OPENING NIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26478, 4 June 1947, Page 8

OPENING NIGHT

DUNEDIN ORPHANS’ CLUB

NEW HOME “CHRISTENED’*

About 250 members of the Dunedin Orphans’ Club attended the opening of the club’s new premises in King streetformerly known as the Little Theatrelast night, the opening ceremony being performed by the deputy Mayor, Cr McCrae. Since the acquisition of the property by the club, extensive alterations have been carried out in readiness for last night’s ceremony. The president, Bro. Dr. E. R. Hacjy, was in the chari. The Dunedin Orphans’ Club was founded in April, 1898, said Cr McCrae, the objects being the development of literary and musical talent, the promotion of good fellowship and rational amustment, “ The promotion of good fellowship is needed in the world to-day, declared the deputy Mayor, who congratulated the club on its civic duties. “You have not confined your activities to the club room, but have given many concerts for various objects and have annually entertained the children of the city orphanages,"'he said, Envy of Kindred Clubs After being domiciled for many years in various places in the city, the club had now suitable premises, remodelled to its own requirements, as a social club, and the hall should be in great demand for different functions, he said. “I congratulate the club upon its foresight in providing such a well-appointed hall in the heart of the city,” Cr McCrae added, ” and I think your club will be the envy of all kindred clubs throughout New Zealand-’’ „ Ttfe deputy Mayor handed the key of the building to the president, who replied briefly. Bro Harty read telegrams of congratulation from kindred clubs. . Best wishes from the Kindred Clubs Association were conveyed by the secretary, Colonel A. E. Loach, of Christchurch, who remarked tftat no other cluo in New Zealand had premises like those of the Dunedin Club. He mentioned the increase in the membership of Orphans and Savage Clubs within the association over the years and the enjoyment they could bring. _ . . Congratulations were offered by speakers on behalf of the Macandrew Bay Orphans’ Club and the Oamaru Savage Club. Seniority Badges The president conferred seniority badges on the following members:—Ten years: Bros. R. Cairns, J. H. Duncan, W. McPhail, G. H. Paterson. A. T. N. Simpson, C- Vennall. T. C. Wynne and R. H. Kerr. Twenty years: Bros. T. D. Goodman. A P. Greenfield, D. C. Jolly, M. F. O'Sullivan, G. T. Baxter Wilson, and E. Kerr. Thirty years: Bros. D. J. Grant, B. S. Irwin, G. S. Lawrie. T. Dallas, and H. Turner. War service badge: Bros. I. J. Templeton and R. H. Kerr. Fifteen new members were initiated. The following programme was presented:—Selections by the orchestra, conducted by Bro. J. Clark; “A Tavern Scene,” by the Orphans’ Chorus—Bros. A. Clark, N. Bachop. E. Paris, E. Griffin, W. J. Thomson, J. Gordon, B. McConnell, W. N. Caddie. D. Inglts, G. MacDonald, J. McFarlane, N. R. Mclsaac, and A. MacDonald: song, Bro. E. Ottrey: violin solo, Bro. R. Kerr; recitation, Bro. I. J. Templeton; selection by the orchestra; sketch "Only a Mill Girl," cast—Bros. E. Griffin', J. McConnell, J. Gordon, E. Paris. D. Inglis, A. Clark. The accompanist was Bro. A. Pettitt.