ROTARY TRIBUTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21346, 22 November 1932, Page 12

ROTARY TRIBUTES

WORLD-WIDE INFLUENCE

MAN OF FINE CHARACTER

READINESS TO HELP OTHERS

Reference to the many sterling qualities possessed by the late- Mr. Charles Rhodes was made at the weekly luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club at Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall yesterday. At the conclusion of the luncheon the president, Mr. T. U. Wells, referred with the deepest regret to the loss of one of the club's most valued and esteemed members. Mr. Rhodes was one of the founders of the club and had done much for Rotary, not only in New Zealand but also in the world.

"I have known Mr. Rhodes for years as a man gifted with more than ordinary business ability, as a man of unimpeachable integrity and as a man who, since the coming of Rotary, proved that he could do much in the way of friendship," said Mr. Wells. "lie was a friend to whom anyone could turn at any time for sympathy and advice. In my present position I have been given a personal insight into many acts of generous help which he has performed—acts of which many of his friends know nothing, for he was never a man to love the limelight.

"I feel I cannot justice to the memory of the man whose loss we mourn to-day. The Rotary movement and the entire community is the poorer for his passing, for he had gained in a most remarkable degree the love and respect of all those with whom he came in contact."

Further tribute to the memory of Mr. Rhodes was paid by Sir George Fowlds, who said he had spoken in the club on many occasions, but never before in such difficult circumstances. His relationship with Mr. Rhodes jhad been that of a brother during the time when Rotary was being established in New Zealand. "In connection with another organisa tion I have known Mr. Rhodes for 40 years, but Rotary brought us much closer together. He was a remarkable man, a type by himself, and one of the finest characters we have ever had in this city. He had one of the clearest brains and one of the best-balanced judgments of any man I have met. To Charles Rhodes Rotary owes a great deal which it will never be able to repay. Ilis work has been done not merely in our own club but throughout the world."

At the request of the president members stood in silence as a mark of respect. Mr. Wells said that arrangements had been made for all members of the Rotary Club to be present at the funeral and past-presidents of the club would act as pall bearers Birthday honours and the lighter side of the club's customary procedure at its weekly luncheons were omitted from the programme yesterday.

WORK FOR UNIVERSITY

DEEP INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES

Deep regret at the death of Mr. Charles Rhodes was expressed yesterday at a •meeting of the Auckland University College Council, of which he had been a member for the past eight years. "I am sure every member of the council feels that we have suffered a very severe loss," said the president, Sir George Fowlds. "Mr. Rhodes had been a member of the council since 1924; he was very regular in his attendance and took a deep interest in the affairs of the college. He brought to the consideration of them all his own very valuable qualities, and was always ready to give the benefit of his sane and well-balanced judgment. In difficult times I often went to consult him, and always found him willing to offer useful advice. His death is not only a great blow to his family, but also a loss to the community that can hardly be over-estimated. He took a keen interest in everything that was for the progress and well-being of the city, and his high standing conferred benefits upon every institution with which he was connected."

Sir George proposed that a letter should be sent to Mrs. Rhodes and her family, expressing the sympathy of the council and its appreciation of the valuable services which Mr. Rhodes had rendered to the college. The motion was carried in silence, the members standing.