OVERSEAS CLUB.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11756, 21 July 1916, Page 2

OVERSEAS CLUB.

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH. An effort is being made to revitalise the Overseas Club, and a fortnight ago it was decided, at a small meeting, to-form a new branch of the club appoint officers, 'line meeting was adjourned till last night., when the Mayor presided at the City Council Chamber over a very good atendance. The Mayor said that it was well to keep in mind the Imperialistic aspect of the movement, which could do a great deal to keep the distant parts of the Emoire in touch with one another. Very often ho received letters from men in other parte of the Empire, inquiring as to the possibility of Bottling in New Zealand, and recently an inquiry had been received from a gentleman in Canada. In theso matters tho Overseas Club might do much good, and ho hoped that a strong branch would bo formed m Christchurch. He had been asked by the Rev A. T. Thompson, who was unable to attend, to nominate him for membership, and Mr E. Nordon had made a similar request. He hoped that ail of those present would join. Mr T. M. Charters, honorary,corresponding secretary in Christchurch, said that the club had a membership of 136 000 and could exert a tremendoua influence for good, not only where the British flag floated, but in other parts of the world. Men and women were asked to join it, not for what they would get out of it, but for whatit would enable them to do for tho Empire. Mr Charters said that the I>unedin club was one of the three strongest branches, and had done wonderfully good work during tho last year in patriotic channels. The London branch had arranged to send _ girts direct to men at the front, ana it was possible for anybody, on paying the value of the gift desired at any branch, to ensure that a parcel would bo sent direct to the soldier concerned. On tho motion of Professor Haslam, seconded by Dr Jennings, it was resolved that all present should become members of the club. The Mayor stated that the club had received £59,000 for tobacco and comforts for the troops, and this had been sufficient to provide sixty million cigarettes and over eighty tons of tobacco. Friends overseas had also been found for over 7000 lonely soldiers. Officers wore elected as follow:—President, the Hon H. f. Wigram; vicepresidents, Mrs George Rhodes, Dr Jennings and Mr" George Harper; honorary secretary, Mr T. M. assistant secretary, Mr J. E. Hoyles; honorary treasurer, Mr M. Moslcy; committee (with power to add), I rofessor Haslam, Dr John Guthrie and Messrs H. R. Smith, J. M. Turubull, J. J. Dougall, D. Bates, J. F. Gnerson and R. Thompson; ladies' committee, Mesdamoa Miles. Holland, W. Hill and O Maddron and Miss Denniston. On tho suceestion of Professor Haslam it was Resolved to urge all recruits to join tho club, with a view to securing benefits abroad. In reply to a question, the Mayor said that"the nomination of a recruit in camp could be received forthwith. To meet the case of soldiers at tho i front it was resolved to accept any new member on tho motion of two full members. I It was agreed to hold a general I .meeting next month, each number j agreeing to secure ins many new members as possible in tho meantime.