THE OTAGO CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 13 December 1932, Page 10

THE OTAGO CLUB

GROWTH OF ORGANISATION

OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR

The second annual meeting of the Otago Club was held last evening, when Mr A. J. Graham presided over a gooc. attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Dr. Ivan Wilson and Mr A. Collis.

Reviewing the activities of the club, the secretary, Mr H. K. McKay, in his annual report, stated:—“The" club entered the second year of its existence with a financial membership of 50. Under the capable leadership of the president, Mr Graham, the committee worked to foster a. social spirit, among members. To this end a series, of socials was held. The tastes of all ages were catered for in that the programme arranged consisted of items, competitions and dancing. Judging by the regular attendance of club members and their friends, the committee are led to conclude that these functions met with the approval of the majority. The ladies’ committee, comprising MesdUmes Walker, Dredge. Barlow and Peters and, recently, Miss M. Walker, are deserving of praise for their efforts in providing the programmes and attending to the necessary catering arrangements. An economy measure effected was the purchase of crockery for ,the club use. This was made possible by the receipt of donations from several club members. Mr Graham generously donated a cupboard for the storage of ciub property. The annual ball proved such a success that a second dance was held. It is with deep regret we record the passing of three members of our committee, Mrs J. Walker, ex-convener of the ladies’ committee, and one of the most enthusiastic and hard-working members of our committee, also Miss Colauhou i and Mr J. B. Cooper. The club as a whole expressed 'its sympathy with the relatives and friends of the bereaved. On March 23. the anniversary of th© founding of the mother province, a telegram of congratulation was sent to the secretary of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association. Once again we are honoured in having a.s our patron, the Mayor of Dunedin, Mr R. S. Black, who recently forwarded to us the season’s greetings and his best wishes for a successful year in 1933. During the year the following members were added to the committee: Mrs K. Clarke and Miss M. Walker. New members who joined during the season were Mrs Hancox, Miss Smythe and Mr and Mrs Burnett. The committee desire to express tiieir thanks to Messrs Graham and J. A. Colquhoun for donations to the club fund; to Mr A. Collis for auditing the cluh’s books, and to the Press. The profit showing in the bal-ance-sheet augurs well for the future success of the club. The committee trust that members will continue to show a whole-hearted interest in the club’s activities during 1933.” Moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr Graham expressed appreciation that the year had been a successful one. Splendid harmony had prevailed and, by th© willingneiis of members to serve, the club had justified its existence. Association with thoso members who had been called to higher service was remembered with gratitude and pride. They had been closely identified with th© activities of th© club and had left memories rich in all that pertained to social servic2, of gracious personalities and an inspiration to all. The committee, Mr Graham said, had earned the approbation of the president and all members of the club for their enthusiastic service. and the honorary secretary, Mr McKay, had been a tower of strength, performing his duties with efficiency and zeal, with a sincere desire to serve the club. Th© treasurer, Mr J. Walker - , had also been most painstaking in his duties. As for the ladies’ committee, no words could adequately express th© appreciation that was due to them for services well and truly done. It could be safely said that the Otago Club was now firmly established and the speaker expressed the hope that ti e same harmony and desire for service would prevail in the coming year. It was impossible to over-estimate th'e value of the social gatherings and Tie trusted that the New Year would dawn with brighter hopes for everymotion was seconded by Mr Walker and carried.

election of officers

Officers were elected for the ensuirg years as follow: —Patron, Mr R. S. Black, Mayor of Dunedin; president, Mr A. J. Graham; vice-presidents, Messrs Dredge, J. S. Winton, J. A. Colquhoun and Dr. Ivan Wilson; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Walker ; hon. auditor, Mr A. Collis; ladies’ committee, Mesdames Peters (convener), Dredge, Barlow, Wilkinson, Colquhoun, Clarke, Calder, Boyd and Miss Aiken; men’s committee, Messrs Calder, Page, Inglis, McCulloch, Benison, H. R- McKay. A recommendation from the committee to make the annual subscription 5s per head and 10s for a family was adopted. A motion to increase the charges to non-members attending social evenings was lost. Various recommendations were put forward for the incoming committee regarding social functions, and the charges cf admission, one suggestion being that there should be one ball only during the year. On the motion of Mr Dredge, £1 was donated to the Mayor’s Christmas fund. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Bar-1 low for her services as pianist at many social' functions. On the motion of the chairman appreciation of the valuable services of Mr McKay as secretary of the club was placed on record, several speakers adding their tributes as to his ability. Mr McKay briefly acknowledged these references. A number of new members were elected. A comprehensive vote of thanks was moved by the chairman to all who had assisted the club in any way, and before closing the meeting Mr Graham returned thanks to the members for their attendance and extended the season’s greetings. On behalf of the members, Mr Dredge wished Mr Graham the compliments of the season. At the conclusion of business the members were entertained at supper by the president.