ROTARY CLUB
ADDRESS BY MR. S. L. P. FREE,
At tlio weekly luncheon of the Mastcrton Rotary Club yesterday, Mr W. L Free presided. The speaker of the day, Mr S. L. P. Free, gave a very interesting sketch of the life of Mr Paul Harris, of Chicago, founder of Rotarv, who is to be in Wellington on Monday next, Mr Free met Mr Harris* at the Rotary Convention in Chicago, in June, 1930, when over 15,000 Rotarians and their friends were present, Mr Harris, Mr Free, stated, was born at Racine,, on Lake Michigan, and was educated at a primary school there and at the Black River Academy. He matriculated in 1885 and went to Vermont University and later to Princeton University. Leaving Princeton at the age of 20 years, he took a position as a clerk. At the age of 21 he joined a law firm and took up legal studies at lowa University. He was admitted to the Bar in 1891. Mr Harris then spent a number, of years in extended journeyings. Besides travelling all over America, he made several visits to England and the Continent of Europe. The experience gained in his travels developed and built up in his mind the idea that one of the most essential conditions of human welfare was friendship between peoples. Filled with this idea, he formed on 23rd February, 1905, a club which became the first* Rotary Club. Its members moved round from one place to another for their luncheons and its officers moved round from one position to another. Hence the name Rotary. Five years later, in 1910, sixteen of these clubs had been formed. Mr Harris conceived the idea of linking the clubs in an international association. He became the founder and first president of Rotary International and was re-elected for a second term, but had not since held any executive position in the organisation. Mr Free described Mr Harris as a quiet man, with a charming personality and a most friendly nature.
On the motion of Mr C. M. Bowden, Mr Free was accorded by acclamation a hearty vote of thanks for his address.
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Bibliographic details
Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 April 1935, Page 2
Word Count
357ROTARY CLUB Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 April 1935, Page 2
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