OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1939, Page 3

OPTIMIST CLUB

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Masterton Optimist Club states: —The executive of the chib has great pleasure in presenting its annual report for the season of 1939. The year has been one of success. While several old members have been farewelled, we were able to welcome many new members. The attendance has been maintained, and we were awarded the Kenner Gavel for the best percentage attendance in New Zealand during the year. While the honour of holding this coveted trophy is indeed great, it must be remembered that our small membership and limited season gives us a decided advantage over other clubs, and it would be to our credit to build our membership to fifty members and then maintain our attendance.

We were fortunate in securing many splendid speakers who helped to make each meeting a success, and we thank the following in that direction: —Messrs J. Harris, “An Island Trip;’’ M. Handy, “The Salt Lake City;” H. M. Boddington, “Tennis in Australia;” McGregor, “Trip to England I and II;” the Rev. Binet, “Missionary Work in the Solomons;” A. Wallis, “Naval Incidents During the War;” E. Buckton, “Y.M.C.A. in N.Z.;” J. Baybutt, “Advertising and the Newspaper;” B. Iveson, “Astromony;” W. L. Butler, “Automatic Exchange;” Captain Matthieson, “The Social Work of the Salvation Army;” King, “Esperanto;” and H. H. Daniell, “Tanks in the Great War.” Club members also contributed to our programme and it is with pleasure we congratulate Optimist Allen Handyside, Tom Pearson (Con.), Ted Esler and Don McKurdie (Pro.) upon their spirited debate, “Communism has done more for Civilisation than Christianity,” and Optimists' David Wright, Murray Finlayson, Tom Pearson, Murray Finlayson and Sid Esler upon their addresses, while Optimist Mills’s film demonstration was a interesting diversion. A close contact has been maintained with the Y.M.C.A., but we hope to prove of even more service in the future. We look with pride .upon opr recent function when we entertained members of the Wellington Y.M.C.A. Our Ladies’ Night was a success, Mrs Anne Fletcher addressing us that evening. With a little more organisation a function such as this should become a much-anticipated gathering each year. We wish to thank the Y.M.C.A. for the use of its rooms and for the assistance they have given us; the caterers for providing such a splendid table each Tuesday, and those who have unstintedly devoted much of their time to make our club one of which.we are proud.” The report is signed by Mr G. A. Barr (hon. secretary).