Pleasant Inaugural Function The inaugural meeting of the Union Church Social Club took place on New Year's Eve in the Union Church Hail. In spite of inclement weather there were about 200 people present to wish success to the new venture, and, during the evening, 60 members were enrolled.
The function was, in every way, a most successful one. The right note was struck at' the outset, and throughout the evening there was la noticeable absence of that stiffness and reserve' which so often spoils such gatherings. Those who were present mixed well, and seemed easily to establish friendly another. slight relations with each other.
Much of the success of the even: ing was due to the kindness of Prof. Zalsman and his Quartette who found time, in spite of other engagements, to entertain the that is too well known in Shanghai need commendation here. Mr. Graham Barrow also laid the infant club under heavy obligation by giving one. of his humorous recitals, The Rev. A. N. Rowland was chairman of the meeting, avd, in the course of his remarks, outlined the purposes for which the club has been established. Like many others, the Committee has been impressed by the need that exists for some provision being made for the welfare of the great mnumbers of young men and women from the Homelands who are now to be found in Shanghai. Many of them have neither friends nor home here. It ig to these especially that the club opens its doors. It offers healthy and pleasant recreation, and the opportunity of forming lasting friendship, The programme of the club is a comprehensive one. Nothing that is healthy, clean, and human is outside its scope. begins in a small way but its development is only limited by the amount of support it receives from those it seeks to serve. Already promises of help have been received from a distinguished sinologue who is willing to give lessons in elementary mandarin, and from an expert in the mysteries of Chinese business methods, who will lecture on this subject, providing the members desire the help.that these gentlemen can give.
The meeting closed with family prayers as the New Year was ushered in. Everybody had enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and the guests of the evening went their several ways wishing each other and the new club a happy+ and prosperous New Year.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.