WHERE STRENGTH LIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21182, 1 November 1938, Page 10

WHERE STRENGTH LIES

In Individual Service Address by Rotary , Governor “Rotary’s strength does not lie in its international directorate or secretariat, which have some outstanding men, but in the enthusiasm for service of the individual member of individual clubs?’ This statement was made at a gathering of the Timaru Rotary Club last night by the District-Governor of Rotary for New Zealand (Mr G. W. Hutchinson, C.M.G.), of Auckland, who emphasised that Rotary was not just another luncheon club, but an opportunity to give real service to the community. The District-Governor was welcomed by the president of the club (Mr K. S. Brown), who outlined the fine record of public service which had been built up by Mr Hutchinson, who is a former Mayor of Auckland. Interesting sidelights on the International Assembly' at Del Monte, California, and the Convention at San Francisco, at which he represented New Zealand Rotary, were given by

Mr Hutchinson. The people at headqquarters. he said, had a high opinion of Rotary in the Dominion, and he had been pleased to hear several wellknown names mentioned, including that of Past District-Governor W. Thomas, of Timaru.

There was no longer any need to justify the existence of Rotary, said the District Governor. There were now 5000 clubs throughout the world, and each day of the week some new club was being given a charter. The movement must be worth while, otherwise it would not have caught the imagination in the manner it had. Rotary appeared to most people to be a rather confusing and difficult thing. It was confusing because it was ethical and theoretical. It was his job as head of the movement in New Zealand to endeavour to show’ clubs how those ideals could be put into practice, and in New Zealand the majority of clubs were carrying out the principles well.

What Movement Expected

Mr Hutchinson explained at length what Rotary expected of its members. He likened the movement to a game of Mah Jong. It was difficult at first, but once one settled down it became simple. He emphasised the value of Rotary as a means of promoting international good will and understanding and said that the Assembly and Convention had strongly illustrated that to him.

Rotary, said Mr Hutchinson, was a germ that found its way into the soul of man and inspired him to serve his fellow men. The proverb, “He profits best who gives most,” was very true. A film in natural colour of interesting features of Mr Hutchinson’s visit abroad was screened, while sidelights of the Rotary conference at Christchurch last year were also screened. The thanks of the Timaru Club were extended to Mr Hutchinson for his visit and for his address, by the president.