THE OVER-SEAS CLUB.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 48, 7 February 1911, Page 1

THE OVER-SEAS CLUB.

Wc sailed wherever ships could sail, We founded many a mighty state ; Pray God our greatness may noi fail Through craven fears of being great.” -—Tennyson.

In conversation this morning with Mr. Trimble, Registrar of the Supreme Court, who is evidently an enthusiastic Imperialist, the existence of the “Over-Seas Club” was mentioned. This led to the production of the certificate of membership which Mr. Trimble possessed, and at his suggestion the four Napier pressmen present readily signed their names to an application for membership. The wide embracing ideals of the Over-Seas Club cannot fail to appeal strongly to all patriotic Britons, and proof of this is to be found in the fact that in four months of organisation, from August 22nd to December 31st, 1910. no fewer than 1446 branches were formed, and the membership brought up to 118.000, and the number is rapidly increasing. There is nothing revolutionary, nothing political in the “members’ creed,” which simply says:

“Believing the British Empire ! to stand for justice, freedom, I order, and good government. we pledge ourselves, as citizens , of the greatest Empire in the 1 world, to maintain the heritage handed down to us by our fathers.” These are brave, strong words to which every Briton can readily subscribe his name, feeling that he links himself to the cause which knows no “craven fears of being great. ’ The “objects” or 'rules” of the Club impose no restrictions, ask for no sacrifices, nor'claim more than many will cheerfully undertake to give. They are as follows ;— lo help one another. Io urge oji every able-bodied man the necessity of being able to beat; arms. - lo draw together in the bond <»f comradeship the peoples now living under the folds of the British flag. To insist, on the vital necessity to the Empire of British Supremacy on the sea. No entrance fee nor annual sub . script ion is asked for. and a cor- < tificate of membership will be for- j warded to all who desire it. The Club also supplies enamelled bad-, ges at !<-. silver 26, 9-earat gold 10’6. 15-carat gold 15 6. It is hoped that the C lub-will enable members: ; to keep in touch with each other in all parts of the Empire, eve* keeping in view the honor, integrity and supremacy of. the British nation. ■ ■■ f rh <; ; The formation of a branch ini Napier seems assured. ‘