DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 21 February 1945, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS

BOY DROWNED DURING SWIMMING LESSON

P.A. TAUMARUNUI, Feb. 20 Grahame Wilfred Ryan, a schoolboy was drowned in a whirlpool in the Mangahoe stream, near Kaitieke school, yesterday afternoon. The deceased with other pupils, was learning to swim in the presence of the headmaster when he got out of his depth, and was swept out of sight. The bathing pool was rendered dangerous through recent floods. The headmaster made all efforts to rescue the boy, and a number of expert divers made repeated atempts for two hours before the body was recovered by Cecil Edwards, a powerful swimmer. An inquest was opened, to-day before the district coroner. HEARING OF ABORTION CHARGES

P A CHRISTCHURCH, February 20. In the Bettie cas e 17 more witnesses Tor the Crown were heard today. One is still to be heard. The case was adjourned till to-morrow morning. ROTARY CLUBS. P.A. AUCKLAND, February 20. The annual conference of N.Z. Rotary clubs opened at the University College this morning, when approximately 240 delegates from other parts of the Dominion, and local members attended. Welcoming the visitors, the Mayor, Mr Allum, said that there was no doubt that in the 24 years since the first Rotary club, was established in New Zealand, the movement had' assisted many worthy; objects and exercised a beneficial influence. The responsibility of Rotarians was particularly great at present, when thoughtful people were endeavouring to prepare for peace. All leaders today carried two great responsibilities, to‘adopt high ideals and make every endeavour to live up to them. Rotarians had adopted a high ideal. He was confident they; would live up to

Mr W. Calder Mackay (President, Auckland Rotary Club) said the large attendance indicated interest Rotarians were taking in present and postwar problems. The movement was growing even in countries knowing the blight of war. Mr Thomas (Governor of the N.Z. Rotary district) referred to Dominion participation in the Allied war effort. Rotarians were honoured by antagonism of such avowed enemies of freedom as Hitler. Over 480 clubs had been lost through enemy action and suppression. Growth of the movement had been such that there now were more clubs than at the outbreak of war. In New Zealand the number of clubs increased from 25 in 1939 to 43. The number of members increased from 1460 to 2127. New Zealand was now known as the most “Rotarised” country in the world. ' Mr J. Illott (official representative of the Rotary Internationale) also addressed the conference.