OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 September 1938, Page 9

OPTIMIST CLUB

INTERESTING ADDRESS. There was a fairly large attendance at the weekly meeting of the Optimist Club held at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms on Tuesday night. Chief Smiler F. Gillions presided. A committee was formed to arrange a dance to be held in the near future. The debate which had been postponed recently is to be held next meeting. Mr Jack Harris, the speaker for the evening, gave an interesting account of a trip around the South Sea Islands. The social activities on board ship were excellent, he said. These were arranged by the ship’s officers and there was not-a dull moment during the trip. He referred to the visit of King Neptune, which afforded a great deal of amusement. The first call was at Tonga, where wonderful treatment was meted out to the visitors. It was necessary of course to bargain for everything. Sightseeing included “blowholes” caused by the sea, and the flying foxes proved interesting studies. Other islands were visited and each had its own special interest. Trips were made in the ship’s boats to sea caves and other places of unusual interest. The tour included the islands of Fiji, where native entertainment was given to the visitors. A game of native football proved very interesting —no boots being used for kicking. At Suva they witnessed a game between the local natives and the Maori All Blacks. A well organised ball was given the passengers at the South Pacific Hotel, Suva, and it was a very wonderful affair. A call was made at the Tin Can Mail Island where large quantities of mail were discharged and taken on board. During the return voyage fun and entertainment were distinctive features and everything was done to make the passengers enjoy the trip. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the speaker for his address.