ROTARIANS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1926, Page 2

ROTARIANS.

CONFERENCE OPENED. DUNEDIN, March 4. The sixth annual conference of Jtotary Clubs of New Zealand was opened this morning in Allen Ilall at the University, members being present from all parts of the Dominion, Australia, England, Ireland and the United States. The District Governor, Mr AVill Herbert (Wellington) presided, and ox- t tended a hearty welcome to the delegates. in his presidential address Governor Herbert remarked the the presence of so many distinguished visitors from overseas marked a new ora in the Rotary movement in New Zealand. It was a small convention, perhaps, to some of those who Iliad been used to conventions of many thousands, but it was a big thing to the Rotarians of New Zealand. It was only five years, in June, 1921, since Mr Layton Ralston, of Halifax, started ( the Wellington Club, and since that, time fifteen clubs had grown.- Speaking of the possibilities of Rotary in a small town, he remarked that a wise philosopher had said that an old man and an old city could not be reformmL, but a good spirit could be engender,!*®!! in newer and smaller towns. The first and main object of a Rotary Club was to make good Rotarians. Broadly spoaking. the function of each club might lie decided into two headings, its duly or obligation to the individual member and the obligation of tlioso individual members, educated in Rotary. to the community generally. Certain broad principles ought to govern their individual and organised activities. The tripod on which civilisation, must rest was health, justice and education. “Justice will tarnish its glorious name,” continued the president, “ if it. continues to fil lour prisons and our asylums with unfortunate individuals'whose shortcomings in a largo proportion of cases are due to illhealth and insanitary surroundings.” He made an appeal that young towns should not be allowed to grow up in a haphazard manner. It was for Rotary to get behind, support and encourage those engaged in tho laudable work. He had heard the Rotary movement described as a “ philosophy of life,” and emphasis had been laid on v tbc inspirational aspect of (lie movement. Sometimes lie almost wished that Hie movement could bo shorn of some of its inspirational vestments and tlmt it could bo known as “ cheerful endeavour.”

“Think internationally" was tho message given to New Zealand by Mr Evoritt TTilb past president of Rotary International, a distinguished visitor from America, lie gave a stirring address stressing the ideals ol the Rotary movement for service and proclaiming their power over “ the four furies that disturb the world—bate, greed, envv and fear.”

Rotarian AVilliam M’Connell, of the Dublin Club, gave an address. The address on “Rotary Education” by Rotarian E. S. Baldwin (Wellington) provoked discussion, as did Hie address on "Better Business Methods,” by Padre Harty and Rotarian IT. Valdcr (Hamilton). The Rotarians lunched at the Exhibition. where they were welcomed by the Mayor. After the afternoon session the conference was ei'+ertained at a garden party given bv Rotarian and Mrs P. R. fiargood at their properly, Marinnto.

The conference will continue till fiatwwdnv. and a church service on Sunday night will conclude the programme.