D.I.C. for having provided the decorations for the occasion. . A collection taken up for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund realised £6 15s. Throughout tho evening most enjoyable items of entertainment were rendered by members of the club.