AUCKLAND ORPHANS CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16980, 14 October 1918, Page 7

AUCKLAND ORPHANS CLUB.

CLOSE OF THE 1918 SEASON. The successful season which the Auck land Orphans' Club has enjoyed this year was brought to a close on Saturday evening. The Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward were present. Sir James Allen, the Hon. A. M. Myers, and the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald were also present, the other chief guests being the American Mr. A. A. Winslow, and Mr. Cyril Ward, of Christchurch. Mr. V. J. Lamer presided. In extending a welcome to the returned Ministers Mr. Lamer said they, the two leading citizens of the Dominion, had been taking part in the Councils of the Empire. They were gentlemen in whole the people of the Dominion had the fullest confidence, and at the sittings of the Imperial War Conference they had done hononr to the Dominion which they so worthily represented. It was most sat- ! isfactory to the people of New Zealand to [ know that they had safely returned home again. (Applause.) The chairman read [ fraternal greetings from a number of orphans' clubs in various parts of the Dominion and from Sir Charles P. Lucas, envoy from the Colonial Office to New Zealand in 1909, and a former member. Patriotic speeches were delivered by the 1 Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward- and Sir James Allen, the latter making special reference to tho New Zealand soldiers at

the front. The toast of " Our Boys" was enthusiastically drunk. As usual a feature of the gathering was the musical programme. A number of choice vocal and instrumental items were contributed, the

orchestral selections being worthy of special commendation. One piece, " Liberty," typifying certain scenes in the war, was enthusiastically applauded. The national airs of some of the allied nations were introduced into the theme. A comprehensive resolution was carried thanking all those who had assisted the club during the season, special reference being made to the services of Mr. J. D. Craw-

ford, hon. secretary, and of the committee.