OVERSEAS CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15892, 11 October 1913, Page 12

OVERSEAS CLUB.

Members of the Otago branch of. the Overseas Club held a highly successful and enjoyable social meeting in tho Art Gallery Hall last night. Tho president, Mr Eraser, K.C., occupied tho chair, and there were fuily 160 ladies and gentlemen present. Proceedings opened with tho singing of the creed of the club, which was rendered with enthusiasm. After tho president had made a few introductory remarks the majonty of thoso present adjourned to the ■ adjoining hall, where cards _ and games were played: Those who remained wero favoured with musical and vocal items and with the rccital of a few personal experiences by tho Rev. 'Mr Dutton and Mr-Eraser. During the evening Mr Dutton delivered a bright and appropriate address. The speaker said that ho was sure the great and practical institution to which they belonged could not have had its foundation had it not sprung from genuino patriotism. In belonging to tho club they did not look for something but to do something. What they weiro there for really was to do and not to get. Patriotism was one of tho finest emotions that the human heart was capahlo of. wero all in tho fullest sympathy with tho creed of tho Overseas Club. They recognised that tho English Empire was a, groat and glorious Empire—one that had been won and one that had to be held. Ho was sure they all realised that they had a personal duty and an obligation in relation to" tho maintenance of tho Empire. There was no greater protector of the peaco of the world nt the present time than the British Emrrire.—(Hear, hoar.) The speaker told a story which went to 6how how tho very existence of the British navy had saved England from interference by tho Continental Powers during tho Boor war. That showed how important it was that every consideration should bo givon to tho strehgtliening of tho Empire. It was the duty of statesmen to 6eo that no means were left unprovided that would trod to tho preservation of their greatness. They hadgreatness, and it was no boa6t to say that they wore proud of tho Empire to whioh tlie'y belonged and of the old (lag.—(Applause.) In keeping tho (lag flying, tho speaker concluded, tliey were promoting the poaco of the whole world. The follow',ng contributed items during the evening:—Miss Silver, Messrs D. J. Robertson, C. Umbers. J, D. Cameron, and J. 11. Oliver (songs), W. R. Bruph (recitation), and R. K. Macfie (piano solo).