ORPHANS’ CLUB.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 489, 23 October 1925, Page 2

ORPHANS’ CLUB.

FURTHER SUCCESSFUL SESSION. \ • ■ The semi-final session tor this season of the Paeroa Orphans’ Club was held in the Soldiers’ Club last even-? ing, there being a .large attendance of local and visiting brethren.. ' The president, Bro. P. Willi ams ’ formally opened the session, and then' handed control of the gathering ,to Bro. Professor MaxwellpWalker, expresident of the Auckland Orphans’ Club, and invested his with the insignia of office ,at the same time according him a hear.ty welcome. After the orchestra had' contributed . a spirited selection Bro. MaxwellWalker acknowledged the welcome accorded him. Continuing, he said that it was the business of a chair-, man of such gatherings to endeavour to create an atmosphere of friendliness and genuine goodfellowship. In creating such atmosphere the orchestra was one of the best and most desirable adjuncts. It was an easy matter to “mellow up” after supper, but to be a success and 'achieve the true aim of Orphandom it was necessary to break down the slight restraint right from the beginning. The Orphans had met together .to spend a friendly evening, and all Orphans should be real friends. It was neces- . sary for men to get closer together to appreciate one another’s point of view. Fraternise, and sti.ll fraternfee, should be the Orphans’ slogan. He congratulated the club on its flue or " chestra, and also the high standard of the club members. It was a significant fact, said the speaker that the club was conducted on the light lines when it was found that the chief citizens of the town were active members, and he wished the Paeroa club every success and proseprjty. An enjoyable musical programme was dispensed during the evening, among those contributing to the evening’s pleasure, in addition to the Orchestra, being: Bros. W. Williams, D. Weir, E. Crosbie, Dickson, E. Edwards, and siyfield. Mr W. Margison acted as accompanist A feature of the session was the many humorous and original anecdotes and lecturettes related by Bro. Maxwell-Walker,' whp proved himself to be a remarkable entertainer. His excerpt, from one of Lloyd Georges memorable war-time speeches was. particularly good, and won him rounds of applause. MEMBER HONOURED. Just prior to the supper adjournment a presentation was made to Bro. D. Brown, a foundation member of the committee, by the president In handing Brb. Brown a framed photograph of the committee Bro. Williams, on behalf of the members, expressed profound regret that their brother was leaving Paeroa for Auckland. In Bro. Br.own the club had found a true and staunch brother, and the .town a worthy citizen who had always displayed a friendly and keen interest in the welfare of the place and his fellow beings. The president expressed the hope that when Bro. Brown gazed on the “hard dials” in the. photograph thoughts of his old pals in Paeroa would be refreshed. A tribute was paid to the w'ork and enthusiasm displayed by the recipient in the early stages of the club. Hearty good wishes were expressed for his future welfare, and he was charged with the solemn duty of visiting the club at Paei’oa at least once during the season next year. Bro. Brown, who was received with prolonged applause, thanked the president for his kind words and the members for their valued gift, which he said would always be highly treasured in his home. He confessed that he had made the club a hobby, and he would never forget the happv times he had had, Or the genuine; good fellows he had met. It was witn genuine regret that he was leaving Paeroa, and he would certainly, visit the town again in .the future. The speaker concluded by wishing the club t every success and-prosperity for . the future.

During the evening Bro. Marshall, on behaSlf of the members, presented Bro. Maxwell-Walker with the club’s badge, and in doing so thanked him for visiting the club and presiding over the session. The members that night had been privileged to hear one of the finest speakers and entertainers that it had been his pleasure to listen to, and they were grateful and honoured by his visit. Bro. Maxwell-Walker suitably acknowledged the presentation, and said that he considered he had been highly honoured at being invited to preside. He could assure the gathering that he, .top, had thoroughly-enjoyed himself, and would use his best en - deavours to arrange for some of the brethren of the Auckland club to attend the final session in Paeroa next month.