ROTARY CONVENTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3756, 9 March 1926, Page 33

ROTARY CONVENTION.

DELEGATES WELCOMED. The inaugural gathering in connection with the New Zealand Rotary Clubs’ Conference was held in the Allen Hall on Wednesday evening, when some 300 Rotarians, their wives and daughters, were present. In calling the assembly to order Rotarian Marshall Macdonald introduced Rotarian Harty (Hamilton), who pronounced the mvocation which was followed by the united recital of the Lord’s Prayer. Following the invocation, the Native attendants from the Fijian Court at the Exhibition tendered two musical items, after which the l»der of the party. Ratu Kim, a chief ‘and the son of a chief P*""!?"?; to president for the acceptance of hw wife a niece of "tapa” and three native baskets with the words: Vie ask you to accept these small gifts horn us for Mxs Macdonald, who has been very to during our stay m Dunedin. lney are Eut we are far from our own land. \\e gifts, their kind thoughts and then music, and in a brief address, tendered a cordiai welcome to all visitors, and said that he was glad to welcome the Rotarians, who had come from Ireland, Canada, England, and Australia as well as those from o her parts of New Zealand. He was particularly pleased to know that they vveie honoured bv the presence of that most eminent Rotarian Everett Ililk immediate past president of the Rotary International. Canada was represented bv rotarian M. T. MacEachern, who was here to give advise about our hospitals. There was also present an of the Rotary International of Great Britain and Ireland—a member of the Dubhn Rotary Club—Rotarian W. M Connell. He could not conclude without making special reference to the two grand oil men of rotary. Rotarian Geo. Fowlds (past international director) and Rotarian C las. Rhodes. He did not think that any rotary conference in New Zealand would be complete without these two grand old men They were also proud and pleased that so many of the rotarians were accompanied bv their wives and daughters, whose pre?ence graced the hall It had been the privilege of few present to attend any at the great rotary conventions, but they had their own small conferences in New Zealand and it was pleasing to note the stimulation of friendship which had been brought about by meeting with and learning from brother rotarians. A great deal had been gained by conferring with rotarians in other New Zealand towns, and interchanging ideas and views with them. He hopod that the conference would be a landmark in the history of rotary. In Dunedin they were painfully aware of their own weaknesses, but they hoped to learn a great deal in the next few days at the feet of the prominent rotarians who were with them. In conclusion, Rotarian Macdonald said that his sole remaining duty was to hand over the conduct of the conference to the district governor—Rotarian W. E. Herbert, who, he had great pleasure in mentioning, was an old Otago boy Governor ‘‘Will” Herbert thanked the rotarians present for the splendid welcome they had given him and the other New Zealand representatives. He would not presume to reply on behalf of such eminent members as +heir visitors from the United States, Canada, and Ireland—they were able to reply for themselves. It seemed particularly 'fitting that he should welcome them in a town wdiieh was tile scene of his boyhood days. It was said that a man made two mistakes when he left his native city. The first, was going away from it, and the second was returning, but ho felt that his return to Dunedin especially under such circumstances, was anything but a mistake. He wanted to ask one to speak who probobly knew more abount Rotary than anyone in the world—a man who, in the past few years, had given up his life to the furtherance of the movement He wished also to welcome the visitor’s wife, who had accompanied her husband on his vovage in the cause of Rotary The speaker also welcomed Mrs Ralph Cummings, the wife of one of their past international presidents Rotarian Everett Hill, immediate past president, rotary international, expressed pleasure at being present, and said that he and his wife had travelled many miles to attend the present convention. He attended the conference not representing any. one country, but representing Rotary in 35 nations. He considered that the governor of the present conference, Governor Wills, was a man who could uphold the honour of his position in Rotary in any nation in which the movemtnt flourished. He wished to pay tribute to the pioneers of Rotary in this country, and would couple this remark with the names of Rotarians Geo. Fowlds and Ghas. Rhodes. He had come to learn, and he was learning, and the further lie went in Rotary, the greater became his debt to the movement. There was an ideal ahead of them that they were all striving for, and Rotary had set that ideal. Then troubles, conditions and pro blems were just the same as in every country in the world. He had heard the same excuses given m every country in t.he world for not being able to establish Rotary, but there were as many reasons why it should be established. If they possessed anything worth while, their best way of enjoying it was to pass it on. Thus, they could enjoy Rotary by passing it on to the next man. Rotary in 35 nntions ought, to mean something to every member of the movement, regardless of creed, politics, or race and it was their duty to carry the message of world-wide Rotary the world over, *o that its glamour might shine more brightly. With 118.000 members all striving for the same object and purpose, for the same ideals, and the friendship of the world, there would ultimately be achieved the end towards which thev wore striving A welcome by acclamation was also ox tended to Rotarian Wm. M‘Conncll. of the Dublin Rotary Club, who, in acknowledging his reception, said that in a seat of learning such as Dunedin one was temnted to remember that learning assimilated in one’s younger days. In any case he had comp here to learn, and looked forward to the greet benefit? which would accrue from the conference in which it was a great delight for him to participate. During the evening songs wpre rendemd bv Miss Loma Smith and Mr G. W. Johnstone.

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES DISCUSSED. The conference was continued at the Alien Hall on Thursday morning, when there was a very large attendance of Rotarians. Governor “Will” Herbert was in the chair. In opening the proceedings the speaker referred to the death of Mr Alick Duncan, who had died while on the way to the conference, and to the death of Mr D. W. Jack, president-elect of the Whangarei Club, who had died suddenly while at the Exhibition on Tuesday night. Motions of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased were carried in silence. The invocation was given by the Rev. Harty, and “God Defend New Zealand” was then sung. The Hon. Secretary (Mr Magnus Johnson) read a large number of greetings from other clubs. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. Governor Herbert said no happier note could have been struck at the initiation of their proceedings than the receipt of such warm wishes from the various rotary clubs. The presence of so many distinguished visitors from overseas marked a new era in the history of rotary clubs in New Zealand.—(Applause.) He trusted that they would find in their mission something well worth while and that future conferences would receive other visitors. They wanted rotary to be a big thing for New Zealand. and it was their presence which helped them on in this endeavour. These visits gave the conference an international atmosphere. International energy would be to wards the welfare of the communities of the world, irrespective of creed or colour That peoples should be estranged was a thing unthinkable to the rotarian mind. The speaker referred to the aspects of scribed as a philosophy of life, and emphasis less than five years since Rotary had come to New Zealand, it wa3 started in Wellington. and rotary had taken root and spread. They had now 15 club.s scattered over New Zealand. New Zealand could also demonstrate the feasibility and the usefulness of rotary in the small towns. The smail towns only required a knowledge of the principles of rotary and an understanding of its possibilities to show them the desirability of establishing clubs. The first object of a rotary club was to make rotarians,. and they should have a properly functioning and efficient committee. Having secured a properly educated committee in the rotary sense, they could go to work Health, justice and education was the tripod which must support their future civilisation. He was proud to be district governor of clubs which were functioning so well. Ho wanted them to get into the conference-attending habit, and thus assist greatly the work of their particular clubs. He had heard the rotary movement described as a philosophy of life and emphasis had been laid on the institutional aspect of their movement Sometimes he could almost wish that it could be shorn of some of its inspirational vestments and that it should be known as a “cheerful endeavour ” If rotary wa« something that dreamt things, that thought things, that talked things, it would fail, but if on the other hand it was something which through its unique organisation diffused knowledge of what was most worth while to their community welfare and cheerfully demonstrated the courage and ability to practice those things then it would be gladly welcomed by a grateful people and continue to flourish. That it would do so was his firm belief.—(Loud applause.) Another song followed. MESSAGE FROM OVERSEAS.

Rotarian Everett Hill, immediate past president, rotary international, who was termed by the Chairman, their chief visitor, and was received with musical honours, sail he brought greetings from President John Adams, of the International Boarl lie referred to the development of nations and their recognition of the importance of working together for the family of nations. They were working for a real international brotherhood, and the abolition of war. The material things which were assisting in international brotherhood were enumerated, and also the spiritual. Rotary in 21 years had established itself in 2300 communities, and in 35 nations, and it set forth the establishment of world peace, and its development through business and professional meu united in the ideal of service.— (Applause.) That was- only the sixth object of rotary There were five others, but they were not focussed on a brotherhood of nations, without the other five the sixth would be utterly impossible.— (Applause.) Rotary also stood for a high family life. This was a busy world, and everywhere they found tlie necessity of educating rotarians on the objects of rotary. Tlicir vision must be international, even though their activities were local Rotary was not American, British, French, or of any particular race. It belonged to the world Because it was brought in by an American it did not say it belonged alone to that country—it now belonged to everybody. It was not an American institution, and it dependent on tis success on each member. It was a living and vital force, and it would be a success just so long as members had the desire to leave the world a little bit better than they found it.— (Applause.) Rotaiy had been the turning point in many careers. The history of rotary read like a romance. It had builded friendship amongst communities, and they were all striving to wards this object. Rotary el', mated national prejudices. It had brought nen of 35 nations together banded in bonds of comint n brotherhood.— (Applause.) Hate, greed, envy, and fear were the things to be rid of in the world, and they had then removed a mountain of distrust and misunderstanding. Rotary had this power by its six objects. Two of the objects were outstanding—to encourage and foster the ideal of service as the basis of all worthy enterprises and the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and international peace through a fellowship of business and professional men j united in the rotary ideal of service.— (Applause.) Within the membership of Rotary they had men who could make, mar, or stop war. It was reaching right through racial and national lines. In Mexico the rotarians were animated by the same ideals as the rotarians of Chicago. Similarly the rotarians of New Zealand had the same objects in view as the rotarians of other countries. Hotaiians had seen the vision of world peace. Rotary could not thrive if it held just to in. ideal—it must be practical. They must not get their feet off the ground If their actions wore unethical it was

going to l effect discredit on themselves, their communities, and their nation. Rotary was taking hold of the hearts of men in all nations. Through rotary dll religions, social, racial and political snobbery was abolished and not till international trade was carried on on a high ethical standard could they hope for peace. He believed that rotary was helping to bear down the banners of political and religious prejudice, and it seemed to him that the tune was opportune that such barriers should be wiped out.—(Applause.) The greatest wealth they had to give was that of unselfish service to their fellowinen.(Applause.) At the disarmament conference in Washington the Japanese taking part were rotarians. The Italian debt commis sion had been headed by the president of the Venice Rotary Club. Could they realise the importance o. such a movement when thev had men like them in it. Victor Hugo had said that there was one thing stronger than armies, and that has an idea whose time had come The time had come to form world peace. It was public will, not force, tliaj made for public peace, and rotary could work, towards the forming of public will Let them overcome misunderstandings and establish rotary, and carr? forward their object of international peace. Let them move to the service of man to man. and follow out the great com mapclment, “to love thy neighbour as thv®elL —(Cheers, and the singing of “For he s a jolly good fellow.”) VOTE OF THANKS. Mr Peter Barr proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Rotarian Hill for the eloquent and splendid address he had given that morning. They welcomed most enthusiastically the opportunity of hearing Rotarian Hill and meeting him personally -(Loud applause.) Rotarian Hill had come overseas to be present with them, and they had listened with the deepest delight to his address The motion was carried with loud applause. Another chorus was then sung. ROTARY EDUCATION. Rotarian E. S. Baldwin (Wellington Club) gave an address on “Rotary Education.” He said they must have a fundamental philosophy of the aims of rotary. Me dealt with the relation between philosophy and service, quoting largely from literature on the points. Summing up a lengthy academic address, the speaker said they must try to ennoble themselves and others. The education of rotary was on the lines of the ideal. Good education made one really good. As rotarians they specialised in the curriculum in their sixobjects. They had almost reached the bottom rung of the high ladder of education. He said “almost” because while they had the instruments of war. except in their museums, they could not be said to be civilised.—(Applause.) The culminating feature in the education of their rotarians was the advancement of good fellowship unite! in service leading to peace on earth and goodwill to men. There must be the will to it before they could have international peace.—(Applause.) PROVOKING DISCUSSION. Mr W. Macalister, president of the Invercargill Club, said rotary formed a distinct conception of service—service above self. He said he intended to provoke discussion—(Laughter.) Rotary was being overorganised and the machinery was becoming too complicated. Too much attention was being paid to rotary activities. —(Laughter.) The cart was being put before the horse. Rotary was not to render service as its immediate aim and object, but to create and foster the attitude of mind that would manifest itself in earnest endeavour. A Voice: How many years are allowed for discussion? —(Laughter.) Rotarian Macalister said they should engender the rotary spirit, love of their fellow-men. and foster a desire to render service. Rotary education did not consist in a knowledge of rotary history, rotary philosophy, rotary procedure, but in the drawing out of the natural instinct of human tenderness and the elimination of selfishness.—(Applause.) They should have a clear conception of the rotary movement be! ore they went into the subject of rotary education. There was no doubt rotary was founded on ideals—ideals set up in the soul. These were the philosophy of life. The slogan of rotary, “Service above self, ’ was an ideal implying a degree of moral perfection which, with human nature as it was, men could ot_ achieve. Failure to achieve was not a sin in rotary Their object was not the achievement of its iaeals, but to foster encourage, and pursue them -(“Hear, hear.”) The all-embracing objective of .otary was to encourage, foster, and pursue its ideals of conduct, in business and community life. They wanted more and still more rotary fellowship. 1 hat was the remedy. Tile rotary spirit was nothing more or less than love for our fellow-men.-(Applause.) The spirit of rotary must come before service itself and they must develop the instinct of human tenderness which it had been said, was the hope of the world. It was assuredly the hope of rotary.—(l/Oud ’HIE CLASP OF AN HONEST HAND Mr Louis Cohen (Wanganui Club) said he could not find the stairs like Rotarian Hill.—(Laughter.) He found it difficult to evade the mud holes on the caith.(Laughter.) He spoke of the effect of club life in rotary education. One of the main essentials of rotary was to greet with plea sure an honest man and the clasp of an honest hand.—(Applause.) The great aim of rotary was not to get, but to give.— (Applause.) All the world over wore rotarians in the making, and if they wanted a man to like them let them begin by liking the other fellow.—(Applause.) There was fundamentally in man some moral quality, some aspiration to moral grandeur, and their object \vn ? to develop that.— (Applause.) BREAK DOWN PREJUDICES.

The Hon. G. Fowlds said they had heard i.i all the addresses the necessity of friend ship. That was the spirit on which rotary was built, and if they failed in that they failed in rotary They must break down prejudices even in their own beautiful country, and if they would do that they would find their work spreading into the great international. lie thought they should change their motto “Live to Love, ns the slogan “He profits much who serves best,” gave an idea that they were desirous of getting something in return. Let them love each other and unite to serve and they had got the aim and object of the rotary movement. The luncheon adjournment was then taken.

AT THE EXHIBITION. The delegates had lunch at the Exhibition, where an official welcome was ex-

tended by the Mayor. He said that th( honour of welcoming the conference mem ber s was enhanced by tl -’"sion among its members of rotarians from overseas He was satisfied that the conference would result in the progress of the movement no( only in Dunedin but throughout New Zea land He hoped the visitors, particular!] those from overseas, would have a most en joyable stay in Dunedin and when they returned to their homes that they would voice the opinion that Dunedin was a grand place to visit, when a tour was being made of the “finest country in the British Em pire. *

Several short speeches were made and choruses were sung. AFTERNOON SESSION.

Rotarian William M’Connell, past president of the Dublin Rotary Club, and the representative of British rotary, was the Grst speaker in the afternoon He was re ceived with a rousing chorus. He said he had come 15,000 miles from his native land to bring them greetings from rotarians in the British Isles—l2,ooo in number.—(*Ap plause.) Ihe ultimate aim of rotary was the abolition of rotary clubs.-(“Hear, hear. ’) That was the real aim, if they just thought. They must guard against the danger of self-satisfaction There were 180,000 rotarians, but he w s sure n t one would claim to be 100 per cent, rotarian. The objects of rotary began and ended with the individual, notwithstanding collective effort. Out of the welter of war they had the politicians of all the nations getting together to try to prevent another war. Internationally, they were all engaged in an uplift, and he thought rotaria”s should bear that in mind. They could do a lot by conferring with the craftsmen of other countries. He would say for New Zealand and also for Australia that the foundations of rotary had been well laid. The friendship displayed was really wonderful. Britain held her head high in honour to-day in the nations or the world, aud it had been an honour f £ 0I ?1® , out here as the representative of British rotary.—(Applause.) Rotary to-day had come to full maturity, aud it would be judged by the individual. He had been struck by the number of professional men who led rotary in New Zealand and Australia, and that was an » feature m their activities. 1 hey had got to get everyone to try to be what he would really like to be, and then they would have not a league of nations but a league of men.—(Applause.) Rotarians had to practise the teachings Thev S th ! U :. daily personal Bfe. Ihey had to contribute their thought as pii«fp3 S K° f t lG dominion, and those who a /l, b r aUSe th i ey l thou^llt thei r outlet Ihe;v » fc f bl^- eno S gh shou,d remember that activities here were all part of the Wol r’i ? tJ ! e neater field.—(Applause.) Clubs had been formed in bring na the nd * Bud J post - He had to 1 mg the greetings of the president of the Naples Club, Commodore Bertolini UoUrX d r h ‘l d * li Mm that he tnought the time had come when thev Snitt;n!i r r U3ly con ? ider th « question of adnatting Germany into their fold. They n F?ron r that if they h ad had rotary been no war Tl i‘ 4 t, l ere would / (Applause.) Rotary interSiven its consent to the Geneva nd ; C t onfereD “ of , rotarians at result of "T thol,ght that as a If® , ot “at conference certain suggestions would oe placed before the Lea™ behalf oTreL F owlds T expressed thanks on pHdc J tLm eS S o„ I NCW Zealand t^y .han E „ g fa l J , r„rr i „T?haTt e he E^;fe h ~H v * , T,lCTaf °™ ‘hey extended a very Great Brita° me l' 1 ' re P r<!! sentative from Great Britain. They tlmnkeil him for the messa„ e he had broug , lt t(j “™ m ror^“ He to !?- k t 0 the international side town To M ,,l ! ng , dei '°safoiy to their own t® ‘he loyalty to their own country, to the international movement.sertons no”/ t tllanked "in, for the serious note he had struck, and they entrusted him with an equally cordial BHtoin 6 u th i e *" ll0le °t ‘heir friends in t’J ‘a* ll ;— (Appiause.) They were proud o' . ~c o" n ec‘ i on w “h ‘he Motherland and of their connection with Mie Rotary International, and they believed they couli all make some valuable contribution to the development of this preat cause. They thought it had possibilities for the welfare of the human race equal to anything that they bad ever had before.—(Applause.) A chorus followed. “BETTER BUSINESS METHODS.” “Be Rotariaus; apply the rotary code of ethics to business, and we then will have not ‘better business methods,’ hut ‘the very best business methods possible,’ ” concluded Rotarian F. Harty (Hamilton) to his address on “Better Business Methods.” He said that business played a far greater part in their lives than they realised; it was the earning of the “daily bread” an) considering its importance it was alarming to contemplate the uncertainty of to-mor-row’s bread which hung over the heals of the working classes This was due to the unsettled condition of the business world and the strife and friction that existed The economic strife was more widespread, more far-reaching in its ramifications, and far more relentless than the Great War. Business men had become so accustomed to the state of affairs that many seemed °ontent to accept it ns something which must be endured. The economic system was tottering, and would take civilisation with it in its crash unless drastic steps were taken. The solution would be bused on sound ethics an) economics, with supreme importance attaching to the human element. Leading industrialists considered that the only solution was the evolving of n formula, which would ensure a high standard of production and quality of service; a satisfaction of thp deeply implanted human Instinct for justice. Henry Ford had stated his opinion emphatically, that ,r >n cause of industrial unrest lay not so much in desire for more wages ns for justice—n square deal, n fail share in the control and profits of industry. The principle of partnership alone would give effect to that. It was writ largely on the face of history that In all human associations only those based on ethical and moral foundations survived. The solution was therefore plain to rotarians. A PERTINENT QUESTION. Rotirian H Valder (Hamilton Club) ppoke on tho same subject. 110 said the main is me of better business methods was and always would be the relationship be-

tween the two principal factors in industry —those who contributed human value and those who contributed property value, or in oilier words labour end capital Rotary had tackled no insignificant task when it had started its “better business” methods campaign. The problem of the relationship of man to man was the key problem to all other problems—social, political, and commercial, as long as class consciousness continued the solution of ali their great would be retarded. If. therefore, rotary advanced but one step the solution of this world-wide problem it could claim to have justified its existence. He contended that it was impossible to make a division between those who put into an enterprise the toil of brain and those who put in the toil of hand. There were, of course, different qualities of skill, of management, bufc that was a matter of degree and not of kind lie would label the two parties in industry the contributors of service and the contributors of prophecy. The question was on what basis should the control of rewards of industry be distributed between the two contributing parties If they believed in the principles of justice the answer would be—on the basis of abstract justice and in accordance with the value contributed by each party respectively If they were to follow the principles of rotary to their logical conclusion and give effect to them in their business life, the contributors of service must occupy a higher status in business than the contributors of property. If they as rotarians were in agreement on this point they were in a-false position, as the reverse of this was the practice under the present industrial system. The clearest example he could give to illustrate the principles on which the present business system was based was company organisation. The objective of a company was to make profit for its shareholders—that was. those who contributed its capital. They alone controlled the policy and received the whole of the surplus profit. The contributors of service, as such, had no part in the privileges. It was evident therefore that if they desired to practise rotary principles in their business life it was their duty to revise their business methods. The speaker referred to two attempts at solution which had come prominently before the business community of late—the nationalisation of industry, and the making of employees shareholders. This method, however, could be taken advautage of by only a small proportion! of the contributors of service, and by those to a comparatively small extent °»ly- This did not alter the principle on which the existing system was based. The speaker concluded by saying if the question were asked: “Are the rotarians, as a body, striving to evolve a formula based on the principles of reason and abstract justice—a formula which we are willing to pul into action, and which will lead to sharing the responsibilities .nd rewards of onr own businesses with our employees?” would the reply be in the affirmative? He wondered. If not, should they not at least be honest with themselves and ask whether it was not advisable to abandon tha campaign of “better business methods” end devote their energies to other issues with which, at present, rotary practice was more concerned 9 —(Applause.)

ETHICS OF BUSINESS. A‘ r , t-- H. Wyles spoke on the subject « . , lhe ethics of Business.” He held that by their example and their co-opera-tion with the best elements of the busi* ness world they could help to establish better relations not only between employer and employee, but between producer, distributor, and consumer, and give increased service along the lines of their own particular activities.— ( \p. plause.) 1 1 GARDEN PARTY. The conference then adjourned in order to accept the invitation of Mr P R Sarpod to a garden party at “Marinoto been married to defendant nine years. fbu trafa-Bw was continued at the Allen Hall on l nday. District Governor W -, E - Herbert (Wellington Club) occupied the chair. Pfpeedmgs opened with an invoca- * Tl^nu 1 * 8 Frank Hart y and a chorus. iho Chairman read a number of further greetings from rotary clubs. THE SERVICE OF BUSINESS. Rotarian Frank Lamb, past director Rotary International (Washington), spoke on the subject of “Ihe Service of Busis. He said he was just a business man talking to business men. The third object of rotary told them to apply their seivice to business life. Business occupied if ,? r ? ater P arfc °f. average man’s work. If their service did not contribute to the welfare of busi 3 S matters, and if it could ? 0t j S S app l* then rotary would be a iraud and a fai l e. Service in rotary was simply a development of the feudal system. Society was a lit—man could not stand alone. States and principalities rested on each other. ” -vice could not he bounded by profession or by craft For 25 years he had endeavoured to produce timber a little cheaper and a little better. If he he could have supplied timber cheaper for houses ho was rendering as great a service as the medical man who had to prescribe to meet the evils of -.isanitary houses.— (Applause.) _ The speaker referre. to the various services which had een introduced to give the working man better living conditions. Some of this might have been done for profit. Tt hadi how r ever, been rendered possible because it .ad been profitable. They must distinguish between profits as an end a nrofits as a motive, Man had done many o-ood things for profit, inanv had done some damnable things, bufe the greatest things had not been done primarily for fiit, hut from desire to do something worth while, to maint i the prestige of the endeavour in which tho person was engaged. He spoke of Ruskin’s definitions of tho functions of the leading professions—tho soldier to protect the parson to tench, the physician to keep the community in health, the lawyer to enforce justice, the merchant to provide. It was the soldier’s duty to defend, tho parson’s to lie rather than to teach a false doctrine, the physician to give up his life if necessary the laHvyer to suffer rather than to allow injustice. What, nsk«‘d the speaker, was the “due occasion” of the merchant? He outlined some of those. They inclu!ed, he said, the relations of a business man with his customer and with his employees. Rotary helped in four ways—l»y encouraging an appreciation of the vocation, encouraging goodwill between those of different businesses, replacing violent competition by

co-operation (without affecting wholesome Competition), and by introducing into business a self-government which wns necessary if business were to succeed in the worl 1 When all orner influences hod fail'.*). P.usi xmos could not lie governed by legislation. By doing this it was lessening the violence Of the economic order with happier r <*3ii!l3 to the business man and his employees. Rotary was a good influence or. its members; there were several instances where it bad had a direct benetieial effect. That effect orae not the mere stimulation of business, but the growth of higher ideals of eomEiunity life. Sometimes it needed ns much courage to do heroic acts in business as to go ‘‘over the-top,” or to march to war with the inspiration of martial nnisic and ♦ho sound of cannon. It all had to be done in the drah surroundings of the counting-house and the factory. In rotary there were idealism and prncticalisra—the practicalism tinted with idealism and the idealism sobered by practicalism. He hope) that they might all dream their dreams, but those dreams must be translated into their daily lives.— ♦Applause.) . On the motion of Mr Charles ltholes '♦Auckland) a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Lamb. In the afternoon the sectional committees met. to transact business, and in the evening a cabaret party was held at the Tudor Hall. CONFERENCE CONCLUDED. The business of the conference was concluded on Saturday. Governor Will Herbert occupied the chair. Padre Frank Harty pronounced an invocation and " Let's All Get Together was then sung. COMMITTEES’ REPORTS. Rotarian G. Fowlds presented the reports of the sectional committees. In doing so he said he wanted Rotarians to get hold of the fact that it was not yet Quite four years since the first two rotary chibs had been formed in New Zealand, that there were now 15 clubs (10 started ib the last twa years) in the Dominion (applause)— and that .visitors had come thousands of miles to attend their fourth New Zealand conference. The speaker referred to what rotary had done for him personally and of the important things it could and had achieved. It had transformed his outlook on life and had brought ioy and happiness to the members generally- If it had done that it had helped the life of the community and the nations. Those for whom rotary had done so much should now ask themsmelves what they had done for rotary. The whole confer ence had centred around the two questions: “What should a rotary club do.' and, to go further back, “ What is Rotary?” To him, possessed of the Celtic metaphysical mind, there was no need of a specific formula. Rotary to him was simply rotary, an dall that the term connoted. Rotary was not merely a luncheon club —it was not a boys work piganisation, or anything of that kind. It was the philosophy and plan of life, and they should get that philosophy into their hearts and minds and souls, and their daily life. The speaker detailed the recommendations of the Resolutions Com Uiittec. It recommended, among other things, that the annual meetings of clubs should take place towards the end of July .—to fit in with their relationship with the International; that ample time should be given for discussions of the con ierenee addresses, and that a complete programme should be in the hands of clubs one month before the conference commenced. The Programme and Attendance Committees recommended that to encourage and foster active interest m the civic, commercial, social, and moral welfare of the community clubs should bring these subjects into prominence in their weekly addresses. The Business Committee recommended that the clubs should adopt the business methods probramme as their chief work for this year. The Boys Work Committee recommended that rotary support outside organisations in connection with girls and hoys work, and that it encourage suitable activities—boy scouts, girl guides, vocational guidance, and co-operation with those teaching young children, especially as regarded the training of character. No definite proposal was made regarding parental le *;,onsibility. but the committee commended yne subject to conference for consideraThe rec-v.n inundations were adopted en 1,1 Holar.?u Everett. Hill explained the classification system of rotary. The idea wa* to take one member from each profession and from each line of business, ani thus r (t ab would he formed of many dilhwttfi vocations, moulded together. Xb»r» were just as many different outside who were rotarians as there were inside. Referring to the distrust aroused amongst nations, the speaker referred to a repr nt article which had been published in the daily press dealing with life in America, and said that the mac—an American who had written it was a hypocrite and a liar, and that he had no right to citizenship in his (the speaker's) country. Reference was made to the system of groups in a club being set to study other countries, thus gaining information regarding their aims and objects, and so on This went to create a friendly feeling, and brought the rotarians of different clubs together. There were no foreigners in rotary.— (Applause.) v On the motion of the Chairman, it was decided to send greetings ami grateful thanks to Layton Ralston and Jim David son, the two Americans who had founded rotary in New Zealand. ROTARIAN PETER BARR HONOURED. Rotarian Charles Rhodes (Auckland) nominated Rotarian Peter Barr (Dunedin) as the district governor-elect for New Zealand. He said that in Rotarian Barr they had a man who was in every way suitable. The nomination was received with applause and adopted by acclamation and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Rotarian G. Fowlds (who occupied the chair owing to a temporary indisposition of Governor Herbert) said the actual •lection of a governor would take place •t the international conference to be held in Denver in June next. Ratariau Burr Srould really come back elected, and in

the meantime Coverncr Herbert carried Rotarian Barr was received with loud cheering and the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” He said he felt somewhat overwhelmed by the warmth and cordiality of his welcome.—(Applause.) He had not sought nomination, but had been asked to accept it. At first he had said it would be quite out of the question for him to go to America, but the way had since been cleared for his acceptance of nomination.—(Applause.) He was sure that there were others who would have tilled the position better ihan himself. Rotarian Charles Rhodes, George Fowlds. and Hutchison had done more for rotary than any other three men in the Dominion There were other rotarians well fitted to accept the honour, but the position seemed to be that the conclusion nad been arrived at that the next governor ought to come from the South Island.—(Applause.) Rotarians Marshall Macdonald, Norton Francis, and Macalister, three South Islanders, had not been in a position to accept nomination. Throughout his life he had never sought or expected positions. He had left it to other people to say whether he was the right person to get a position. That being so, he felt he could not possibly decline to accede to the request that he should offer himself for nomination.—(Loud cheers and musical honours.) NEXT CONFERENCE. On the motion of Rotarian Hutchison, seconded by Rotarian Butcher (Invercargill), it was decided to hold the next conference at Auckland. VOTES OF THANKS. Rotarian Fowlds moved votes of thanks to Rotarian Everett Hill (past international president, and the special representative of rotary international to the New Zealand Conference) Rotarian William M‘Connell (representative from the British clubs), Rotarian Frank Lamb (America), Rotarian Dory (Melbourne). Rotarian Ed. Lipsitt (Vancouver), Rotarian MacEachern (Chicago), the votes being carried with musical honours. Rotarians Lamb and Dory briefly replied. Votes of thanks were also passe) to the Dunedin Rotary Club (coupled with the names of Rotarians Marshall Macdonald president and Magnus Johnson secretary) and to Rotarians P. R. Sargood, S. Solomon and D. E. Theomin for invitations an) entertainment at their residences. SPEECH BY DUNEDIN PRESIDENT. Rotarian Marshall Macdonald sail: “On behalf of the Dunedin Club 1 feel very proud an) very pleased to think that we have succeeded in making this conference the success that I feel myself it has been. —(Applause.) To that we are indebted very largely to our secretary, Magnus for the great work he has done.— (Applause.) I wish to pay a tribute also to the men and also to the women who have worlied like Trojans on the committee for the past few weeks. They have done a noble work We are also very grateful to Rotarian Sargood and Mrs Sargool for throwing their grounds open to us, and also to Rotarian Solomon. 1 would like on behalf of the Dunedin members to express the gratitule that we cannot express—(laughter) —to the overseas visitors who have come here to make this conference the great success it has been. The inspiration that has been derived from the adiresses from Rotarian Everett will stimulate us and inspire us for years to come. Then Rotarian M'Connell, we are grateful to him, not only for his serious contribution, but for the skill with which he took off foibles and provincial weaknesses of the residents of New Zealand after only two days in the country On that occasion he showed a sparkle of wit one would not have expected even from an Irishman.— (Applause.) Then Frank Lamb. I must confess that when he came to speak after Everett I did not think he would do as well as him —that was because he had not the advantage of being a great big beautiful husky rough neck.—(Loud laughter.) Long before Frank had finished I ha) come to the conclusion that I did not think any rotarian in the world has got more under his hat than he lias, and then there are the ladies who accompanied them. Everett had told them this morning that there were different opinions about American men—there were a variety of opinions about them —but you will agree with me that you can have only one opinion about the American women—that they are amongst the sweetest creatures that breathe the air under heaven.”—(Applause.) Governor Herbert, Quite restored after his sudden attack, reappeared on the stage Rotarian Johnson also replied. He likened a secretary to a shock absorber, and said he had had plenty of use on those lines since the conference had commenced.— (Applause.) Votes of thanks were passed to the Students’ Association for the use of the Allen Hall and to the press. ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCE. Rotarian Fowlds said the attendance at the conference was as follows: Dunedin Club 55. Wellington 35, Auckland 33. Christchurch 21, Oamaru 20, Invercargill 13, Palmerston North 11. Wanganui 10, Whangarei three, Hamilton 10, Napier nine. New Plymouth seven, Hastings seven. Hawera five, and then there were also the overseas visitors. The total was somewhere about 250. PRESENTATION TO ROTARIAN FOWLDS. “We love you, we honour you, and we are olwuys glad to meet you,” with these opening words Governor Herbert made a presentation of a large and beautiful piece of plate, inscribed “a token of appreciation.” to Rotarian Fowlds. The speaker referred in glowing terms 1o the marvellous work Rotarian Fowlds had put into the lotarv movement in New Zealand. There was no chapter in the book of rotary in Now Zealand from which Rotarian Fowld’s name could be omitted. “On behalf of the members of New Zealand rotary I ask you to accept this gift with their loving and grateful thunks.”—(Cheers and musical honours.) Rotarian Hill also referred to the great work which Mr Fowlds had accomplished. The brilliancy of the plate was but a reflection of the brilliancy of his own life. Rotarian Fowlds, in the course of a feeling reply, said that he had occupied the position of Special Commissioner of Rotary in New Zealand for three years. He accepted their wonderful gift, not in any souse of the wovd as a reward for anything lie had done. His reward had been in that conference in Dunedin, in previous conferences, and in his success in helping to join the various olubs

throughout the Dominion.— (Cheeis.) He would be less than human if he did not deeply appreciate their gift and the kind words that had accompanied it. But as he had said, he had his reward in the rotary movement. It had been one of the joys of his life to do what he had for the rotary movement. Rotary had brought a new motive, a new inspiration to his life. Their gift would be treasured by himself and his wife all their lives. He believed that the great body of rotary would grow more and more as the days went by, until it would be one of the greatest forces in the peace of the world and the spirit of goodwill brought to this earth 1900 years ago.— (Cheers.) ANOTHER PRESENTATION. Rotarian Coltman, on behalf of the Auckland members, presented the Dunedin Club with a handsome table gong. Rotarian Marshall Macdonald replied in suitable terms on behalf of the Dunedin Club, for the kind thought which had prompted the gift. A highly successful conference concluded with the singing of “The End of a Perfect Day,”,“Tlie Star-spangled Banner.” and “God Save the King.” Rotarian Hill mounting the stage and leading the British National Anthem.