OPENING OF SEASON

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 201, 23 May 1944, Page 3

OPENING OF SEASON

Wellington Orphans’ Club For more than a generation past the Wellington Orphans’ Club. has done notably good work in promotihg goodwill and fellowship among the men, of this city, and something of that spirit was certainly present in the warmth aud enthusiasm which marked the opening of the season on Saturday night at the Commercial Travellers’ Club rooms, in Victoria Street. Not only was there a full attendance of members, but there were Orphans present from places as far apart as Invercargill and Auckland. Au early feature of the programme was the unique manner in which members of the management committee were introduced to the gathering. This was wittily done by Orphan Ross Meikle, who donned the motley _ot a court jester, tickling the audience with bis merry sallies. ... Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, jun„ was initiated for his fourth term of office as president by the retiring Chief Orphan John Matthews. Orphan Harold Godier conducted a fullstrength orchestra. which played several selections in a spirited manner. One of the features in a diversified programme was a Dickens’ sketch based on "The Christmas Carol,” in which Orphan Norman Aitken figured as Scrooge, whoseequanimity was so upset by the beautiful singing (offirstage) of the old Christmas hymn, "O Come, All Y'e Faithful.” Other contributors to the programme were Orphans Brian King. Robert Moore. A. Lieberman, Les. Staff and J. Mitchell. During the evening the vice-patron of the club, Orphan C. C. Odlin. presented Orphan M. E. Nolan with the Colonel. J. J. Essen badge for securing the greatest number of new members during 1943.