ORPHANS CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 18999, 22 July 1925, Page 2

ORPHANS CLUB

■ i ENTERTAIN LADY FRIENDS. The Dunedin Orphans’ Club being exclusively a man’s club, the wives, sisters, daughters, and Jadv friends of tho members are afforded tut few opportunities of forming an idea of what their husbands, brothers, etc., do when they “go to the Orphans” at.fortnightly intervals during the winter. In the old days, Ladies’ Night was a regular feature in the season’s doings, hut during tho past few years it had been allowed to lapse. This season, however, it was decided to revive it, and the popularity of the revival was amply demonstrated last night, when some 350 members and friends gathered in the beautiful Tudor Hall at tho Savoy and enjoyed what proved to be one of the most successful social entertainments ever given by the club. Each lady guest as she entered the hall was presented with a box of chocolates, upon the lid ot which was printed the club’s emblem and the words r.i i 't opening and closing edes; while, in the souvenir programme each item was wittily specified. Bro. H. F. Necs (vice-president) occupied tho chair and briefly welcomed tho visitors.

An exceedingly fine programme was opened by the Orphans’ Orchestra, which was in great form under the baton of Conductor Ililmer Davie. Tbe selections on this occasion were ‘ Concert Overture ’ and ‘ Somewhere in Naples.’ Bro. T. Bachop followed with a pleasing rendering of that, favorite ballad ‘Lolita.’ Then Bro. C. H. Russell told in amusing and almost convincing style the story of tho prevaricating “Old Warrior” whose thirst was more real than his war record. A trio by Bros. J. Flint (violin), J. W. Stewart (flute), and J. A. Haggitt (piano) found favor with two <•••««, ‘A Herd Girl’s Dream’ and ‘Flower Song.’ Bro. S. G. Angell -was in good -oa.v, and sang ‘The J.ast Cm It ’ excellently. A highly diverting offering was that of Bro. Wilson Brown, whose imitations of a coster in the gallery of a theatre, and of tho lady singing ‘ Spring is Coming ’ were .splendidly done. Bro. A. Moore sang very sweetly ‘The Cradle Song.’ The first part of the programme was brought to a conclusion with a burlesque thought-reading act by Bro. George Wycherley, assisted by Bro. J. JL M'Conmdl. This was largely topical, Bro. Wycherley delving into fictitious pasts and reeding improbable futures in humorous fashion. After tho orchestra had again performed in their best style in ‘ The World’s Fair Polka ’ and 1 Barcarolle,’ Bro. A. Walmsley delighted everybody with his rendering of ‘ Farewell.’ Bro. Allan Young then hold forth regarding tho purchase of a Ford, and what followed, with hilarious results. A'choice item was Squires's 1 Serenade,’ played on the ’cello by Bro. M. F. Bobilliard, and Bro. T. \V. Dobbie sang very nicely ‘ All Along o’ Me.’ A compelling rendering of Service’s pathetic little poem, * Good-bye, Little Cabin,’ was given by Bro. J. B. M‘Donnoil, and then Bro. K. Drake aroused enthusiasm with a spirited rendering of ‘ Take a Pair ot Sparkling Eyes.’ Finally Bro. J. A. Haggitt sang in his usual bright style about bis ‘ Garden Suburb,’ and a most, enjoyable and entertaining evening (not the least satisfying feature of winch was the supper) was brought to a close with the singing of the club’s dosing ode and tbo National Anthem. Urn. Haggitt was an efficient accompanist. The Chairman moved a, hearty vote of thanks to the performers, and to Mr and Mrs Barling for the capital manner in which the arrangements had been carried out. He then put it to the vole of the ladies whether tho 0,, „] K) ,,n henceforth be an annual fixture. The answer was a unanimous lucius oi “Ayes.'