GREYMOUTH OLD BOYS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 October 1939, Page 12

GREYMOUTH OLD BOYS

MEETING AT WELLINGTON [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, October 19. The annual meeting of. the Greymouth Old Boys’ Association, which was held at the Marist Bros. Old Boys’ Association’s rooms on Monday evening, was presided over by the President (Mr. Phil Skoglund), a fair attendance being recorded. The annual report stated that the Association now had approximately sixty members, and made reference to the various social activities during, the year. The suggestion was made that more interest should be taken in the affairs of the organisation and an appeal was made for larger attendances at the social gatherings. The balance-sheet, which showed a small credit balance, was acknowledged as being most satisfactory and with the report was adopted. The election of officers resulted in re-election of the old executive, the chief positions being occupied by Messrs P. Skglund, President; Ben Warnes, Vice-President; H. Bowman, hon. Treasurer; and C. C. Kilgour, hon. secretary.

Appreciation was expressed of the work of the President during the past term and his re-election was carried by acclamation. Thanks were also expressed to the Treasurer and Secretary, the last-named being unable to attend, due to a bereavement. Mr. Skoglund referred to the suggestion made of opening the membership lists to embrace ex-residents of all parts of the West Coast —not the Grey district alone-stating that he personally favoured retaining the present status, as he believed that, although the West Coast Association had gone into retirement, its officers were still recognised, and it might be advisable to allow any move for amalgamation to come from them. Further he believed that, even for sentimental reasons alone, it would be better for the Association to carry on as at present. Eventually, the question was left for the executive to discuss and bring down recommendations. In view of the fact that Mr. D. J. Evans was to address a meeting of exCoast residents that night, the general business of the Association was adjourned until a future date.

. MR. EVANS' ADDRESS Over one hundred ex-West Coast residents gathered at the Association rooms, to hear a talk by Mr. D. J. Evans (Hokitika) on the part the West Coast is playing in the Centennial Exhibition. Mr. Evans gave an interesting description of what is being done at the Exhibition in connection with the portion of the New Zealand Pavilion allocated to the West Coast. He was most enthusiastic concerning the progress of the work and assured his listeners that the results to be seen when the building was opened would be c£ outstanding credit to those who had undertaken the task. ' The chief object of Mr. Evans’s visit to the’club rooms was to endeavour to have a women’s committee set up which would act as receptionists when the Exhibition is opened. Their task would be to be available to give any information desired concerning the tourist resorts of the West Coast, method of reaching them and advice regarding hotel tariffs, etc., and also advice regarding other points of interest in the district.

A splendid response was made to the appeal, over forty names being handed in, and the success of this committee appears assured, particularly in view of the fact that those at’ the head of affairs will be two members of tho family of the late Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon —Mesdames M. Hay and Knox Gilmer, who have generously undertaken the task of arranging further meetings, and have also promised all as

sislance possible. Both Messrs Phil Skoglund (chairman of the gathering), and T. E. Y. Seddon expressed thanks on behalf of those present to Mr. Evans for the entertaining hour he had provided and stated that they felt sure that not only the speakers, but also everyone present, would be pleased to co-operate in any manner possible to ensure the success of the West Coast display at the Exhibition. Mr. Evans, who was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Appleton, returned to Hokitika on Thursday.