ORPHANS’ CLUB.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4870, 28 August 1925, Page 2

ORPHANS’ CLUB.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SESSION. Another milestone in the history of the Paeroa Orphans’ Club was passed last night, when the fourth session of the season was. held. The evening was particularly enjoyable, and there was an attendance of brethern, including a number of visitors, totalling 120. Considerable interest was taken in the lengthy and varied programme which marked the first public appearance of the Orphans’ Club orchestra, comprising Bros. G. Fallon, conductor (trombone) ; C. T. Mettam (cornet), C. Waines (violin), J. M. Fox (double bass), F. Lewis (clarionet), and F, Margison (ipano). If nothing else is done this year by the e-lcal Orphnas, at least a long-felt want in this town has been supplied by the formation of the orchestra. In spite of the absence of the fact that the club’s pianist. Bro. A. L. Mitchell, and first violinist, Bro. Twigj,. were absent last evening, the members dis- . paused a number of enjoyable selections, and were heartily congratulated on the progress they had made. The session opened with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by an orchestral selection. The president (Bro. P. Williams) then delivered the Orphans’ charge ,and handed the gavel to Bro. W. Marshall with the request that he conduct the session. The greetings of the brethren were accorded the chairman, and he returned greetings and extended a fraternal welcome to the visitors in true Orphandom istylc. Those contributing to the harmony of the evening, in addition to. the orchestra, were Bros. J. Beeche, Woods, Cpstain, Edwards, Margison, D Brown, W- Pennell, J. M. Fox, and E V. Slyfiekl. Bro. Blackett delighted the audience with a number of conjuring tricks which completely } mystified everyone, and at intervals the 'chairman had the gathering in roars of laughter at his quaint stoi’yettes.

After supper the musical programme was continued, and, as is customary, the chairman addressed the audience. In the course of a very interesting ten-minute speech Bro. Marshall said that it was the first occasion on which he had had the honour of presiding over a session, and ho hoped that he, as well as the new members, had caught (he tiue spirit of Orphandom. While not being familiar with the ancient histoiy and conception of Orphandom, he realised that the brethren met on a common ground of equality. The word “orphan” in a broad senise signified a need of parents. The members stood hi need of social interr course and fellowship. The universal use of the term “brother” signified that the fraternal spirit and harmony’ prevailed, and it was such fellowship that was so desirable and necessary if the welfare of the community was to be advanced on sound and charitable liners.

Speaking of ideals, Bro. Marshall pointed out that the motto of the Rotary Club was “Community Service,” which, he considered, was a very high’ ideal.' The fundamentals underlying the Rotary movement were contained in service. He could ask for nothing better than to serve tlie community in which he lived. The fidelity of given service increaseed a person’s 'power, and the sphere ■ of action became expanded. To do as little as possible and tc. grasp all. one could was all too common in the world to-day. A man working on those lines might be admired by a Few, but he certainly would not gain true satisfaction by his efforts. It was not possible to retain one’s mental faculties, and abilities unless one kept. on tlie move and worked in the inter-, ests ot .the common weal. The wrong ideal that was almost universal was the root of much of tlie unrest and. dissatisfaction existing to-day. In the process, bf evolution man had passed through many stages, and gradually a high conception of life was reached — that of wage-earning. Even the wageearning system had its faults, . and people would be forced to realise that if progress was to be made it was impossible to go on doing less and expecting more. It was necessary to al,ter the existing outlook and decide to do more and render greater service to .the community. If that ideal was subjected to a test it would unquestionably be found to pay, and greater contentment" would prevail. - The speaker said he had been told that Paeroa fascinated him, and he confessed that it did. It was wonderful and very encouraging to see the amount of service on community lines being rendered in the town, and he referred particularly to the various sports clubs, and other local institu- ‘ tions, each which was contributing towards the contentment and harmony of the community. Small wonder, he said, that his ideal was not “up in the clouds,” as some people were rather prone to think. The ideal of service was well worth striving ' for. Am organisation such as the '■ ~ Orphans’ Club ministered to the social needs of its members, and judging by the attendance that night the spirit of Orphandom had “caught on” and was extending to all parts.- pF the district. In conclusion Bro. Marshall said that whilst not wishing to preach " he ,would ask the brethren to accept ~ and think over his Few remarks for what they were worth. The speaker was heartily applaud- . ed on resuming. his seat. ' ’ 1 ;r'l