ORPHANDOM.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5128, 20 May 1927, Page 2

ORPHANDOM.

THIRD SEASON OPENED.

PLEASURABLE EVENING SPENT.

The third season of the Paeroa Orphans’ Club was opened last night, and if the evening was any forecast of what the season is destined to be it savours well for the club and Orphandom in this district, for upwards of 100 members were present, and there was not. a dull moment throughout. The spirit of goodfellowship and brotherhood, typical of Orphandom, was abroad in generous measure, resulting in a most successful opening night.

Besides the large attendance of members there were visitors from Auckland, Onehunga, Te Awamutu, Thames, Hamilton, and other centres. Upon mounting the dais with the Guardian (Bro. H. Poland) and the President (Bro. P. Williams), Bro. C. E. Andrews said that they had met that night to open the 1927 season with no regrets, but looked back on the preceding years of the club meetings with some feelings of pride. T'he club was financially soiled, and the membership was still increasing. Bro. Williams had proved a worthy chairman, and he (the speaker) congratulated the club on his reappointment as president. Bro. Andrews then invested Bro. Williams with the collar, of his office and requested him to conduct the session.

Upon taking the chair Bro. Williams thanked the brethren for electing him to the office of president for the third year, and assured them that he would do his best to carry on, and remarked that if the harmony of the club continued as it had done in the past they had nothing to ■fear.

After the National Anthem had been sung the president extended a. hearty welcome and fraternal greetings to the brethren and the visitors. Referring to the finances, he said that the only liability was £45 owing on the piano which was due on Friday, and they had a credit balance in the bank of £47. The evening was spent wi,th musical items contributed by a par.ty of visitors from Thames which were very highly appreciated by all. Items were contributed by the club’s orchestra and Bros. Griffin, Cordes, Watson, Galloway, Foster, and Beech, all of Thames, and consisted of duets, quartettes, songs, and musical sketches. Bro. Buchan, of Thames, played the accompaniments.

Bro. Poland, in proposing the toast of the visitors from Thames, referred to the harmonious gathering, which he attributed to the excellent programme rendered by them. On behalf of the Thames brethren Bro. Watson extended thanks for the welcome accorded them, and also for the privilege of supplying the musical programme for the evening. It was always a pleasure, he said, to come to Paeroa and meet the brethren.