Rotarians Leave For Japan In Iberia

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 3

Rotarians Leave For Japan In Iberia

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 15. Trie 29,614-ten P. and O. Orient liner, Iberia—a “floating hotel” almost fullybooked by Rotarians and their wives—left Auckland for Japan tonight. At Tokyo from May 28 to June 1, the Iberia's passengers —about 1000 in the Rotary party from Australia and New Zealand—will attend the fifty-eecond World Rotary Convention. The New Zealand contingent is 367, including club members’ wives, families and friends.

Auckland gave a chilly welcome to the 600-strong Australian contingent this morning. Rain and mist obscured the outlines of the city as the Iberia—nearly an hour late —sailed into the Waitemata Harbour from Sydney. Gltun Rotarians wearing raincoats disembarked to go on day trips to Rotorua and Waitomo and on sightseeing jaunts round the city. The Iberia flew the Rotary flag when entering Auckland and again when leaving From Auckland she will go to Suva, Yokohama, Kobe. Nagasaki, Hong Kong and Manila before returning to Sydney on June 26. A number of the New Zealand Rotarians will return from Sydney in the 45,000-ton liner Canberra, due at Auckland on her maiden voyage on July 4. The Rotarians will live on board the luxuriously-ap-pointed Iberia during the convention. The convention will be the first to be held by Rotary International in an Asian country. The P. and O. Orient liner Chusan, carrying Rotarians from the United States and Canada will, like the Iberia serve as a floating hotel during the convention.