OPTIMISTS’ CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 5, 5 December 1931, Page 9

OPTIMISTS’ CLUB

ANNUAL DINNER. The third annual dinner of the Optimists’ Club was held last evening, when there was a very Iprge attendance at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s tearooms. Mr G. Dawick, the president, expressed pleasure at seeing so many present, and welcomed the visitors, among whom were Mrs Oram, president, and members of the Business Girls’ Lunch Club, Miss C. Ashton, secretary of the Y.W.C.A., and members of the Y.AI.C.A. Debating Club, and also members of the Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors.

Quoting the Optimists’ motto, “Non Novis Solum,” Air Dawick said that surely it was most appropriate and at all times would they try to live up to it and remember “the other fellow.” Mr G. C. Petersen, on behalf of the debating Club, thanked the Optimists for their invitation, and thought it an excellent plan that the club he represented had joined forces at this their annual dinner, and expressed the hope that both clubs would continue to flourish.

Mrs Oram and Miss Ashton replied on behalf of their clubs, each expressing pleasure at the invitation to be present. Mr J. Grant replied in witty fashion on behalf of tho Y.M.C.A. directors, as did also Mr C. C. Woods. Mr Dawick then introduced the speaker, Mr R. N. Brasted, national secretary of the Y.M.C.A.. who delivered a most inspiring address on the work of the Y.M.C.A., and, incidentally. o* Optimists. It was most gratifying, he said, to find the good work being carried on so well in Palmerston North, and congratulated tho director, Air Woods, and all those connected with the running of the Optimists’ Club. Air Kenner, the founder of the movement, sent his kindest regards and regretted, through the speaker, his inability to be present. The Palmerston North Club, Air Kenner had said, was a particularly live one. He sent the following message:—“Our Optimist Clubs have different characteristics and if I were asked to name the Palmerston North one, I should use the word ‘pep’ and ‘energy.’ On each of my visits to your club I have enjoyed tire ‘go’ that has been imparted into the proceedings.” Air Kenner expresesd a keen desire that the club would continue to prosper. It had everything in its favour, the best of directors and officials, and it only rested with the Optimists themcslves. Air Brasted pointed out the need for’a “safety margin” in the Struggle for existence so often experienced bv associations. Air Brasted went on to indicate the work of the Y.AI.C.A. and their growing interest in politics; surely indicative of the activity of tire Y.AI.C.A. today and of its growth. As long as the young men of the community took the lead, then the continued success of the Y.AI.C.A. and Optimists’ Club was assured. Taking charge of their “little brothers” and helping them along the road was a most important function of the Optimist Club, and one which could be entrusted to them for wise guidance and advice. He was sure there was great scope in Palmerston North for such activities, and one could safely say that if the Optimists continued along those lines, they would have another equally successful year. Air C. Woods passed a \’ote of thanks to the speaker, and expressed pleasure at Air Brasted’s ability to spare time to address them. His (Air Brasted’s) speech had been a challenge to youth, an inspiration to all those who had the success of the association at heart.

On the call of Air Woods, three cheers were given for Alessrs G. Dawick and G. Cameron, who had worked well in their respective capacities as president and lion, secretary. Owing to the unavoidable absence of Padre Alattliews, Air Campbell extended the season’s greetings and introduced a thoughtful vein into the proceedings, inspiring courage and willingness to shoulder the responsibilities which were bound to occur.

Apologies for absence were received from Airs H. Palmer (president Y.AI.C.A. Ladies’ Auxiliary Association), and Airs Griggs (secretary), also Alessrs T. R. Hodder. W. G. Black and C. T. Salmon (president and secretary Rotary Club), J. H. Stevens (secrotary Citizens’ Lunch Club), G. G. Hancox, J. Alurray. J. C. Young and AI. H. Oram.

Items were rendered by Miss N. Whalley, Air C. Bcrgersen and Air A. J. AlcLeavey, with Miss Raleigh at the piano. . The Optimists’ songs were snog with great gusto and led by Air G. Foster, with Mr G. Large as pianist. Air Dawick paid a tribute to the excellent attention and catering of Airs Coates and staff at their meetings, amd also thanked Mr Large, their pianist. The usual toasts were bonoured — The King” and “The Ladies.” the latter being replied to by Aliss R. Linklater, and a merry evening was concluded by Air Dawick wishing everyone the season’s greetings.