Rotarians Entertain Their Sons at Luncheon

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7241, 22 August 1933, Page 10

Rotarians Entertain Their Sons at Luncheon

APPROPRIATE ADDRESS ON OLYMPIC GAMES FESTIVAL. There was a pleasing function at the Palmerston North Rotary Club’s luncheon yesterday, when the annual “Son’s Day’’ was observed. All Eotarians who could brought their own sons along as guests of the day, while most of tho others had contrived to borrow a son for tho occasion. A hearty welcomo was extended the visitors, who found their experience of Rotary fellowship most interesting. The heartiest of community singing under the compelling leadership of Eotarian J. Selwyn, with Eotarian C. Teppett at the piano, added to the jollity prevailing at the luncheon. In the course of his remarks of welcome, club president W. G. Black said it afforded real pleasure to see so many boys and visitors present, and such gatherings were of a typo that Rotarians should do all in their power to foster.

The speaker for the day, Eotarian Phil. N. Bundle, of Dunedin, was introduced by Eotarian A. D. Campbell. The subject of his topical address was some impressions of his visit to Los Angeles as manager of the 1932 Olympic Games team.

Describing the great sportsmanship that pervaded the Games, Mr. Bundle said the legend inscribed over the habitat of the New Zealanders at the 1932 Olympiad was in fact the motto of the Olympic Games Council, as expressed in the following words: “Tho important thing in tho Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part. The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to havo fought -well. To spread these precepts is to build, above all, a more scrupulous and more generous humanity.’ 1 ’ The spirit of tlio Olympians was in. a way similar to that of Rotary, they strove primarily for tho promotion of international goodwill. The Games had their origin in the ancient Olympics of the Greeks, a national festival that lasted until the year 400 A.D. The modern series was inaugurated in 1896, thanks to the enthusiasm of a Frenchman. The idea had been seized on that the Games should be founded on the high-toned spirit that dominated English sport, and this had been the prevailing influence in the modern Olympiads.

Last year’s Games were among the most successful yet held, largely, thanks to the unquestionable hospitality of the Americans. New Zealand, realising that she could never be favoured with a closer venue than California, did her utmost to send a large contingent. The New Zealand “delegation” was one of the first to arrive, and everywhere was accorded an enthusiastic welcome. Tho Olympiad village where they were quartered was due to American zeal, and instead of each team arranging hotel quarters, they had taken a bare hillside and laid it out with all the facilities and amenities of a modern city. There were some 500 huts for the athletes, each appointed with all' possible comforts. A free hospital, a dental surgery an open-air-cinema where Hollywood’s stars attended in person, a post office, and a free telegram service to all parts of the world (except New Zealand!) were among the luxuries of Olympia City. Tho display of the flags of 40 different nations fluttering in the breeze was an inspiring one, said Mr. Bundle. Everything was so well done that the Americans lost 750,000,800 dollars on their village, for the tariff of two dollars a day charged tho occupants did not begin to meet the expenses. Free transport had also been furnished. In their first afternoon in the village, no fewer than 500' enquiries were made for the New Zea-1 landers, a remarkable tribute to the popularity of our country. Great plea- j sure was also afforded by watching the, arrival of the various delegations from other countries —a galaxy of national colour, national uniform, and national equipment. The New Zealanders spent five weeks training prior to tho opening of tho Games, which was indeed a memorable occasion. The parade of nations was a spectacular scene, the j Greeks, by virtue of tho origin of the] Games, heading the procession round j the arena to the cheering of countless thousands. The lighting of tho Olympia torch, to bo kept burning throughout the Games, followed, accompanied by an artillery salute, tho release of 2000 pigeons, and a speech from tho council president. Many outstanding costumes wero in evidence, tho palm for excellence being awarded to the Canadians. National representatives then took the oath, and the U.S.A. vicepresident formally opened the Games in a speech of ten words. Describing the principal stadium at

Los Angeles, Mr. Bundle said it boasted 30 miles of seating, and entailed enormous expense. Every possible privilege was accorded the visitors, and all facilities were made available to keep them posted with tho course of events in various outlying fields. The country clubs of California -were carried on on a lavish scale and polo was a regular Sunday afternoou attraction. Many of the horses imported for the equestrian events appeared almost more than human, and their efforts were one of tho notable aspects of the Games. The athletics naturally made the most thrilling contributions, and records were crashing day after day, dozens of them being lowered by sterling performances. Many historic races were ran, and unforgettable times were registered by tho cream of the world’s athletes. Sarazen," tho Aucklander, put up most creditable times in tho 5000 and 10,000 metre events, running fourth in each race. Generally speaking, New Zealand’s athletes had far from the' best of luck in their events, particularly the rowers, who put up excellent efforts. The ceremony of acclaiming an Olympic victor was most imposing, consisting of hoisting the flag of the successful country from the centre masthead accompanied by those of second and third. Amid a vast concourse, the winners wero acclaimed to the playing of their national anthem. Mr. Bundle concluded an interesting half-hour with a plea for continued support of the Games and the spirit inculcated by them. The speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr, A. J. Kellow.