THE OTAGO EX-GONTIN CENTERS’ CLUB.

Evening Star, Issue 12257, 26 July 1904, Page 2

THE OTAGO EX-GONTIN CENTERS’ CLUB.

A .meeting of members it tbo above was held last evening for,' tho purpose of considering what form tbo annual reunion should take. Mr D. A. Hickey (vice-presi-dent) occupied tho chair, and there were present Messrs G. L. Denniston, J. A. Park, G. Morris, .and 0. R. Smith (honorary Jifo members), and a largo gathering of members. The Chairman explained that there had been a suggestion that the annua) gathering should take the form of a “reminiscence night,’’ and bo held when His (Excellency the Governor was in Dunedin in connection with the laying of the foundation stone for the fallen soldiers’ memorial. Another suggestion was that it sho.uld be held when Lord Roberta visited this City. Messrs Black and Mason had drawn up a suggestion which would be submitted. The Secretary having read tho suggested programme, some discussion followed, after which Mr Park said that tho idea of a “ reminiscence night ” was a very good one. There was not much risk of the'club sinking into obscurity with so satisfactory an increase in the membership. He moved—“ That the club’s annual reunion take the form of a reminiscence night and conversazione, to bo held in November; tbo date to be arranged.” Mr G. L. Denniston, who seconded the motion, agreed with the suggestions. There would be no difficulty in enlisting tho assistance of the ladies. It would be a pity to hold off the gathering until tho arrival of Lord Roberts, for it might he taken that he would not reach New "Zealand this year; v but he (Mr Denniston) would recommend ' .that tho instant Lord Roberts arrived in Australia the club should communicate with ' him to secure his patronage,’possibly, for the next reunion, Further discussion ensued, in the course of which The Chairman said that an entertainment such as had been suggested would be a success, as it would be a novelty, as was the first ball, it. would pall the next year. He did not like to’place the club before the public so much. If there was any kudos to be gained from the fact of fighting in South Africa it would be lost by the club bringing themselves so prominently before tjie public and ,relating the -incidents connected -with the campaign. It - ,-wivs far better for the club to simply hold reunions- Of course, if the suggestions were acted upon ho would lend his best assistance, but ho'could not agree with tho proposal. The motion was,then carried unanimously. Messrs Morris, Smith, Christie, Black, and Mason, with the secretary, were appointed a committee to consider details ana submit a report at next meeting. Mr Freeman said the Otago Hussars’ orderly room would bo at the disposal of the sub-coraraitteo for meetings. Votes of thanks to the honorary life members prerent and the chair concluded tho meeting. (