THE RECHABITE JUVENILE FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19011, 6 November 1923, Page 10

THE RECHABITE JUVENILE FRIENDLY SOCIETY.

I ANNUAL COMPETITIONS, i i i Enthusiasm was clearly in evidence at the i fourth annual competitions of the Rechabite j .tuveuile Friendly Society, which were held 1 in Kroon's Hall on Saturday night. There | was a large attendance, and 44 competitors | rendered test pieces. j The Chairman (Bro. R. Farrant. D.C.R.), I who opened the competitions, briefly outj lined the work which was being done by I ilie juvenile section. The competitions were I onder the control of the Otago Provincial i Council, 1.0. R., and all arrangements were carried out in a capable and efficient nunj ner. Mrs \V. Herbert acted as judge of i elocution, and Mr J. Davidson of singing. I Both judges spoke very highly of the. stanI dard attained by the competitors, and exI pressed pleasure in having had the opportunity of judging such excellent performances.- The following were the results: Elocution. —Grade 1 (boys and girls): Nanna N c wey (Primrose), 74 points, 1; Charlotte Ferguson (Hope of the Valley), - 64 points, 2. Grade 2 (boys): Harry M‘Manus (Primrose), 47 points. 1; Robert Coulter (Hope of the Valley), 46 points, 2. ‘Girls): Doris Algie (Rising Star), •70 points, 1; Lenora Berteushaw (Hope of the Valley), I 69 points, 2: Ella Smith (Hope of the j Valley). 68 points, 3. Grade 3 (boys): Leslie ! Anderson (Hope of the Valley), 65 points, 1; Robert Cool; (Primrose), 63 points. 2; Frank Breeso (Hope of the Valley), 58 points. 5. ‘Girls): Gladys Edwards (Primrose), 63 points. 1; Ellie Marks (Hope of the ValleyL i.S points, 2; Ella Davison (Primrose), 54 po’nts, 5. Grade 4 (hoys); Harry Anderson (Hope of the \ alley), 55 pohits, 1; Russell Norris (Rising Star), 54 points. 2; Jack M'Monus (Primrose), 49 points, 3. (Girls): Phyllis Stanley (Primrose), 58 points, 1; Phyllis Hopkins (Hope of the Valley), 55 points. 2; Mavis Johnston (Primrose) and Margaret Algie (Rising Star), 51 points (equal), 3. . ■ ~ , ( Singing - . —Grade 1 (girls) • Elite Marks (Hope of the Valley), 48 points, 1; Doris I Algie (Rising Star). 44 points, 2; Mavis I Anderson (Hope of the "Valley). 41 points, | 3 Grade 2 (girls): Margaret Algie (Rising Star). 49 points. 1; Molly Lee (Rising Star), j 47 points, 2; Mavis Johnston (Primrose),- 45 | points, 3. (Boys); Harry Anderson (Hope of the Valley). 53 points, 1; William Johnston (Rising Star), 49 points, 2; Alfred ovight (Rising Star). points, 3. The banner, which is awarded to the tent securing the highest aggregate marks, was won by Hope of the Valley with 13 points, {9 points) slid Rising - Star (8 points) being second and third respectively. Prov. C.R. Bro. G. H. Anderson announced that the prizes would bo distributed at the Primrose Tent’s anniversary social, which will be held on November 8 in Kroon's Hall A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the judges and Miss Scott (accompanist). Iho Ringing of “God have the Eing terminated an interesting And pleasant function. THE KAITANGATA RELIEF FUND. to THE EDITOR Sm—Your issue of Saturday last contained a letter signed by W. D. Spiers in which a strong protest is made against a proposal to apply the balance of the Kaitnngata Relief Fund for the benefit of those who suffered through the recent flood the proposal to which Mr Skiers objects had not come under my notice before my attention was cailod to'his letter. Possibly this is true also of a considerable number of others who have a direct interest in the fund. It this is the case, then, it is clear that our interest in a matter that concerns us closely, has not been as keen as it should have been. The fund described as the Kaitangata Relief Fund was raised by voluntary subscriptions for a very definite and specific purpose—namely, for the relict and benefit of those who were on the men who lost their lives in the "explosion of February, 1879. There was no other purpose in the minds of the donors, and it is unthinkable that the balance of the fund can be justly transferred or applied to any other cause, no matter how worthy. Mr Spiers is justified in contending that if the funds had been administered in a more generous liberal manner the beneficiaries, young and old, would have been spared much hardship and difficulty. That the fund was ample is shown by the fact that at the present time the balance stands at between £7OOO and £IO,OOO. This large sum is held in trust for the benefit of the widows and orphans of the men who were killed in the explosion. It may have been wise to administer the fund in such a way that very limited assistance was given when the orphans were young and help was most needed. But the feeling remains that the help that was needed was not given and that feeling makes it impossible to adopt the idea that the fund has served its purpose, and that the beneficiaries have now no claim on it. Mr Spiers has performed an important service, for he has drawn attention to the fact that the time has come for those who are directly concerned to make their presence felt and establish their claim to be heard and considered. It is not enough for a'few individuals to protest in the daily papers. Organisation ie necessary. A meeting of the orphans should be held immediately to adopt a policy in relation to the fund and to appoint a committee /to look after their interests. Organisation and vigorous united action, and nothing else, will preserve the rights and claims that appear to be in danger. It should not be a very difficult matter to get into touch with all that are concerned and to make all the necessary arrangements in a very short time. It will afford me personally great pleasure to hear from old friends in this connection, and to join with them in the effort to see that justice ie done in thH matter.—l am, etc., A. Watson. The Manse, Weston, November^.