ORPHANS' CLUB.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1416, 16 October 1923, Page 5

ORPHANS' CLUB.

LADIES' NIGHT TO WIND UP THE SEASON. A SUCCESSFUL FINALE. That the Orphans' Club has come to stay in Te Awamutu was abundantly evident, on Saturday evening last when the close of the present season was marked by a ladies' night, club members entertaining their wives and lady friends, with the object of showing them just how the members enjoy themselves at the club. The president, Bro G. T. Robson, presided,' and with him at the presidential table was Bro W. Hodgson, president of the Cambridge Club, who had come over especially to extend his club's fraternal greetings to the youngest club in the province. The Town Hall had been specially prepared by members of the executive, and the room presented a very pleasing appearance with its two score of small tables and upwards of 200 chairs advantageously positioned. The presidential dais was tastefully decorated with bunting and pot plants, while palms and other greenery was effectively used to decorate the stage. Upwards of 200 members and guests assembled, and the proceedings were most interesting and enjoyable. Proceedings opened with the National Anthem, after which the Orphans' orchestra (Mrs Whittington piano, Bro.s L. G. Hopper. J. Cocker and S. Walker violins, Whittington flute. J. F. Brooks clarionet, Newsome icorneti, H. Y. Collins bass viol, Bartlett trombone, and Goodchild tenor horn) rendered the overture. " Pique Dame " in very accomplished style—so much so that an imperative encore was requested and supplied. Bro. A. Corboy was in good voice with his song, "The Floral Dance," and particularly so with the encore, "Lil Fella with his Mammy's Eyes." Bro Whittington next rendered a flute solo "Cavatina" with much expression and technique, and well deserved the encore that resulted. With a merry twinkle in his eye the chairman then announced that the next item was in the hands of two brothers, whom he would introduce as Mr Little and Mr Larger, but the audience soon recognised them as two very prominent members. They gave a clever and amusing sketch, entitled "Most Certainly," the quips, mannerisms and costumes evoking much laughter. An encore produced some more of the same brew, and a second encore apparently found the entertainers unprepared ' for such honours, but they repeated part of their opening item. The roars of laughter amply indicated the appreciation of the audience. The orchestra followed with a couple of selections, "II Trovatore" and "Stars and Stripes Forever," splendidly rendered. Bro Hey quite brought down the house with his comic song "I do like an Egg for my Tea," and his encore item was an amusing skit on married life. That old favourite, "In Old Madrid" was sung effectively by Bro. W. Jeffery. and he also had to respond to an encore. Bro. Way, a visitor, filled an interlude very happily "with a budget of storyettes, effectively told. The concluding item was in the hands of the orchestra, wihch played a selection very ably. The accompanists during the evening were Mrs Whittington and Bros Hopper and Hay. The musical director, Bro. Hopper, is to be congratulated on the selection of his programme, for though he had expected several visiting entertainers, the material he was able to call upon indicated that Te Awamutu had very capable and versatile vocalists and instrumentalists. The orchestral items were all gems, and Bro Cocker, the .leader of the orchestra, must have been gratified at the reception accorded each contribution by his very talented party.

After supper, typical of Orphandom, had been provided and done ample justice to, Bro Robson took the opportunity to extend a hearty welcome to the ladies, telling them that they now know the Orphans and their ways at ordinary social meetings, for the social was typical of those earlier ones that they had been so curious about. He also welcomed the president of the Cambridge Orphans' Club and the other visiting Orphans. He understood a further party from Cambridge had intended to be present, but the trip had to be abandoned at the last minute. The club's patron, Mr Fred Lye, M.P., had hoped to be present, but as he was coming with the Cambridge party he also was unable to be with the Te Awamutu Orphans on this occasion. Fraternal greetings were to hand from the Hamilton Club, which was celebrating the success of its session with a ladies' night. He was sure Te Awamutu Orphans reciprocated the good wishes. All would look forward to the opening of next session, when the club would have a larger membership, and with the present session's experience as a guide doubtless it would be even more successful than the one just being brought to a close. (Applause.) Bro. Hodgson, replying on behalf of the visitors, said that' though Te Awamutu had started late it was very evident that they had the material and the enthusiasm to develop into a very strong club. He wished the members all success, assuring them that Orphandom was good, not only for the men themselves, but also for the town. It provided very pleasant entertainment in a form that appealed to all classes of men; there was a camaraderie among members that would not be confined to club gatherings, but would extend into business life, and thus be an asset to all concerned.