OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 October 1940, Page 7

OPTIMIST CLUB

MEETING LAST NIGHT SEASON’S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The final meeting for the 1940 season of the Masterton Optimist Club was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms last night. The president. Chief Optimist R. Bradford, presided over a fair attendance of members. Many members were absent owing in the Territorial camp at Dannevirke. The resignation of the president. Mr Bradford, was received with regret and appreciation of his services was placed on record. Reference was also made to the valuable services rendered to the club by the secretary. Mr W. H. Lee. the treasurer. Mr P. Lee, and the Sheriff. Mr E. J. Esler. The resignationof the Padre, the Rev T. V. Pearson, was received and it was decided to send him a letter thanking him for his services and congratulating him on taking up Church work-with the Army. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President.

Mr R. Baikie; vice-presidents. Messrs F. Cody. R. Bradford; secretary, Mr W. H. Lee; treasurer, Mr P. Lee; sheriff Mr E. J. Esler; pianists, Messrs T. Hicks and L. Pither; padre, the Rev H. Taeapa. ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the annual report which is signed on behalf of the executive committee by Mr R. Bradford (president) and Mr W. H. Lee (secretary):

“Your committee have much pleasure in submitting the annual report covering the 1940 season. After being in recess for several months the club held its first meeting in 1940 on April 30, the interest of many of the younger men of the town being gained. The weekly teas were again held in the Y.M.C.A. social hall on Tuesday nights, and we must sincerely thank our caterers for their constant endeavours to provide each and all with an excellent meal. The attendance at meetings was good only, the records showing that for the first half season to July 9 of an average roll of 23, attendance was 85.3 per cent and for the latter half with an average roll of 25, attendance was 66.6 per cent. For the 1941 season we expect and hope to see at least 40 members present each week. That is a job for every Optimist. , “During the year we donated 15s 9d to the Sick, Wounded and Distressed Fund and £5 to the Y.M.C.A. appeal for funds. For the latter appeal we held a dance, the result being little more than a social success owing tc lack of support. In addition to addresses by members of this and other communities the club held two debates and on one occasion impromptu speeches. These were very successful. The following are thanked for ad-

dresses during the year: Mr D. E. Parton (“Christianity as it appeals to me"); Mr T. A. Russell (“Public Sanitation’’); the Rev H. Taeapa ("The Maori Race”); Mr E. M. Hodder (“Deep sea fishing”); Mr Brastead (“Y.M.C.A. work in this and the last war”); Mr D. Jenkins, Australian debater (“Conscience and Society”); Mi- Norman Lee (“Hospital Administration”); Mr W. White (“Immigration to New Zealand of British orphans"); Mr H. Hope Cross (“Through New Zealand with the Movies”); Mr D. McCurdie (“My impressions of New Zealand"); the Rev Ussher (“League of Nations”); Miss Rita Snowden ("David Livingstone”); Mr I. I. McGregor ("My visit to the Continent"); Dr J. C. Forsyth ("Social Diseases"); Mr E. G. Coddington (“Intelligence testing"); Mr J„ Cleghorn (“A trip through the United States"). During the year we were unfortunate to lose several members among whom were Chief Smilers Murray Daniell and Frank Gillions, and Optimist G. Barr who have done much to make the club what it is today.

“The thanks of the eecutive are due to Optimist T. Hicks (pianist): the Press; the Y.M.C.A. secretaries for constant help; Optimist C. Cook (for song sheets); to the Sheriff and all the other Optimists who gave their entire cooperation for the betterment of the club. In conclusion we trust that members will endeavour to increase the membership and so' enable the club to function more smoothly, bearing in mind the objects of the movement, 'Goodfellowship and Service’.”