OPTIMISTS CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 195, 21 August 1935, Page 6

OPTIMISTS CLUB

! WANGANUI INTEREST ’ MOVEMENT LAUNCHED PALUEKSTON VISITORS Ata gathering of some sixty younf men, including a number of members of the Palmerston North Optimists' Club, held at the Rendezvous rooms last evening, the Wanganui Optimists’ Club was successfully launched, and was sped on its way to the accompaniment of a programme of appropriately optimistic items in song and story. Prior to the purely “club” business of the evening, the visitors, 26 strong, were entertained at dinner at the Rendezvous restaurant. They were welcomed by Air A. C. Sievwright, president of the Wanganui Optimists’ Club, "ho expressed pleasure at find mg such a large gathering, representative as it was of the young citizens of Wanganui and Palmerston North. Other guests at the dinner were Mr -R. AL Brastcd, national stK'crtary of the Y.M.C.A. in New Zealand; Air G. Cameron, president of the Palmerston North Optimists’ Club; Air A. R. Donaldson, representing the Wanganui Rotary Club; Mr F. G. Bevan, president of the Y.M.C.A.; Air J. AlcMillan, of the Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors; Rev. R. Dudley, and Air A. Goldsbury, the oldest Y.M.C.A. member in the Dominion. Mr L. Cross, general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. in Wanganui, was the organiser of the evening’s activities, and was supported by Air A. Rounthwaite, assistant-secretary. At the gathering, after justice had been don o to the dinner, Mr Seivwright referred- to the formation of an Optimists’ Club in Wanganui. It stood for good citizenship, he said, and it was hoped all young men of Wanganui would rally round and become members. The annual fee was fixed at a very low fee, the only extras being the cost of the luncheons when these gatherings were held. When ttte series of luncheons was commenced arrangements would be made for competent speakers to address members on interesting subjects. He felt sure, that support would ba accorded the newlyinaugurated club in generous measure, as it deserved the best hi the city, and he expressed the hope that success would attend the efforts of those launching the enterprise. Air Sievwright added that Wanganui was indebted to the Palmerston North members who had made the journey through such threatening weather to do a good turn, and trusted that the warmth of the welcome accorded them would compensate them for the discomforts of the trip. Mr G. Cameron gave an outline of the activities of the Palmerston North Club. It had been formed eight years ago and, he was pleased to say, it is still flourishing, with a membership as strong as ever. Alembors entered into the duties of citizenship, and in this direction it was of the utmost importance that the Wanganui Club should be formed on a sound foundation with a strong executive, which was one of the prime necessities of its continued existence. Palmerston North had been fortunate in the possession of an excellent executive and a live-wire secretary, while the zealous sheriff was another factor which made for maintaining members’ interest to the highest degree of usefulness. Mr Cameron outlined some of the activities of the Palmerston North Club, and offered some suggestions as to the lines wh?ch Wanganui" might find it profitable to pursue. He concluded by wishing the W anganui Club success in their enterprise. During the Great War the Y.M.C.A. had suffered in membership and growth through so many young men being called to the colours, said Air Brasted, in outlining the interest of the Y.M.C.A. in the Optimists’ Club movement. In 1919 it was realised that some move would have to be made to fill the gap created, and for this reason the Optimists’ Club was formed as a branch of the Y.M.C.A. It was hoped that by this means they could get in touch with the young men who had grown up during the war years. The move was a huge success and the membership continued to increase, with renewed interest, till at the present time the Y.M.C.A. was iu a strong position, both as regards finance and membership. He referred to the “Big Brother" movement and other activities of the Y.M.C.A., which were progressing most satisfactorily. Mr Barsted paid tribute to the good work being carried « on in the Wanganui Y.AI.C.A. bv Air Cross and Mr Rounthwaite, who had infused now life intc the movement here and had gained many new members. He also made eulogistic reference to thv work of th< late Mr J. Manley, whose zeal and en thusiasm in catering for the unem ployed youth of Wanganui was a last ing monument to his memory. He mad< an appeal to those present to join uj. with the Optimists' Club of Wanganui and link their activities with the Y.M.C.A. movement throughout New Zealand. To the Palmerston North members they were greatly indebted M for th£jr brotherly interest in assisting in launching the movement iu Wanganui. Extending a greeting on behalf of the Rotary Club, Mr A. IL Donaldson expressed pleasure at being present on ihe occasion of the launching of movement having for its objective the highest ideals in citizenship, service for others. He wished thorn th 3 fullest success in their venture, ami assured them of the keen interest with which Rotarians would follow their progress. Bongs, elocutionary items and rousing choruses were interspersed in a programme which extended over two hours without a dull moment, and at the conclusion a canvass resulted in the roll of membeis bein.* r extended beyond the haJf-c«uitury mark.