ROTARIANS ARE IN CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19036, 3 April 1930, Page 8

ROTARIANS ARE IN CONFERENCE.

PROCEEDINGS OPENED AT NATIONAL PARK. (Special to the “Star.”) THE CHATEAU, April 3. Under extraordinarily favourable circumstances the eighth conference of New Zealand Rotary Clubs was commenced this morning at the Chateau Tongariro, National Park. The location is proving eminently suitable for such a gathering, and with perfect weather conditions the delegates, who represent the twenty-three Rotary Clubs of New Zealand, are enthusiastic in their praises of the National Park and its surroundings. The general gatherings of delegates and their friends, to the number of about 250, are easily accommodated in the capacious social hall. From one aspect through the huge windows can be seen the peak of Ngaruahoe, with its smoking summit, and from the other majestic Ruapehu with silver streaks running down from the topmost heights. Most of the Rotarians’ big party arrived last night, and while the formal registration of the delegates was pro ceeding the social hall was occupied with dancing and general introductions. It was a brilliant scene, and in some respects unique. The Chateau has certainly taken on the acknowledged Rotarian characteristics of good fellowship and jollity. About thirty delegates are present from the Auckland district and about 3 similar number from Wellington, other clubs in the Dominion having naturally smaller representations. The formal opening took place at ten o’clock this morning, under the presidency of the District Governor, Mr C> J. Ronaldson, of Christchurch. Proceedings were opened with the National Anthem, after which Rotarian Stan Reid, president of the Auckland Club, briefly welcomed the visitors, indicating matters that might fittingly occupy the special consideration of Rotarians and all citizens. Mr Reid mentioned the unemployment problem, the sup port of thg Dominion to British industry, our heavy fire losses and the credit system.

Rotarian H. J. Guthrie, president of the Dunedin Club, responded, after which the District Governor addressed the conference. The district governor referred to the advantages of meeting under one roof, as it gave an opportunity of making friends more rapidly. Reviewing the year he said the number of clubs remained twenty-three. Steps had been taken to strengthen smallbr clubs and it was hoped to establish clubs at Ashburton and Greymouth. The total membership was 1097, an increase of 50. The spirit of Rotary was a spirit of universal fellowship and goodwill, working through existing organisations. Rotarians did not want a halo of their own, but were content to stir up the community to a sense of its obligations and to carry out the duties imposed by citizenship. Rotary assisted organisations aiding crippled children. the blind and providing Christmas hampers, wood and coal during the winter months to the needy. The chief feature of the work during the year had been under the heading of international service. Rotary was endeavouring to develop what was known as the international mind. The world was becoming so small that it was impossible for nations to view themselves as units. They were part and parcel of a great brotherhood of nations. The spirit of Rotary was recognised in the League of Nations, the Locarno world’s court, the Hague Tribunal, and the Kellogg Pact, their central ideas being similar to those of Rotary, because they denounced war as a means of settling differences. Greetings were read from Chicago and elsewhere, and overseas Rotarians were presented. Rotarian Elgin Stoddard (San Francisco) said that the cordiality extended had been nothing less than dynamic. International understanding could be helped a lot by Rotary. Misinformation concerning peoples and their affairs was often spread by those who got information from sources careless of facts or had not delved deeply into the complexity of national life. They had been warned that in Australia and New Zealand they would hear views expressed about America that probably would wound their feelings; but they found nothing of the sort. On the motion of the ex-District Gov-ernor-General. Charles Rhodes (Auckland), the following resolution was carried : “This conference has pleasure in extending to their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisloe a hearty welcome to New Zealand, with a hope that an opportunity will be found for us to co-operate with your Excellencies, as has been the case with past representatives of his Majesty the King.” This afternoon was devoted to discussions amongst sectional groups, whilst the women were taken for a trip to the Makatoke Viaduct.