GOODWILL ON EARTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 35

GOODWILL ON EARTH.

INFLUENCE OF ROTARY. AUCKLAND, March 2. I cannot believe that Rotary is a fool’s paradise, and that we are misled by fanciful beliefs as to its future and its possibilities. Men have explained the nppenl of Rotary as being something in which they can sense a tangible working code without too much professing, combined with friendliness amongst a cosmopolitan membership that was formerly denied to them.” So stated Mr Cha’s. Rhodes, acting-district governor of New Zealand, Jhe 53rd district in International Rotary, in an address at to-day’s conference. Obviously the speaker's views were shared whole-heartedly by his Rotarian associates. for they gathered together at 8.30 this morning, at thc University Buildings in large numbers, and were immediately on the most sociable terms with each other, and quickly settled down to the business of the day with an earnestness and enthusiasm that is rarely to be seen at conferences.

Mr Rhodes expressed his confidence in the future of the movement in New Zealand. He said he was convinced that Rotary’s organisation brought men together who, five years ago. were widely apart, and who would never have thought of a co-operative j'ob to benefit their community.

Following an impressive invocation by “Padre” Cruickshank. the president. Mr Coltman. extended a welcome from the Auckland Rotary Club to the visiting delegates. As for the progress of Rotnry in New Zealand, Mr Coltman said that every club was an enthusiastic organisation, and the “baby” at Gisborne was well represented at the conference. In tho North Island there were 12 clubs, and he considered that there was ample accommodation for more than four clubs in the South.

A pleasing ceremony then followed, this being the introduction of the first Comitfnissioncr (thc Hon. George Fowhls). The Acting District Governor si.id that there w’as no more public-spirited citizen iu Auckland than Mr Fowlds. Responding, Mr Fowlds said that Rotary now had a hold in New Zealand, and would grow as it was destined to grow throughout the whole world until it became a real force in improving the business ethics of the world and the relationships of. the various nations. Its success in the future, as in the past, would depend upon the zeal and activities of the individual members of Rotary. Mr Fowlds then recalled the visit that was paid last year by Mr William M’Connell, past president of the Dublin - ' Club. He read a message of goodwill from Mr M’Conncll, and handed over a speaker’s gavel which had been, sent as a present to New Zealand Rotary. A very fine address on the value of Rotary to the world was given at the conference by Mr Howard Ellis, of Honolulu. This afternoon was occupied with Rotary business.

Mr N. H. Mackie, of Palmerston North, gave an address on the subject of classify cation, and Dr J. G. Campbell, president of the Whangarei Club, spoke on attendance. These addresses were followed by a general discussion. The business of tha day was concluded with group meetings of the club committeemen in preparation for the fiha 1 group meetings to-jnorrow. The afteriu > business was relieved occa» sionally by the singing of songs.

The following appeared in our Second Edition last w«ek :—