The Dunedin Burns Club has survived a near brush with closure after about a dozen new members came out of the woodwork and subscribed to the club.
The future of the 118-year-old institution came into question during its annual meeting last week when the club's falling membership was noted and no nominations came forward for the offices of president and secretary.
At the continuation of the meeting last night in the Otago Pioneer Women's Hall in Dunedin, president Margaret Smith said the club's 17 members had voted 10-7 in favour of termination and it was within the club's best interests to close.
However, the call stirred passionate cries, often angry, from the floor to save the institution.
Some called for her "graceful" resignation.
While Mrs Smith was critical of Dunedin residents for their apathy in not supporting the club, she agreed to overturn the vote to terminate and accept new members who would be willing to take office.
As a result, about 12 people joined with a promise of more soon.
Three new members joined the committee.
Sue Johns was nominated president (subject to confirmation because she was not present at the meeting) and Emma Burns was elected secretary.
