OTAGO CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 12

OTAGO CLUB.

SOCIAL AND DANCE. The monthly social and dance of the Otago Club was held on Tuesday in the Y.W.C.A. Club rooms, and took tile form of a club birthday party. A large number of Otago people and their friends were present to take, part in what proved to be a most successful evening, and one which will be long remembered in the club’s history. Mi - J. S. Winton officiated as chairman in the absence of the president (Mr A. J. Graham), and welcomed the many visitors who were present. He regretted that Mr Graham was unable to be present on this occasion, as Mrs Graham was indisposed, and expressed the hope that she would make a speedy recovery. A feature of the evening was the delightful programme arranged by Miss Junker, of Pahiatua, who, with a party from Pahiatua, journeyed over to provide the club with its birthday programme. Those comprising the party were: Miss Junker, Mrs Boyens, Miss Chatwin and Mr Truscott. The solos and duets were well chosen, and provided the company with a first-class entertainment. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr Winton thanked those who had taken part, and expressed the hope that they would again journey to Palmerston North and provide the club with another programme. In reply, Miss Junker said that it had been a pleasure to sing to such an appreciative audience, and she felt sure that her party appreciated the reception their items had received, and that they would certainly favour the club with another programme. A special vote of appreciation was passed to Mrs Richard, the club’s accompaniste, for presiding at the piano. Supper was served by the ladies’ committee. Afj this stage a large decorated birthday cake, surmounted by six candles, was the centre of attraction, Mr and Mrs J. S. Winton and Mr and Mrs D. Dredge, foundation members of the club, performed the ceremony of cutting the cake. Mr Dredge thanked the club for the honour and recalled the formation of the club on November 28, 1930. He, together with Mr Winton and others, had felt that the name “Otago” and the traditions and high ideals of the early settlers of Otago should not be forgotten by those who lived in Palmerston North, and they had conceived the idea of an Otago Club. About 27 people were present at the first meeting, and when he looked round at the large number present now (over 100), he was pleased to think that the club -was fulfilling its object, and proving itself a necessary institution in the social life of the city. Mr Winton also replied in similarvein.

All present received a portion of the birthday cake, and the hope was expressed that the club would continue to prosper, and be the means of bringing Otago people into closer touch with one another. After supper the room was cleared for dancing. Old-time dancing was the order, and soon those present were enjoying themselves. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mrs R. McCulloch and Mr Finch, and later Miss Walker and Mr Inglis were the winners of the lucky Gay Gordons. Dancing continued until midnight. Mr B. McCulloch carried out the duties of M.C.