OPOTIKI ORPHANS’ CLUB

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 64, 1 August 1938, Page 2

OPOTIKI ORPHANS’ CLUB

A BRIGHT EVENING POPULAR MEMBER faeeweLled A particularly happy time was spent at- the third evening ot the Opoxilvi Orphans ’Club session held in tne Masonic Hall on Friday night, when over sixty members and visitors were present. After the singing of the National Anthem, the president, Bro. A. G. Stevenson, installed I Bro. Goo.. Dawson in the chair. The club’s orchestra consisting of Eros. S. MeDougall, S. Pearce, E. Wells, J. Ross, E. Wrigley, A. Shaw and T. O’Sullivan, was in a particularly happy "■ mood, and their first item, which received an encore, was a good start for the evening. The gathering was now in *a happy mood for the com- / munity, singing, which was ably led by Bro\ H. G. Simpson. The toast to the visitors, proposed by Bro. E. G. East and responded to by Bro. Townsend, was followed by an amusing story by Bro. Dawson. Bro. W. Burton roceivecr ail encore for a vocal solo, after which Bro. Stevenson related items which had been given by the Gisborne Savage Club during the visit of members of the Opotiki Orphans’ Club. Bro. T. Morell received an encore for a vocal solo as dicL Bros. McDougail and Wrigley with a popular instrumental duet. Two amusing stories were told by Bro. GLambert, while a “local hits” song by Bros. Simpson, Lynch, McDougail, and O’Sullivan, caused considerable laughter. Bro. C. Tabb took the opportunity of referring to the honour bestowed upon President Stevenson during the recent visit to Gisborne, when he had been presented with a badge from the president- of the Savage Club. A story by, Bro. Dawson was followed by a vocal solo by Bro. R. Smith, who received a- well merited encore.

A collection for books for the Opotiki Hospital, limited to 3d per member, realised the sum of 13s 6d. Ihe singing of the Orphans’ Chorus was followed by what was probably the most popular item on the programme, a savoury supper served by Bro. A. * Dodgson and his able assistants. The club’s orchestra was in its best- form for the next item which was a fitting farewell to its leader, Bro. McDougail. Alter a vocal solo by Bro. A. E. Reece, Biro. Stevenson referred to Bro. McDougall’s impending departure. He said that it was with diffidence that the club would say farewell to Bro. McDougail, but it realised that he must take the step and go forward. Bro. McDougail was a wonderful asset to the club. He was a man and a sport and the club was-very sorry to part with him. In asking Bro. McDougall to accept a travelling bag as a token of appreciation of his services, Bro. Stevenson wished him the best of health. After the gathering had drunk to the health of Bro. McDougail, the orchestra gave a further item. Bro. McDougail, in thanking Bro. Stevenson for his remarks and for the response to the toast, said that he was sorry to leave Opotiki. because he had had a jolly good time here aiul had made many friends. In wishing the club the best of luck. Bm ' McDougail said he was leaving with

very pleasant memories of the people and town.

A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Anld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.