Rotarians Entertained by Rotarians

Chronicle (Levin), 11 August 1948, Page 4

Rotarians Entertained by Rotarians

Instead of its usual weekly luncheon meeting, the Levin ROtary Club- held a ladies' evening on Monday, at which members had their wives as guests. The function proved a- pleasant diversion for members and was greatly enjoyed by the ladies. Proceedings were similar to the usual meetings and opened with a welcome extended to the guests by the cliib's president, Mr. D. P. Todd, whq was presiding for the last time in his year^of offlce. After a repast had been partaken of, the usual club business Was disposed of and then the new president, Dr. s. J. Thompson, was installed in 'offlce. In relinquishing the chair, Mr. Todd spoke of the pleasure it had given him to hold the position and extended^ good wishes to his successor for the ensuing year. In reply, Dr. Thompson said he appreciated the honour and responsibility of the offlce, but with the help of members he looked forward to a succeSsful year's activities. Mrs. Todd then presented Mrs. Thompson with a shoulder spray, after which Mr. and Mrs. Todd were accorded musical honours.

The next hour was occupied with ] an address by Mr. John Raine, of 1 Wellington, on crystal and pottery j making, both of which were illusbrated with excellent films. The : subj ect was an absorbing one * and ■ particularly suited to the occasion. Those present were taken on a tour of the works of a large Engl'ish crystal making firm with the first film. The opening shots showed the special sand required for this fine work arriving frpm the cOast of Northern France, the process of cleaning and the melting of it in crucibles at a temperature of nearly 1400 degrees centigrade. Next came the shaping or maryering of the glass, a highly skilled operation requiring many. years of experience. Another method, that of blowing, was also shown. Finally were views of the workshop where the cutting of the article is carried out and the outstanding feature was the complete absence of mass. production, every single piece being the result of individual craftsmanship. The more valuable and intricate' intaglio designs were a highly skilled operation. The second film gave an insight into pottery making in an English factory. The shaping of the clay by machinert, casting or the potter's hands was the first pro" cess and- then followed the various methods of adding the design and finally the glazing. • Mr. Raine gave a brief talk following the screening of the films ari'd ' disi)lay'e!d to'fiis au'dibiiCb kbriiefine pieces of crystal and pottery. After answering several questions he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.