HAMILTON ORPHANS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16781, 26 April 1926, Page 2

HAMILTON ORPHANS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF CLUB. MEMBERSHIP TOTALS 160. Amongst the organisations playing their part in the social life or tlio town the Hamilton Orphans' Club, which during the winter months holds a number of enjoyable concerts, must lie given a leading place, and the appreciation shown by members generally was fully evidenced by the enthusiasm displayed at the annual meeting of the Club on Saturday evening, the chair was occupied by the retiring President (Bro. P. It. Stewart). The annual report stated that twelve regular meetings of the Club had been held during the year, in addition to the ladies' night, which proved the most successful function of its kind yet held by the Club. Au innovation introduced in the shape of a dance towards the close of the evening's entertainment was very popular with members and their-lady friends. A number of new members were elected during- the session, and there was now a membership of 160, apart from a number of associate members.

The Ciub*s new home in the Winter Show buildings had proved much more central and more comfortable than the former meeting place. These advantages had fully justified the change authorised by the Club at its last annual meeting. Tho past session of the Club had been noteworthy for the considerable interchange of visits between this Club and kindred Clubs of the Auckland district. During the year the Club had paid official visits to Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Morrinsville. Pukckohe, and Northcote-Birkcnhead Clubs, and had in turn received visits from and entertained members of all those Clubs except the one last-men-tioned- It also had the privilege of entertaining members of the Talcapnna Club, and a large number of the officers of the U.S.A. Fleet which recently visited New Zealand. The night to the ladies was held as usual, and proved to be one of the most successful of its kind yet held by the Club. A slight'departure from the programme usually provided en Ladies' Night was made" en that occasion, the innovation taking the form of a dance towards the close of the evening's entertainment.

Continuing, the report stated that there was again a credit balance shown on the balance-sheet for the year. This was the more gratifying in view of the considerable amount of entertaining done by the Club during the year. Notwithstanding the increased expenditure of the Club on that account, the committee were pleased at being able to report a credit, at the Bank without resort having to be made to a levy upon the members. Under the baton of Bro. Edwin Dennis, the orchestra did good work, and contributed much to the enjoyment of tho meetings of the Club during the session. The> orchestra tins made considerable headway, both in membership and proficiency, and the Club might expect even belter'things from its orchestra during the ensuing session. It was with regret that the committee had to report the resignation of Bro. Dennis from his coriductorshlp of the Club, owing to his taking up his residence, and practice of his profession in Wellington. The programmes provided during the session had been of the usual high quality, and contributed much to the enjoyment of the evenings spent by members at the Club rooms.

Fortnightly meetings of the committee which were held throughout the session were well attended by the members, and ihe spirit of enthusiasm and co-operation which prevailed had contributed in no small measure to the very successful year just passed. ■ In conclusion the committee thanked members for their whole-hearted sunport. both in the administration of the affairs of the Club, and in the furthering of its objects and interests. The membership was still below what the committee considered the population of Hamilton warranted, and it was to be hoped that existing members would do their best to increase during the coming session the numerical strength of tho Club. By doing so and by endeavouring to kee pup the high standard of reputation already earned they would contribute much to the lure success of their Club and to the welfare of orphandem generally.

Speaking to the report, the chairman characterised the session as highly successful, for apart from catering to Ihe needs of members, the Club had arranged a number of enjoyable evenings for visiting orphans, the function at which officers of the American F;eet were present, being a feature of the year. Mr Stewart also referred to the success .attending "Ladies Night," and paid a warm tribute to the excellent work of the committee who had been responsible for the arrangement of Hie very enjoablc programmes provided' during the season. .'The report and financial statement, which showed cash in hand at £iU 10s lid, and balance of assets over liabilities at £7'i, were adopted unanimously.

Discussion took .place on the question of outstanding subscriptions, and ihe matter was referred to the incoming committee. A communication was read from the Dunedin Orphans' Club, suggesting a a freer interchange of visits between the different Clubs, and this mailer also was referred to Ihe committee to deal wilh. Election of Officers. r.i'o. Dr. H. Douglas was unanimously elected Guardian of the Club. The nomination of the !lon. J, A. Young, Minister of Health, as President of the Club, was moved by Mr Stewart, and the motion being carried unanimously, the .Minister took the chair amidst acclamation, and the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.'' The following vice -presidents were elected:.—Bros. J. 11. Hammond, J. Gilbert, J. McKinnon, V. D. Hare, S. Wilson, .1. Parlane, D. Meredith and Von. Archdeacon Cowie. in- ennimitlec was elected as follows; —Bros. T. Pliilp, It. R. Patorson, E. L. Writkins, A. 11. Burn, R. p. Haycock, and W. Davidson. other officers were appointed as follows: —Hon. secretary, Bro. A. R. Powell: hon. treasurer, Bro. A. E. 11. Gronwall; orchestra conductor; Brn. J. G. Stuhbs: hon- pianists, Bros. .1. Satlcrsby, W. .T. Stevens and E. A. r'cott; hon. auditors, tiros. 11, (;. Day tnd G. W. Armstrong. The secretary was instructed to s.Tid letters to i\ros. \V. G. Wohlrnann, E. Dennis and P. W. Maddock, expressing the Club's appreciation of theic services.

Tin.' secretary reported that (he Wintei Show Concert Hall iiad been re-engaged for the forthcoming season at a reduced renlal, while arrangements iiad been made for a more satisfactory healing system? The dale of Ihe opening night was left in Ihe- hands of the committee lo arrange, but i! is lo bo not laler than May j';,, The question of reduced sub'crip(OnUrtued at too\ at next column. 1

lion fees for members joining near the close of the session was rais-id by Bro. A. 11. ISifrn, and it was left in the hands of Ihe committee to report lea later meeting. Votes of condolence with the rclalivcs of the late Bros. G. F. Jenkinson and F. T. Wilson, two of the Glob's staunchest supporters, were passed in silence. The manner in which. Bro. P. 11. Stewart nail discharged his n ■•■ ial duties during the year was fef-r----rciino by Bro. !•'. T. Inncs upon whose motion a hearty vole of thanks was accorded the retiring President. Votes of thanks were also accorded the oilier office-bearers, tiie orchestra, Ihe stewards, and the Press.