SUNSHINE & SERVICE

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17974, 20 March 1930, Page 7

SUNSHINE & SERVICE

THE OPTIMISTS’ CLUB

FIRST AWiUiAL MEETING. THE YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED. The work of the Y.M.C.A. in the community is well known, but perhaps the most important social branch of this organisation is the Optimists Club. Composed of Hie younger men of the Y.M.C.A., this club has as its motto, "Sunshine and Service,” and these words appropriately cover the objects of the ■movement. The Optimist- Club was formed to provide an organisation where young business and professional men of Y.M.C.A. membership may meet for the broadening of their acquaintance and the enjoyment of mutual fellowship, and to develop among members and in the community a spirit of well-reasoned optimism, to co-operate in that spirit in tho solution of Ihe civic, commercial, social, and moral problems of the times. Service is the keynote of all Optimist activities, and the practical application of this to the needs of the community iias resulted in a Ircmendous amount, of good having been done by Optimist Clubs throughout Ihe world, for this is a worldwide movement. In Hamilton a nourishing club has been established and lias just concluded its first year of activities. Last night the members met for their weekly tea, which was served by members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Alter a bounteous repast had been consumed the president, Mr 11. Braithwaite, who occupied the chair, announced lb-' names of new members, who were welcomed in true Optimist style. The real business of Hie evening-—that of the annual meeting—was then proceeded with. The Annual Report,,

A year of considerable activity was reviewed in the annual report. Weekly teas were held regularly, and at these the at tendance was very satisfactory. Several visiting speakers addressed the club at different times, while a number of capable orators were also found among the members. Two ladies' evenings and a social gathering were held during Ihc year, and 'these were from every aspect a complete success. A feature of the year's activities was the visit paid by a parly or Auckland Optimists, led by Mr It. A. Kcnna. As a means of slirnulaling acquaintances between home and outside clubs, these visits have proved of inestimable value. Another movement in the club was the formation of a Glee Club. Valuable work was done in community affairs. A “clothes drive’’ and collection for the Sunshine League and the Mayor's Rebel' Fund met with a gratifying response. This year it is hoped to achieve even greater success in social work. The balance-sheet revealed a satisfactory financial position. Election of Officer’s. The election of officers resulted: — President, Major R. J''. Ward; vicepresident, Mr F. Thorpe; secretary. Mr D. Gunn: treasurer, Air P. Grinder; commit lee. Messrs 11. Clark, L. Toms and L. Aiissen.

Prior to vacating the chair to the new president the retiring chairman thanked members for their support during tho past year and expressed the ■hope that the new president would receive the same co-operation in the interests of the club. Gonerat.

In taking the chair Major R. F. Ward said that he felt it an honour to be placed at the head of a body whose aim was service. He expressed the hope that members would assist him in tiie activities of the club, which had been very well run in the past. The matter of attendance at the weekly teas was brought before the meeting by Optimist Gunn, who mentioned that the ladies responsible for the catering were often inconvenienced in not knowing liow many members to provide for. He considered that all members should notify ihc committee before the weekly -meeting as lo whether they would be present or not.— This was considered a good suggestion and was carried.

Optimist Toms considered that the Hamilton Club should return a visit which had been paid them by Hie Auckland Club.—This was recommended to the incoming committee for attention. Prior to the conclusion ot the meeting a vote of -thanks to the outgoing officers was carried with acclamation.