ROTARY IDEALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22353, 26 February 1936, Page 16

ROTARY IDEALS

SERVICE TO MANKIND OPENING OF CONFERENCE WELCOME TO DELEGATES Rotary clubs in all parts of the Dominion were represented at the 14th annual New Zealand Rotary District Conference, which opened at the Auckland University College last night, when a social gathering of all visiting Rotarians, members of the Auckland Rotary Club and their wives was held in the University Hall. A welcome wan extended to the visitors by tho doputy-mayor. Mr. 8., Martin, the district governor, Dr. P. Stanley Foster, of Christchurch, and the president of the Auckland Rotary Club, Mr. J. P. O'Connor. Also on the platform were Mr. H. J. Guthrie, a director of Rotary International; Mr. L. Taylor, a past president of the Auckland Rotary Club; the vice-presi-dent, Mr. D. Henry; the conference secretary, Mr. A. S. Bailey; and the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham. Importance to Community "It is my duty and privilege to add to the welcome you have received from the members of the Auckland Rotary Club a welcome from the city of Auckland," said the deputy-mayor. "We want you to use all the desirable things which will assist in making your stay in the city a, pleasant one, Our parks and beaches, and any convenience the city can offer, are at your disposal. We want you to meet the people of Auckland so the acquaintance may add to the pleasant time we feel sure you will spend in this city." Mr. Martin said that when people heard the Rotary clubs of New Zealand were to hold a conference in Auckland, it was natural that they should pause to consider what a Rotary club was, and for what it stood. A Rotary club was principally a business men's club, but when people thought a little further and recognised the two special characteristics of Rotary—service and international peace —their interest quickened, and they realised that, after all, Rotary clubs might be, and should be, very important factors in the life of the community and the structure of society as a whole. Cause of International Peace "When we know that the Rotary clubs render service and work for international peace, we must all say that the movement is worthwhile, and important and valuable to sections of tho community outside its ranks," continued Mr. Martin. "From these points of view we wish success to it in carrying out two very fine ideals." Mr. Martin said he felt it was fitting that tho conference should be held in the university, for the early history of the Auckland Rotary Club and tho university were associated through the work of the late Sir George Fowlds, who had been such a vital figure in both movements. He expressed tho appreciation of the city of the way in which the late Sir George had been both a wonderful citizen and a wonderful Rotarian. "Rotary stands for service—service to one's fellows, to the community and to the world at large," said Dr. Foster. "To achieve service it is necessary to have a spirit of good fellowship and goodwill among members. Rotary knows no creed or class, religion, race or colour. It Binks all parochial and city differences, and even aims to sink all international strife. It bands all of us together in the ideal of service to mankind." Origin of the Movement Dr. Foster described how the Rotary movement had started in a very small way 31 years ago. It had been founded by Paul Harris, because he felt the need of fellowship and friendship when he started practice as a rather lonely lawyer in Chicago. He little thought that Rotary would spread world-wide to 82 different districts in every corner of tho globe. The district governor expressed the hopo that the conference would be an outstanding one from a fellowship point of view. All that had been done by the Auckland Rotary Club for the entertainment and education of the delegates would mako the conference one which would live long in all their memories. . . Mr O'Connor welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Auckland Rotary Club, and emphasised • tho fact that tho keynote of tho conference was to be fellowship. After a programme of community singing and humorous sketches the visitors and their wives followed the district governor's advice and made the acquaintance of one another. CONFERENCE BUSINESS TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME Official business will be dealt at to-day's session of the New Zealand Rotarv District Conference, which is being'held at the Auckland University College this week. _ Addresses will be given by Mr. It. A. Laidlaw, of the Auckland Rotary Club, and Mr. H. Halliday, of the Duned.n Rotarv Club. The delegates will attend a luncheon of the Auckland Rotarj Club, where Colonel J. L. Sleeman, Chief Commissioner of the bt. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas, will speak on the Order of St. John, and m the afternoon there will be a visit to the Auckland Community Sunshine Association's camp at Motuihi Island. An address will be given there by Sir Joseph Smith. The evening will be occupied by an address by the Rev. H. \\ . Newell, and a report on the crippled children's movement by Mr. U. 1/. Tavlor.