ROTARIANS’ CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1928, Page 5

ROTARIANS’ CONFERENCE

GATHERING AT TOKIO.

(Australian Press Association 1 (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

TOKIO, October 2.

The Rotary Conference opened here with tremendous enthusiasm, and with addresses by prominent Japanese Rotarians. The keynote of these was a bettering of international understandings, endeavouring to promote world peace and happiness. Numerous telegrams from overseas were received, including a special message from Mr. Harris, the founder of the Rotary movement.

Prince Kini expressed pleasure in .being able to address the Rotarians of 'fourteen countries bordering the Paci'fic. He said that the twentieth century was significant for progress, and for the evolution of the community of ,mankind, all races tirelessly endeavouring to bring peace and happiness into the world. The idea of service between individuals was progressing, but he was convinced the development of the idea of service between peoples was necessary to ensure international 'peace.

The Japanese Premier, M. Tanaka, 'deplored the prevalence throughout -the world of selfishness. This was ,’exemplified, he said, in the workmen Toy their clock-watching, and in the by their profit-counting. He welcomed Rotarian principles for the promotion of unselfishness. The President of the Rotary International (Mr Sutton) traced the growth of Rotary, and stated that though the development already had been amazing, there were still boundless further opportunities. M. Miyakoka, in an able speech, on the mission and destiny of Rotary, said it should bring harmony and rightful understanding to peoples, differing in descent, historical antecedents, language, religion, and economic conditions.

A ball will be held to-night in honour of Mr Sutton.