ROTARY’S TRIBUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 63, 14 February 1939, Page 7

ROTARY’S TRIBUTE.

DEEP SYMPATHY EXPRESSED

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 13

Before the ordinary business at the luncheon meeting of the Auckland Rotary Club tho New Zealand district governor, Air G. YV. Hutchison, paid a tribute to the memory of tho Pope and, at his suggestion, members stood in silence for a few moments as a mark of respect and sympathy.

Mr Hutchison said : ‘'lt is an axiom in our organisation that Rotary knows no religious denominational adherence and yet wo have in our ranks men of every religious creed. Among these in large numbers are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and it is fitting that to them Rotary should express its deep sympathy at the passing of the Pope. “Not only are we stirred by our sympathy for these fellow Rotarians and all people of their faith but we grieve also that there should be lost to a world stricken with uncertainty a steadfast leader whose life was devoted to peace. On one occasion I was privileged to attend a ceremony in St. Peter’s in Rome performed by His Holiness, and one could not but be impressed by his seraphic personality,” said Mr Hutchison. “His term has been marked by many trials and there have been occasions when his State has been the subject of attack by atheism, yet, when ho has felt constrained to voice his protest, lie has done so more in sorrow than in anger and always with impressive dignity. At a time when man’s greatest need is peace, men must mourn that a prince of peace has passed away, ’ Mr Hutchison added.