ROTARY CLUBS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18895, 22 June 1923, Page 7

ROTARY CLUBS.

DOMINION CONFERENCE. A GOOD START MADE. (Pax United Fees* Association.) WELLINGTON, June 21. A clear indication of the progress that has been made by tho rotary movement in Now Zealand wa? given at the first conference of clubs to-day. Since the inception of rotary in America the movement has spread with remarkable rapidity to every corner of the world, and its benefits are being felt by all sections of the community. At tho opening of the conference there were about 100 rotarions present, there being representatives from various parts of the dominion. The lion. George Fowlds, of Auckland (special commissioner for New Zealand), presided. In welcoming the visitors, Rotarian C. C. Ocllin (local president) said that the conference should prove a solid foundation of rotary in New Zealand. They were there to exchange ideas that would be to their benefit in the future. Ho looked to tho local rotariaris to see that the visitors wore well entertained during their stay in Wellington. The Chairman read a cablegram from Sydney congratulating the Now Zealand rotarians.

The Hon. George Fowlds thanked the Wellington rotarians for their welcome, and presented tho president with a Now Zealand ensign from the Auckland Rotary Club..

In responding, Rotarian Odlin said that the flag- would always be held as a remembrance of the first conference of rotarians. He greatly appreciated the gift. In the'course of an address, Mr Fowlds said that the aim and ideal of the rotary movement was to make the best.of men and women. The movement was a comparatively new one, but its aims were as old as the world itself. No new aim had been brought into its life, but it dealt with all the teachings of the Great Maste,r who lived in Palestine 2000 years ago. The law “He profits most who serves best” had been in existence for all time, but what rotary had done was to bring that law more into the life of the business men today. There, were nearly 1500 rotary clubs in 26 different countries of the world. The rotary movement had a great influence on the world. It was all for the development of higher ideals .and a higher standard of citizenship. The Rotary Club was unique in many ways. It was unique as to the method of selection of its membership. It was a rule that all the most influential branches of life wore represented, and it was impossible for any branch of the community to secure control of clubs. The organisation was bound to function for the welfare of all and for the friendship of the various nations of the world. The great need to-dav was for more friendships. The war had left an unpleasant heritage behind it, and any movement that would develop a spirit of friendship throughout the world was doing much for future civilisation. Tire rotary movement had a great opportunity to promote and develop friendship and fellowship, and it could do that if the members realised their responsibilities one towards the other. He was glad that they had made a start with their national convention, for one of their objects was to do away with parochialism and break down all interprovincial barriers' *nd prejudices. They had at present four clubs in New Zealand, but other centres —Hamilton and Wanganui, for instance—wore ready for the movement.

An interesting outline of the work carried out during the past year was given by I'eoreseptatives from various clubs. Rotarian A. ,F. Roberts (Wellington) said tbnt tho greatest “stunt” during the year was a bovs’ week-end, during which the needs of 3000 bovs were catered for free of cost. Destitute families had also been cared for during Christmas, and a number of rotarians had also decided that it was up to them to take, a more prominent part, in municipal politics. A similar record was abo outlined bv Rotarian Hutchinson. speaking on behalf of tho Auckland Club. Several iahloid addresses wore given by various members, and a social gathering was hold in tho evening.