DUNEDIN ORPHANS’ CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 22457, 30 September 1936, Page 2

DUNEDIN ORPHANS’ CLUB

SUCCESSFUL SEASON CONCLUDES ASSOCIATION WITH KINDRED BODIES Last evening saw the close of the 1936 season of the Dunedin Orphans’ Club, this final night bringing to a conclusion one of the most successful seasons in the history of the club. The hall was packed to capacity, There were a number of specially invited visitors present, including Superintendent Rawle, of the local Police Force; Bro. Fred Baker, of the Auckland Savage Club; Bro. Barsdell, of Oamaru Savage Club; Bro. Robinson, of Timaru Savage Club; Bro. Hinton, of Invercargill Orphans’ Club; Bro. R. P. Murphy, of Timaru Savage Club; and Mr Niederer, of Southland, and a large number of guests of private members from Dunedin. The president, _ Bro. C. J. L. White, was in the chair. The Chairman read a letter he had received from His Honour Mr Justice Kennedy expressing regret that through his absence m Wellington he was not able to attend the meeting. Mr White stated that since the club had last met word had been received that Senior-detective Hall, a former member of the executive and a most popular member of the club, had received high promotion in the Police Force in Auckland. A congratulatory message had been sent by the club, and the Chairman read a reply which had been received from Mr Hall.

Mr White. stated that during the month he had had the pleasure of visiting the Christchurch Savage Club and had received a most kindly welcome there, and he had been asked by the president and members of that club to convey a message of cordial goodwill to their old friends the Dunedin Orphans’ Club. (Applause.) The President referred sympathetically to the illness of Bro. E. Kerr. The concert programme commenced with two items played in fine style by the club’s orchestra, the first, under the baton of Bro. J. Clarke, being a march, ‘ Steps of Glory,’ and the second ‘ Nabucodonosor ’ overture, by Verdi, arranged by Bro. Squarise, the baton being taken for the occasion by Bro. Squarise himself, the item bringing forth rounds of applause. In the second half the orchestra again delighted the audience with two selections—namely, ‘ Sing Song Girl ’ and ‘ Pot Pourri March,’ under the baton of Bro. J. Clarke.

The concert provided by the Progremme Sub-committee (Messrs Bryant and Wilson) was one of exceptional merit, and included Bros. S. G--4ngell (song). A. Walmsley (song), J A. Haggitt (humorous item), Gil Dech (at the piano), R. Wilson-Brown (humorous item), A. MacDonald (song) A. N. Watson (humorous item), M. Johnston (violin solo), C. H. Russell (recitation), M. O’Sullivan (song), C. R. Williamson (song), and Bro. Pringle and Mr M'Dongall (duet). A special feature of the programme was the rendering of items by such talented visitors as Mr Arthur Hemsley. Mr Fred Baker, Mr R. P. Murphy, and Mr R. M'Dougall. The President proposed the toast of Bro. R. H. Bryant, stating that Bro. Bryant had been a member of the club for a quarter of a century and was without question its mainstay. Bro. Bryant, in replying, stated that his association with the club had been a happy one, and he hoped his next 25 years would continue so.

The President also proposed the toast of the visitors who had given items as mentioned above, and also coupled with the toasts the names of Mr Bid good, Mr Harry Marsden, and Mr A. Ninnis, who were gnests_ of honour there that evening. Musical honours were accorded the toast, as was also the case of the toast of Bro. Bryant. Not the least enjoyable part of the evening was the supper interlude, when as usual members availed themselves of (ho opportunity so afforded of a friendly chat over their reireshmeuts. At the conclusion of the evening, Bro. White commented on the highly successful season which had just been completed He said that this had been made possible only by reason of the great team work displayed by the committee and all those associated with the getting up of the programmes, and l>e wished to move a hearty vote or thanks to the various brethren who had helped the club. He granted pride of place to the stewards, these members who do not share in any of the glamoin of the proceedings but who do no end

of hard and valuable work to make the evening enjoyable for tbeir fellow members. He also referred to the sterling work done by Bro. D. G. Gray and his assistant Bro. E. Bolwell as refreshment stewards, to the Programme Sub-committee (Bros, Bryant and Wilson),, to the door steward (Bro. G. S Lawrie), the secretary (Bro. R. C. T. Evans), the club artist (Bro. W. Hutton), the floor steward (Bro. R. Moen), and the club pianist (Bro. A. Pettitt). Applause. He wished especially to express the appreciation of the club of the wonderful services rendered during the season by the club’s orchestra under the direction of Bro. J. Clarke. (Applause.) The club had an orchestra of which they were proud, and it was renowned far beyond the confines of their own club.

Bro. W. E. Earnshaw, in proposing the toast of the president, said that Bro. White had been at pains to express thanks to others who had assisted to make the year so successful, but when all was said and done it was the man at the head upon whom the great responsibility fell, and he enlarged on the great service done for the club by the president during his two terms of office. The toast was afforded musical honours. , .

Bro. C. J. L. White, in replying to the toast, remarked that the two years lie had been president of the club had been most happy ones, they had had troublesome times, particularly in regard to finance, and, although a committee 1 which effected economies was not usually popular, he thought they bad been able to bring about economies without in any way restricting the enjoyment of the members. He had been fortunate in having a most loyal committee to support him in everything he did. During his term as president Mr White stated that both Mrs White and himself had striven to bring about a better feeling with kindred clubs, and be could only say that they had met with a most generous response on all sides. He hoped those effort? would continue. Speaking individually, and not on behalf of the executive, ho hoped that the day was not far distant when their isolation would end and they would again link up with the Kindred Clubs’ Association. (Loud applause.) He desired to thank all the members of the club for the loyal support they had given him during his lengthy term of office. (Applause.) _ A memorable evening concluded with the singing of the club’s closing ode, ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ and the National Anthem.