N.Z. ROTARY CLUBS CONFER

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27591, 23 February 1955, Page 7

N.Z. ROTARY CLUBS CONFER

Sir Willoughby Norrie Opens Meeting AIMS OF MOVEMENT COMMENDED (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 22. The principles of Rotary, if adopted throughout all countries, would undoubtedly create wider understanding, said the Governor-General (Sir Willoughby Norrie), opening the ninth annual conference at Auckland today of the thirty-ninth District of Rotary. It was unfortunate that this understanding was so lacking, between certain countries today, he told 600 members- and their wives from Rotary clubs throughout New Zealand and Fiji. This is the golden anniversary year of Rotary International. Sir Willoughby Norrie said: “Rotary’s main principle is to encourage and foster the ideal of service, and also to encourage the advancement of goodwill through a world fellowship of business and professional men, united in this ideal of service.” Rotary was not a secret organisation —it never had been and never would be, he said. It did not seek to supplant or interfere with religious or political organisations. “It assumes that Its objectives are in accord with all religions, and it does not concern itself with a Rotarian’s politics.” The movement was well established in New Zealand, and as a group comprised a very strong organisation.

The conference is being held in the Ellerslie racecourse tea kiosk, and this prompted Sir Willoughby Norrie to add: “This is not the first occasion I have been to a meeting at Ellerslie. But I sincerely hope that your conference will pay a bigger dividend than on most of my previous visits.”