Ladies’ Bay at P.N. Rotary Club

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6626, 12 August 1931, Page 11

Ladies’ Bay at P.N. Rotary Club

Monday last was ladies' day at the Palmerston North Rotary Club lunch, when there was a very large gatnermg of Rotarians, their wives and friends. Rotariau D. G. Black presided and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors among whom were Rev. G. 8. Cook and Mrs, Cook (Otaki), Messrs C. C. Hunt (Nelson), T. Buxton (Christchurch) and G. F. Framjee (Palmerston North). A most delightful address was given by Rev. G. S. Cook, the well-known Methodist clergyman, now living in retirement, his subject being “The humour and philosophy of childhood.'' Mr. Cook is a most versatile and gifted speaker and he brought home his points with a fund of charming anecdotes. New Zealand children he claimed were the cream of the Nordic races. There could bo no doubt about their humour, in many instances unconscious. The speaker went on to refer to the wonder and curiosity of the child mind and its originality in pre-school days. Kingsley, he said, had set out to edueato his children, by replying to their questions, but he soon became perplexed. Touching on the quick-wit of a child, its manners and philosophic outlook, Mr. Cook said they were seldom irreverent. Referring to the change of the centre of influence in world affairs to the Pacific and tho awakening East the speaker said New Zealanders and their children had a great say in the setting of the theatre of world affairs and if New Zealand children failed in their part it would be one of tho greatest failures in history. They had a great responsibility, were a great asset and a great liability. Thanks to the speaker were conveyed by Mr. Jas. Wallace.