THE ORPHANS’ CLUB

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 77, Issue 6974, 4 October 1948, Page 4

THE ORPHANS’ CLUB

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATED HAPPY FUNCTION IN TOWN HALL The Silver Jubilee of the Te Awamutu Orphans’ Club held in the, Town Hall on Saturday night, was not only the crowning event to date of the club but it was the most important social event of the year—a year that has been noticeable for many important and successful social events. The Town Hall presented a gay appearance, the large attendance of ladies and the gaily decorated tables giving an effective touch to a usual Orphans’ Club gathering. The ladies were there as guests, and very welcome guests, while the members of the club were augmented by visitors from the Auckland Orphans’ Club accompanied by their ladies, and members of the Hamilton Club.

The presence of the members of the Auckland Club was particularly welcome as that club twenty-five years ago assisted very materially in helping to found the local club. The attendance was the largest that has so far graced a Te Awamutu Orphans’ Club function. The large number of tables were artistically decorated with Iceland poppies and silver and white paper serviettes in the glasses added an effective touch. The front of the stage was particularly beautiful, bunches of primroses, stocks, Iceland poppies, with punga fern fronds, making an attractive sight, while the sides of the stage were flanked by gaily coloured artificial flowers surmounted by palm leaves. The decorative effect called forth many complimentary remarks that were, justly earned.

Among those present from Auckland were Messrs J. Wilson (president), H. Richards (secretary), V. Bedford, L. F. Bedford, D. Theyers, W,. Parkinson, W. R. Battersby, J. M. Ovens, I. Dow, Jack Walsh, G. Stewart, Wilfrid Hughes, A. Miller, A. Scoffin, W. Todd and Houchen. The ladies from Auckland included Misses Bridle Walsh, Betty Dyer, Mesdames Miller, J. Wilson, V. Bedford, L. F. Bedford, A. Scoffin, W. Todd. The Hamilton contingent included Messrs A. A. Reese, T. Waite, WHarrison, A. Lovatt, M. De Rose and Mrs Reese.

Apologies were received on behalf of several, who were unable, to be present, including Mr G. F. Sim, M.P. Prior to the commencement of the festivities, carnival hats were distributed and donned, together with attractive silver coloured name badges, and thus the stage was set for an evening that was one of enjoyment and the utmost friendliness. The Immediate Past President, Bro. J. B. McLean, was the first to take, his place on the dias, and called for the attention of all present, while the President, Bro. Les. W. Spence, took his seat along with Bro. McLean. The large gathering rose, and applauded and remained standing while Bro. Wilson, President of the Auckland Club, and his party entered the hall, also to enthusiastic applause. Bro. Wilson took his place on the dias with Bros. Spence and McLean. The National Anthem was played by the Orchestra, followed by the singing of the O'pening Ode. The Orchestra, comprising Bro. R. C. Judd, violin (leader); Mrs K. Burgess, violin; Bros. S. Barrett, clarionet; L. Lee, cornet; H. Bent, cello; H. Parker, piano; opened the musical part of the programme by giving very satisfying and pleasing renditions of “Excerpts from II Trovatore” and “Sezilietta,” the latter number being made particularly effective by the offstage playing of the cornet part by Bro. L. Lee.

Chairman Spence then said it was a privilege to welcome the visiters, including the ladies. Bro. Spence had a greatly enjoyed “dig” at the ladies when he said that no doubt some of them were present out of curiosity so that they could see what their “hubby Orphans” did on meeting nights of the club. Speaking in serious vein, Bro. Spence, said it was a great privilege and pleasure to have the ladies with them, and he expressed the hope that they would enjoy a happy evening. Bro. Spence also welcomed the large contingent of Auckland visitors and the large number of their own Past-Presidents, and he trusted that they would get great pleasure by renewing former friendships. It was a great privilege to be president of the Te Awamutu Club in their Silver Jubilee year, and he trusted that all present would help to make the evening a “corker” one. Bro. Spence then introduced the Past-Presidents who were present. Bros. S. A. Empson, 1924; A. A. Reese, 1927; J. L. Whittington, 1928; S. S. Preston, 1929; H. A. Swarbrick, 1930; A. J. Sinclair, 1931; J. B. W. Roberton, 1935; E. W. White, 1936; A. J. Tailby, 1937; G. W. Fulton, 1938; B, Malone, 1940-41; J. B. McLean, 1947. The club was in recess from 1942 to 1945 (war years). Other Presidents in their respective years were: Bros. C. T. Robson, 1923; J. Oliphant, 1932; T. W. Gee, 1933; S. G. Riddell, 1934; C. S. Wood, 1938; F. Moody, 1939. Holders of the high office of Past-President who have crossed over the Great Divide were Bios. E. W. McCarter, 1925; S. Clark, 1926; G. Bridge, 1946. The. holders of the position who were present were accorded a hearty round of applause. Bro. Scoffin, of the Auckland Club, whose items were so greatly en’oyed last year, re-captured his audience’s attention by his splendid singr.-g of the old favourite “Floral Dance ’ and the equally popular number “The Old Refrain.”, Both items gave the maximul of pleasure. Chief Steward, Bro. A. J. Tailby, assisted by the Assistant Steward, Bro. J. P. Robinson, and the members of the committee, then served refreshments. Past-President Bro. A. J. Sinclair then gave a humorous item, “Cares of Expectant Fathers,” which disclosed that Bro. Sinclair was equally at home on that subject as he is in giving farmers advice on the Guaranteed Price and farmers’ problems. Bro. Sinclair’s item created merry ripples of laughter. There are no finer cornetists in New Zealand than Bros. L. and A. D. Lee, and they lived up to their reputation

on Saturday night by their pleasing and musicianly rendering of the duets “Ida and Dot” and “The Pearls”. Humour of a most entertaining nature was provided by Bro. W. Todd, of the Auckland Club, who quickly established himself a warm favourite with his hearers by his dissertation on “Orphans” and a “travel talk” and a graphic story of a haunted Manor house. In response to insistent demands, Bro. Todd created further laughter by reciting “Finnegan’s Goat.” Bro. Alan Lovatt, of the Hamilton Club, the possessor of a pleasing and well trained voice, sang “For England” fa song made popular by Oscar Natzke, along with “There’ll Always Be An England”), and “The Vicar of Bray,” most pleasingly. Then followed supper, which was in keeping with the. importance of the occasion. In addition to the timehonoured Orphan Club’s supper of baked potatoes and hot pies, turkey and cakes were a welcome addition to the supper. Chief Steward Tailby and his assistant were excellent hosts.

Following on supper, the cutting of the Silver Jubilee cake, a handsome three-tiered confection, followed. Preceded by Bro. Tailby with sword drawn, and accompanied by Bros. Robinson, J. Salmon, W. E. Gudsell and T. Wells, the cake was brought into the hall and placed on the dias. All present stood and applauded, which increased in volume as Bro. Spence cut the cake with the sword. The cake was returned to the supper room where it was cut and late.r distributed to those present. Bro. Wilson, President of the Auckland Club, in proposing the toast of the Te Awamutu Orphans’ Club, thanked the club for being entrusted with the task of proposing the toast of the Te Awamutu Club on the occasion of their Silver Jubilee. There was more in Orphandom than the social side of their meetings, for it helped to create and cement friendships and he (the speaker) knew of no better organisation for making friends than Orphans’ Clubs. The bonds of friendship, had grown stronger throughout New Zealand in Orphandom. Bro. Wilson congratulated the Te Awamutu Club on the attainment of their Silver Jubilee and he felt honoured that he and his compreres from Auckland felt honoured at being asked to propose and be associated with the toast, which was enthusiastically honoured by the singing of “Happy Birthday” and “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” The Orchestra again gave greatpleasure by their playing of “Excerpts from Figoletto” and “Philo Senate March.” At this stage the winners of competitions were announced, they being Messrs M. Roland, Goode, Mrs C. Ray and Mrs Mears. Bro. M. Roland, of the Te Aroha Club, a violinist of outstanding musical ability, gave great pleasure, with his playing of “Serenata” (Tosseli) and “A Gavotte” (Gosec). In response to prolonged applause, Bro. Roland gave even greater pleasure, if that was possible, by playing his own arrangement of “The Bells of St. Mary’s.”.

In replying to the toast of the Te Awamutu Club, Bro. J. B. McLean said it gave him great pleasure to respond to the toast so ably proposed by Bro. Wilson. The warmth of his words in doing so, and the large number of Auckland members present, were greatly appreciated by local members, as was the help given by the Auckland Club in forming the Te Awamutu Club 25 years ago. They had also given the club the handsome chain of office.

A musical treat not often enjoyed by Te Awamutuites was given when Bro. Bedford, of the Auckland. Club, gave two flute solos, “A Song Without Words” and “Sally In Our Alley,” the rarely heard instrument being heard to advantage as played by Bro. Bedford. Bro. Robertson, of the Te Awamutu Club, revealed himself as a clever conjurer, his sleight of hand tricks being performed with a neat dexterity that earned much applause.

Bro. A. J. Sinclair then replied on behalf of the Past-Presidents and the visitors, 'stating that some of the happiest years he had spent had been in Orphandom, wherein he had made some good friends. After a tribute to various past and present members, Bro. Sinclair said that that night’s function was a remarkable climax to the Te Awamutu Orphans’ Club career. The speaker paid a tribute, to the President, Bro. Spence, and his executive, all of whom lived up to the best traditions of Orphandom. Bro. Todd again created great merriment by giving experiences of a male who did housekeeping work while his wife was engaged in essential industry, and even more, laughter by his recitation “’Tisn’t Love, ’Tis Bacctus.” Bro. Scoffin again charmed his audience with his singing of “On Tire Road to Mandalay” and “Davey Jones’ Locker.”

The President, Bro. Spence, said all good things had to come to an end, and they would agree that the programme given by the artists had been one out of the box. Bro. Spence proceeded to thank the artists, the members of the executive, Bros. R. C. Judd, A. J. Tailby, J. Robinson, T. Coupland, J. McLean, A. B. Jennings (secretary), A. E. Law (treasurer), and members generally, for all the assistance that they had given him and which had resulted in making his term of office as President so enjoyable. The accompanists were. Bro. William Harrison, of Hamilton, and Mrs Goode, and they played no smallpart in making the concert the enjoyable function it was.

The singing of the Closing Ode and “For Auld Lang Syne” brought the evening to a close, and one and all were agreed that the Silver Jubilee of the Te Awamutu Orphans’ Club had been fittingly celebrated. The President and his executive were the recipients of many congratulations and they were as sincerely earned as they were given, for much preparatory work had been put in by Bro. Spence and those associated with him.

The officers lor the 1948 session were: —Patron, Bro. G. F. Sim; Immediate Past President, Bro. J. B. McLean; President, Bro. Les. W. Spence; vice-presidents, Bros. W. E. Gudsell, J. Salmon, H. Waite; committee, Bros. T. Coupland, H. Parker, T. Wells, J. Riley, C. McLean, E. Shirley; chief steward, Bro. A. J. Tailby; assistant steward, Bro. J. P. Robinson; programme steward, Bro. R. C. Judd; Master of Ceremonies, Bro. G. Hastie; hon. secretary, Bro. A. B. Jennirtgs; hon. treasurer, Bro. A. E. Law, hon. auditor, Bro, L. A. Truscott; life members, Bro. B. Wilson, Bro. G. Bridge (deceased).