ORPHANS CLUB.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5197, 31 October 1927, Page 2

ORPHANS CLUB.

SESSION OF PAEROA BODY.

ENJOYABLE LOCAL NIGHT

The semi-final session for the 1927 season of the Paeroa. Orphans? Club was held on Thursday night last. There was a large and representative attendance; of members, and no efforts were spared by the committee to make “local” night a memorable one. The brother chosen to preside was Bro. V. J. Innes (vice-president), who was, duly installed in his chair by the president (Bro. P. Williams). The; selection of Bro. Innes as chairman was a particularly fortunate one, as he proved himself to be singularly gifted for the position, and his inexhaustible store of anecdotes, grave and gay, and many of them relating to actual experiences, kept the members in a state of earnest interest and much amusement.

The guests of the evening were the members of the Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade, who were warmly welcomed by Bro. G. H. Taylor (vicer president). In cpmjnending the brigade on its efficiency the speaker paid a tribute to the energy and enthusiasm of its secretary, Driver C. W. Malcolm. The club was glad to have the presence of the brigade at its session, and was proud to offer it a hospitable welcome. PRESENTATION TO CLUB. Ii; acknowledging the welcome deputy-Superintendent E. Moore apologised for the unavoidable absence of Superintendent W. J. Moore.

On v behalf of the brigade an enlarged photograph of the motor fire-reel and firemen was presented to the club with the brigade’s compliments, as a slight token of appreciation of the club’s services in raising money amounting to £176 for the purchase of the motor-reel. In acknowledging the presentation 'Bro. Williams assured the brigade that the photograph would be hung in a prominent position in the clubroom, and would be treasured as one of the club’s assets. It would also serve to remind present and future members that, while the . Orphans’ Club was a social organisation,, it was also ever mindful of the needs and wants of others. BRO. W. E. WARD HONOURED. In view of the fact that Bro. W. E. Ward will be retiring before the club opens its 1928 season the opportunity was taken to present him with a. case of silver-mounted pipes. In making the presentation on behalf of the members Bro. Williams said that the recipient would shortly be retiring after giving nearly forty years’ faithful service to the general public. (Applause.) Since Bro. Ward had come to Paerpa he had never lost an opportunity to assist the progress and advancement, of the town, and in addition to being a. foundation member of the club he had also been an enthusiastic and zealous committeeman. It vyas the sincere wish of the members that Bro. Ward would, long be spared to enjoy his well-earned rest, and that the eventide of his life would be peaceful and happy. In time to come, whenever he visited Paeroa he could rest assured that there would always be a hearty welcome awaiting him. In a happy speech Bro. Ward suitably acknowledged the presentation. Although not leaving the town at once, when- he did go he would take away with him nothing but the happiest recollections of the time he had spent at Paeroa. It had been a genuine pleasure to do what lit.tle he had been able to do for the club, the members of. which were gentlemen and keen sports in every sense of the word. Naturally he would be very loath to leave them all, but at the same time he was looking forward to his retirement from official duties. Tn addition to an interesting address delivered by Bro. Innes on “The Problems of the Pacific,” the following contributed to the harmony of the evening : Bros. Henderson, F. G. Williams, E. Edwards, A. F. S’teedman, R. Cooke. H. H. Harrison, A. Steward, the Hauraki Orchestra and String Quartette, and last, but not least, the Campbell Boys, who contributed n number of concej-tina selections. Tlie session closed with cheers for Bro. Ward and the Fire Brigade, and the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne.”