THE SWANKERS’ CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18248, 5 August 1921, Page 6

THE SWANKERS’ CLUB

FIFTH ANNUAL SOCIAL. The Wanganui Swankers’ Club held its fifth annual social in the Druid’s Hall last evening, when the patron (Bro. W. A. Veitch) presided over an attendance of upwards of 100 Swankers and visitors, including the members of the Canterbury touring Rugby football team. ANNUAL REPORT. The annuai report, which was presented. by the Secretary, Bro. A. B. Sharpe), was as follows: “The committee has pleasure in presenting to you the fii th annual report, covering the period from 30th June, 1920, to 30th June, 1921. The club has had a fairly quiet year, but what it has undertaken, has been executed with zeal and in true Swanker fashion. Several pleasant , little functions have taken place : during the year, three members, ! Bros. Swan, Gordon and D’O reeeivl ing towens and good wishes from the | Brotherhood. The occasion of the unveiling of the Roll of Honour presented to the R.S.A. by our club was a proud moment in the hearts in the Swankers present, the Honours Board being considered by critics as the ’best in New Zealand. A valuable oil painting, a gift to our club from Mr E. Pyrke, was ilso presented to the R.S.A., and. is a handsome addition to its collection of pictures. Assistance was given at the Bazaar held by the R.S.A. and Queen Alexandra Band, where phinathropie Swankers, by means of spinning jennies, coin tables, and otaer swankish impediments, encouraged the public to try and make fortunes. Special mention is due to the lady members, who worked so hard and with such excellent results. We regret that we are unable to confirm the rumour that several local citizens retired from active life after the Swankers had finished with them. Mr Cecil Wray’s appeal for funds for Queen Mary’s Facial Hospital also received attention, with Hie result that the nett sum of £6O, proceeds of a sacred concert, have since been forwarded to that gentleman. During the year 69 new members have joined our club, making a total of 665 members on the roll. In conclusion, the retiring committee wishes to thank all who have helped with contributions, and in other ways, and hopes that to all members, the ancient and honourable art of swanking is indeed a cherished and revered trust.” The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows; Patron, Bro. W. A. Veitch (re-elect-ed) ; president, Bro. G. ,S. Gordon (re-elected); vice-presidents, Bros. G. W. Harden, J. G. Swan, F. Cunningham, H. V. Duigan, and A. A. Gower; committee, Bros. R. Bond, V. Connell, T. Sherwood, C. G. Rhimes, R. Richardson, B. Cooper, G. U. Adams, H. Fry, A. B. Sharpe, and W. Dunn; auditors, Messrs D. Robbins and V. Connell (re-elected); secretary and treasurer, Bro. Chas. Parnell. THE TOAST LIST. The following toast list was submitted: “The King’; “Kindred Sportf,” proposed by Mr J. Smith, and responded to by Messirs Cummins (of the Canterbury representative Rugby team), F. J. Burton, and H. Fry; “The Visitors;" proposed by Bro. W. A. Veitch, and responded to by Mr McCully (manager ,of the touring Canterbury representative Rugby football team); “The Ladies,” proposed by Bro. Chas. Parnell, and responded to by Bro. H. Fry; and “The Press,” proposed by Bro. T. Nixon, and responded to by the representative present. THE CONCERT PROGRAMME. Interspersed with the toast list was a capital concert programme, which one speaker went so far as to declare was “as good as could be heard anywhere in the world at a similar club gathering.” Be this as it may,, the programme submitted was a very fjpie one. The soloists included Messrs Ernest Thomas, Harold Roberts, B. McCarthy, while the “Macs Quartette” were heard in several numbers. Bro. Chas. Parnell, besides acting as accompanist, played a couple of 'pianoforte solos in his best style. Uro. J. G. Swan was in capital vein as an elocutionist, and declaimed “The Game” with power and feeling. Bro. H. V. Duigan submitted two humorous songs in his inimitable style, and the Swankers’ Orchestra greatly pleased with their selections. Added to this four of the English Pierrots—Messrs Lyle. Cook, Lawrence, and Schofield—came round after their performance at the Opera House, and delighted the Swankers with the quartettes, “The Lost Chord,” “Tennessee Moon.” and “Oh, by Gee, by Jingo.” Mr Lawrence proved a host in. himself as an entertainer, and was recalled again and again for his bright stories and clever work at the piano. A PRESENTATION. The visiting team of Canterbury Rugby footballers sprang a surprise upon the gathering by presenting the Swankers' Club with the “scalp” of the Springboks, which they had taken at Christchurch. In asking the Chief Swanker to accept the “scalp,” Mr Cummings ended up a witty speech by crowing Bro. Veitch with the “scalp," which was of fearsome golliwog design, and caused uproarious merriment. RAISING THE SUBSCRIPTION. Oo the motion of Bro. G. W. Harden, a recommendtion to the incoming committee that ths annual subscription should bo raised to 5/ was passed. VOTES OF THANKS. Votes of thanks to the English Pierrots and to the chairman concluded a thoroughly enjoyable social evening.