THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10615, 14 June 1920, Page 4

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

ENTERTAINED BY ORPHANS

EARL OF LIVERPOOL AT AN “ORPHAN OSIUM. ”

HIS EXCELLENCY IN HUMOROUS VEIN.

His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral (the Earl of Liverpool) was entertained by the Wellington Orphans’ Club on Saturday night at a most enjoyable “Orphanosium” held in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott street. His Excellency himself occupied the chair, being supported on the dais by Colonel Esson (Chief Orphan), Colonel Collins (the oldest Orphan), Mr D. McLaren (vice-president). Rev-. Mr Hunt, and Mr M. A. Carr (president of the Commercial Travellers’ Club). The attendance was so large as to strain to the utmost the aecomm,Delation. provided by the hall, and it was as enthusiastic as it was large.

Investing His Excellency with the regalia of office. Colonel Esson said: “It is exceedingly good of Your Excellency to take the chair at this informal and motherly meeting of orphans. It is my proud duty to invest you with the insignia of office, which has hecn worn by many worthy Orphans but never by one for whom the club has greater respect, and regard. We trust you with the symbols of office this evening, and are your dutiful subjects.” (Applause.) A telegram conveying the fraternal greetings from the. opening meeting of the Baby Orphans of New Zealand, was received from Mr H. J. Ferguson (president of the Hamilton Orphans’ Club). a most excellent programme of instrumental music, songs, and other items was contributed by the Orphans’ Orchestra, under the able directorship of Mr Drew, the Commercial Travellers’ Glee Party, very efficiently conducted- by Mr H. Temple White, and individual Orphans and visitors. At the supper adjournment. Colonel Esson proposed the health of the Gov-ernor-General, which was enthusiastically honoured, and His Excellency suitably and humorously responded. HIS EXCELLENCY’S SPEECH. ' Later, in his address as chairman, His Excellency thanked the club most sincerely for having invited him to the ‘'Orphanosium,” and for hawing elevated him to that exalted position that evening. (Applause and laughter.) He congratulated the club upon the numbers it bad attained, saying that ‘it seemed to increase by leaps and bounds, and to add several platoons to its strength every year. The value of such clubs to the community was enormous; and he thought w© could not take a bettor example than that left us by the gallant young officer who had lately been paying a visit to His Majesty’s Dominions, and had so clearly demonstrated tp us the value of the human touch. (Applause.) His only regret was that the young officer had been so short a time *lll the Dominion, and that the work that ,he had to do gave him no time to himself. (Applause.) N.o one could go on at top pitch all the time j and he was afraid that if they continued to work the Prince of Wales so hard as they had done he would not do nil that was hoped of him, for ha would only have two or three months at Home before he had to leave again for India and South • Africa. (Applause.) He was afraid that he himself was ■ present, at the meeting under false pretences—(laughter) —as he was supposed to be out of the Dominion by n.ow; but, owing to the visit referred the King had extended his time here, and ho would bo nominally Governor-General for some months longer, though tie had been promised a little leave before his retirement. (Applause.) He was not going into retirement to rust out, and he hoped to be able to revisit .the scenes of his former activities; and, certainly, one of the first places he visited would be this, _ and he would claim hospitality at their hands. (Ap plause.) Ho had nothing further to say than to. thank the members of the club most sincerely for the very kind way in which they had received the toast of his health Just now at the hands of Colonel Esson. He had greatly enjoyed that and other visits to their club, and ho would always look back to those evenings of relaxation and pleasure as some of the happiest memories of his stay in New Zealand. (Applause.) That was entirely from his heart and genuine. (Applause.) The very illustrious sailor who was taking his place as His Majesty’s representative bore was already an Orphan. Colonel Collins had mentioned to him their wish that Admiral Lord Jcllicoo should become their patron, and he would certainly commend their club to his notice in ©very possible way. (Applause.) THE PROGRAMME. The Orphans’ Orchestra fairly ex. celled itself in the overture, “Sun shine and Shower,” to the splendid programme presented; and in response to a hearty encore gave with groat spirit, “The Constellation March.” Then followed the recital, “The Mis or’s Fate,” a fine piece of characterisation, by Orphan Thco. Hills, who gave as an encoro, “The Dandy Fifth." The tenor, solo, “Be Good, Sweet Maid,” was sung with great expression by Or - plum .1. Oarr, as also was his cncoro item, “Dawn. The basso profuafdo of Orphan R. Mcatcs proved a prime favourite, and be was two or throetimes encored, his best items being “Mary Pray for Mo,’’ “On the Road to Mandalav,’’ and' “Love Oamo to Mo the Other Day.” A very amusing recitation, “The Health Habit.” was contributed by Orphan A. Oulford Bell, who gave as an encore, '‘Borrowing a Match.” Visitor'Walter, twice vociferously encored, sang “Good Nhdit, Dear Love,” “Sally Horner Round the Corner,” and “My Sweetheart When a Boy.” The Commercial Travellers’ Glee Party made good in very -varied measure with “The Imago of the Rose,” “Spin, Spin,” “Tim Warrior’s Song,” and “She Was a Prettv Little Gosling.” Orphan O. Mazengarb told some excellent anecdotes and recited with great feeling, "Hie Tower of St. Michael;” and the fine baritone of Orphan R. S. Allwrigbt was well beard in “I Ride to the Feet of My Maiden,” which was given a very hearty encore. In the second half of the programme the Orphans’' Orchestra- was twice encored, its items being “Lubly Lulu,” “Tho Last'Stand March.” and ‘’Oh, Listen to the Band.”