ROTARY CLUB

Otago Witness, Issue 3595, 6 February 1923, Page 6

ROTARY CLUB

ESTABLISHED IN DUNEDIN. The Hon. George Fowlds, of Auckland, r .Tectal representative in New Zealand oi Rotary International, left for the north on the 31st. Besides attending the meetings ot die University Senate, he found time to interest a number of the city’s leading p ! zens 111 tne ideas and principles of Rotary—tlie result being that in response a circular letter a most representative gat tiering of business men mot in the Uhamoer of Commerce last Wednesday afternoon blr George Fenwick occupied the chair! Atter expressing pleasure at the tine response to tile invitations, the Chairman briefly referred to the objects of the meetmg and introduced the Hon. George Fowlds. Mr Fowlds explained in an extremely interesting and lucid manner the origin of the organisation. He dealt with the recognised objects of Rotary Clubs —viz., to encourage and foster: (a) High ethical standards in business and professions. (b) jhe ideal of service as the basis of all worthy enterprise. (e) Ihe active interest of every Rotarian in the civic, commercial, social, and moral welfare of his community. (d) ili e development cf a broad acquaintanceship as an opportunity for service as well as an aid to success. (ej Ihe intei'changa of ideas and of business methods as a means of increasing the efficiency and usefulness of Rotarians. (f) The recognition of the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and the dignifying of the occupation of each Rotarian as affording him an opportunity to serve society. The membership of Rotary Clubs is formed on the unique plan of one active and representative man from each line of business or profession in the community, and Mr j-ovvids indicated liow this fundamental principle in the Rotary platform, lar from being a hindrance, as some might suppose, had proved to be a source of great strength to the movement. Membership in the Rotary Club is a privilege and an opportunity, and its responsibility demands lionest and efficient service and thoughtfulness for one’s fellows, Service is the basis of all business, and Rotary inspires the individual to the lealisation of the fact that, he profits most who serves best. Mr James Brown moved, Mr J. C. Stephens seconded, and it was carried unanimously—“ That this meeting affirms tile desirability of forming a Rotary Club in the city of Dunedin and resolves to appoint an organising committee to act with the Hon. George ' Fowlds, the special representative in New Zealand of Rotary International.” Sir George Fenwick moved, Mr F. M. Sliortt seconded, and it was carried unanimously, that the following gentlemen be appointed an organising committee —viz.: Messrs S. Solomon, K.C., James Brown, G. W. MTntosh, Peter Barr, Thomas Somerville, and James Hutchison. Mr Magnus W. Johnson was a6ked to act as interim secretary. At the close of the meeting a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Hon. George Fowlds and to Sir George Fenwick for presiding. Resulting from the work cf the Organising Committee the charter or foundation members of the Rotary Club of Dunedin sat down to a capital luncheon on Tuesday last in the Savoy Lounge. The Hon. George Fowlds occupied the chair. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Sir George Fenwick, Dr Geo. E. Thompson, and Mr J. A. Roberts. Congratulatory messages couched in the warmest terms were received from the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Rotary Clubs. In addition to the chairman, Rotarian W. D. Munn personally represented the Auckland Club. The Chairman introduced the particular business of the meeting, the launching of the Rotary Club of Dunedin. Various resolutions dealing with charter members, constitution and by-laws, affiliation to headquarters, etc., were duly disposed of, and the following officers and directors were appointed for 1923: —President, Sir George Fenwick; vice-president, Mr S. Solomon, K.C. ; lion, secretary, Mr M. W. Johnson; treasurer, Mr Peter Barr; directors — Messrs Thomas Somerville, James Brown, F. M. Sliortt, and E. H. Lough. Genuine wholesome good-fellowship was the characteristic note of the meeting, which augurs well for the success of tf Rotary movement in Dunedin. At intervals Rotarian songs were sung to well-known tunes. Before singing the National Anthem Mr Peter Barr moved a cordial vote of thanks and appreciation to Rotarian the non. George Fowlds, which was carried by acclamation. It may he stated that (he principles underlying the Rotary movement cannot be acquired nor put into practice in a day or two. 'i he motto of Rotary is “Service before self he profits mosf who serves best.”