Fifty Years of Rotary in Hastings NZ 1924-1974
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INTRODUCTION
It is a pleasure to be the Rotary Club of Hastings’ 50th President and to write a few introductory words to this important publication.
The burden of its preparation has not been light. Records have had to be researched, memories have had to be jogged, but the finished project is a true and shining example of Rotary and in particular of “Fifty Years of Rotary in Hastings”.
Rotary’s coming brought the first service club to the district and the pages which follow tell of the efforts and of the success of ideals whereby the community has been enhanced, relationships have been bettered, the less fortunate assisted, and significant inroads made into the problems which frustrate international understanding.
This record tells of busy men who, aware that a balanced life meant that serving society, their vocation, and themselves, was complementary, were often compelled to place their patriotic contributions ahead of their own interests. “He profits most who serves best” has indeed been the experience of scores who have partaken of Rotary in Hastings.
The Club is proud of the service its past members have given through the first 50 years and accepts their example as a challenge for the next 50 years as Hastings Rotary moves towards its centenary.
JOHN MCCORMICK,
President
June, 1974.
TRIBUTE BY HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR
The writing of this message of congratulations to the Hastings Rotary Club on attaining its Golden Anniversary, feels a little like patting oneself on the back, for I have been proud to have been a member since 1933.
However, I am writing this as Mayor of Hastings, not as a Rotarian, to state that the City owes its sincere thanks to the men who over the past 50 years have done so much to make our City a better place to live in, and who have spread the spirit of goodwill not only in our area, but in the world where Rotary exists.
Rotary has instilled in its members the ideal of service to their vocation, community and Country, and members of this Hastings Rotary Club have done just this.
It is 90 years since Hastings became a Borough, so 50 years in the history of the City is a proud record for the Hastings Rotary Club.
I congratulate the Club on 50 years of achievement and wish it even greater success and opportunities for service and goodwill in the years that lie ahead.
Yours in Rotary,
RON V. GIORGI. O.B.E., J.P.
Mayor.
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A Message from President – Rotary International
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, EVANSTON
To all members of the Rotary Club of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Dear fellow Rotarians,
In the human calendar, 50 years has come to be a landmark, and is dignified by the term “golden”. As you observe your golden anniversary, I am delighted to have the opportunity to extend warm greetings to you.
A half century of ‘Service Above Self’ is a very significant achievement. The Rotary Club of Hastings can be justly proud of its splendid accomplishments in all four avenues of Rotary service. I express hearty congratulations to all now living, who shared in bringing Rotary to your community and in planning and conducting your club’s activities throughout 50 eventful years. I share, with you, gratitude for those others who are no longer with us, and honour their memory.
In 1924, when your club was organised, there were 1795 Rotary clubs in 30 countries. Today, there are 15,916 Rotary clubs in 150 countries and geographical areas. Each of us has the privilege of an ever-widening circle of fellowship in Rotary. A Jubilee is essentially a moment for glancing nostalgically backwards in time, but also for assessing and planning for the years ahead. The celebration of your Golden Anniversary is, therefore, a happy time for reviewing past successes, but more importantly, it is a time to plan ahead.
The theme of this Rotary year is ‘A Time For Action’ and I invite you to look ahead to increased activities in carrying out the Object of Rotary, using your experience of the past 50 years as a springboard for renewed effort and enterprise.
My very best wishes to all.
Yours sincerely,
Wm. C. (Bill) CARTER,
President.
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FOREWORD
In writing this history of the Club I have tried to find the facts and chronicle events as they occurred. The story has been compiled from Club records, which are somewhat incomplete, particularly in the period post-earthquake. Happily the very earliest records are intact. A good deal of information has been gathered from older members and office holders and I thank them all for their assistance.
Previous club historians have left a large collection of Club documents which have been studied to produce suitable condensation of the Club’s activities, and understandably some omissions have to be made, others may be unintentional.
The work of F.G. Hall-Jones has been drawn on in telling of the background of the Rotary Movement in New Zealand.
Thanks must be expressed to those ladies who typed the scripts, to the member who lent the recording equipment, and to those who subsequently read the manuscript.
One hopes that the resulting booklet will bring to the light of day the story that has been out of sight of present Club members and provide a useful background for members yet to join our Club.
In that way it may suitably commemorate the Golden Jubilee, June, 1974.
W.E. LANGFORD.
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CHAPTER ONE
“IN THE BEGINNING”
Introduction.
The Rotary Historian, Fred Hall-Jones records that, in 1920, the Hon. George Fowlds made enquiries towards introducing Rotary into New Zealand. This Movement, founded in America, was already well established there. Consequently, two Special Commissioners, Messrs J. Layton Ralston and James W. Davidson made visits intended to extend Rotary to Australasia, and the first New Zealand Clubs were established in June 1921, in Wellington and Auckland.
Hon. George Fowlds, previously a Minister of Education and well known throughout New Zealand, worked to extend the movement in the Dominion. His close friend, Charles Rhodes, attending a St. Louis Conference, so impressed the Americans that he was forthwith made a “Director,” giving New Zealand a direct link with Rotary International. George Fowlds’ efforts soon resulted in more clubs being established: Christchurch, 1922; Dunedin, 1923; Hamilton, 1924. Fowlds himself attended the Toronto Convention in 1924, returning full of enthusiasm to tour provincial centres, such as Invercargill, Wanganui, Napier, Hastings and Palmerston North with great effect.
Our Club was the ninth to be established, within three years of the movement’s arrival in New Zealand. By 1927 there were twenty-seven clubs covering all towns with a population of 4,000 or more. Hastings’ population at the time was 9,800.
The Beginning.
Any passer-by would have noticed that something unusual was afoot when a number of gentlemen were seen gathering at the entrance of the Chamber of Commerce Rooms at just before 11 a.m. on Monday 7th April, 1924. It might have been noted, too, that they were from a variety of callings: Meat Exporter, Drapery store proprietor, Sawmill owner, Hardware merchant, lawyer, station owner, newspaper proprietor, accountant, and so on; greeting and being introduced to some out of town gentlemen, evidently of some standing.
The official record of the occasion, on the first page of a stout volume, containing the minutes of the first ten years of Rotary in Hastings, in faded typescript, relates:
“The Hon. George Fowlds (Special Commissioner) presided over a meeting of those interested in forming a Rotary Club on Monday, 7th April, 1924 in the Chamber of Commerce Rooms. Present were Hon. Geo. Fowlds (Special Commissioner) Chas. Rhodes (Director R.I.), both of Auckland, Chas. Odlin (President, Wellington Rotary
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Club), J. Edmundson (President, Napier Club), and Messrs W. Richmond, Chas Gardner, W. J. Rowe, G. H. Roach, E. J. W. Hallett, W. Mason Chambers, W. C. Whitlock, A. M. Robertson, F. L. Bone, G. F. Roach, J. H. Scott and W. B. Hobbs.
The aims and purposes of Rotary were explained and the first named of the Hastings gentlemen consented to be a committee. An inaugural meeting was arranged for 8 p.m. that same evening at the Y.M.C.A.”
The visitors were again present and some additional citizens also. Hon. George Fowlds and Chas. Rhodes addressed the gathering with convincing eloquence and received an enthusiastic reception. The proposals were formally endorsed and the officers officially elected.
Rotary was launched in Hastings.
The formalities of applying for membership of the International body and of being accepted had to await subsequent meetings. From what had been heard this was indeed a forward step in community affairs. There was a glow of accomplishment, as the Ladies of the Y.M.C.A. dispensed the supper.
Those present were: –
President: W. Richmond. Vice-President: C. Gardner.
Treasurer: W. J. Rowe. Secretary: G.H. Roach.
Directors: E. J. W. Hallett, H. R. French, T. Mason Chambers, W. C. Whitlock, A. M. Robertson.
and also: W. B. Hobbs, J. Phillips, H. E. Phillips, F. S. Candy, H. R. French, G. C. Lowe, G. F. Roach, C. B. Spinney, W. Hislop, J. R. Foot, A. E. O’Meara, A. J [I]. Rainbow, E. A. Westerman, J. S. McLeod.
Apologies were received from F. L. Bone, J. H. Scott and G. A. Maddison.
Of these, Eric Phillips is still with us.
Enquiries reveal that Gordon Roach supplied the chief liaison in bringing Rotary to Hastings. He became acquainted with Rotary while in America and when overtures were made by the Auckland Club Gordon was the active link. His wife, Mary, recalls that Chas. Rhodes and G. W. Hutchinson (Auckland Secretary), stayed with them in a preliminary visit to Hastings. Gordon corresponded with them, made the arrangements for the interest meeting and very naturally became the Charter Secretary, as he was already carrying out that service.
First Directors’ Meeting.
Recorded as follows: “Minutes of the First Directors’ Meeting held at the President’s Office at 1.45 p.m., Tuesday 8th April, 1924.
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Members of the Board present: President, W. Richmond, Vice-President, Chas. Gardner; Treasurer, W. J. Rowe; Hon. Secretary, G. H. Roach; Directors, H. R. French, E. J. W. Hallett, J. Phillips and A. M. Robertson. It was agreed to circularise members as to the most suitable day of the week for weekly meetings. The Secretary and Rotarians French and Phillips were appointed to arrange for the first luncheon to be held on the following Tuesday. Rotarian J. Phillips moved and French seconded that an account in the name of “The Hastings Rotary Club” be opened at the Bank of New Zealand, Hastings. Carried.
Some discussion took place on the method of signing of cheques and Rotarian Hallett moved, and Phillips seconded “Any two members of the Board and the Treasurer be authorised to sign all cheques.” Carried.
The President moved and Phillips seconded, “That the Charter Fee be paid.”
Treasurer Rowe moved and Hallett seconded, “That the President and Secretary be authorised to sign the Constitution and By-laws.” Carried.
The President moved and Treasurer Rowe seconded, “That a letter of thanks be forwarded to the Auckland Club for their help in forming this Club and that special thanks be accorded to Commissioner for New Zealand George Fowlds and International Director Charles Rhodes.
Rotarians Hallet moved and Gardner seconded, “That the President and Secretary be authorized to sign the application for affiliation.” Carried.
The Secretary and Treasurer were authorised to pay accounts in connection with the supper at the Inaugural meeting, and that the sum of 10/- be paid to the Y.M.C.A. and the Ladies’ Auxiliary.”
The requisite documents and the cheque for the fees would be despatched immediately by first class mail, by rail to Auckland and steamer, RMS Tahiti, to San Francisco there to join Union Pacific rail to Chicago. The Charter was drawn up dated June 13th and a cable despatched that Affiliation had been granted. This was read out to the Club on June 17th as follows:
“HASTINGS CLUB ELECTED MEMBER ROTARY INTERNATIONAL JUNE 13TH, NUMBER 1796, HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS, PERRY.”
The announcement was received with applause.
Of the Club meeting on September 16th the Minute says: “A framed photograph of International President Guy Gundaker was exhibited for inspection, along with the framed Charter.”
In contrast to modern practice, there was no ceremonial in the form of a Charter Meeting.
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First Luncheon Meeting.
The first luncheon meeting was held at the YMCA Rooms (on the site now occupied by the County Club), on Tuesday, 15th April.
The first business seems to have been the appointment of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Messrs W. J. Rowe and A. J. Rainbow.
The Secretary was instructed to write away for copies of the By-laws and Constitution and to circulate these to members.
Volunteers were called to man to various Committees: Fellowship, Entertainment, Public Affairs, Education, Boys’ Work, and Publicity. (E. Phillips was appointed to the Entertainment Committee).
The Secretary was voted £2 for Petty Cash.
In subsequent meetings Judge Gilfedder of the Native Land Court, Dr. Felkin of Havelock North, Messrs Scott, Hobbs and others gave the after-dinner addresses that featured each meeting. Land problems, river control, entomology, the problems in South Africa, and Boys Work affairs were some.
Mason Chambers significantly gave an address in which he saw New Zealand headed for decadence. Blackberry and other weeds were over-running the country, and there was a decline in community standards that indicated the Empire was likely to go down as had that of the Romans and Carthaginians in the past.
In his vote of thanks President Richmond agreed and thought the position even worse than had been depicted on that 24th July, 1924.
Rotarian P. W. Peters of Napier, fresh from travels abroad, pointed out how little was known of New Zealand overseas, and this theme was noted in other records of the year.
On Tuesday, 19th August, a combined Hastings-Napier meeting, presided over by Rotarian President J. Edmundson (Industrial Gases) welcomed the guest speaker, the Governor-General, Earl Jellicoe.
The English actor, Bransby Williams (a Rotarian of the London Club), addressed the Hastings Club on the topic, “Look after the Boys.”
His Grace the suffragan bishop of the Maori race, Right Reverend Bennett spoke about the Maori people, ethics and culture, and the work of the “Young Maori” Group. As a result there were moves from within the Club for action to preserve Maori history.
On Tuesday, October 14th the Past President of the Wellington Club, C. C. Odlin, in a happy little speech presented the Club with a Maori Mere, from his brother Rotarians of Wellington.
Reports of quarterly meetings of this time show concern for “boys’ work” – assisting boys to see business and industry in action. The Club also decided to actively assist the boy Scout movement
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in Hastings, and a gramophone record of an address by Robert Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement, was presented.
Support was also promised to the library at the Technical High School, where W. A. G. Penligton [Penlington] was principal.
Mr Hughes, the Scoutmaster, addressed the Club in November, was promised help for his troops’ camping gear, and made an Honorary Member of the Club.
The records glimpse the passing parade of events, local and general, and prominent events and current affairs protrude from time to time.
Rotarian J. S. McLeod gave his impressions of the Wembley Exhibition and New Zealands’ part in it.
Hon. Geo Fowlds gave an enthusiastic address on his visit to America that clearly stimulated everyone. He explained the reason “for the large badge and also for the large entrance fee. (£1.1.0).
Preparation was made for the first outing for Old People from the Park Island Home. Rotarian Geo. Maddison was prominent in this scheme to entertain 40 old people, “many of them Pioneers and saluted as such”.
A newspaper clipping recounts that the Old Folk were entertained at lunch and then a concert. There were Veterans of Crimea and campaigners of the Maori Wars wearing their medals and swapping experiences of their young days that went back in some cases to the 1840’s. One, Private Michael McGill for instance, won his campaign medal in Crimea in 1854, came with the 57th Regiment to New Zealand 1861 and on discharge in 1867 joined the Armed Constabulary. Many had been in the area before Hastings had any existence and built or lived in the first houses erected when it was established, with the railway construction in the 1870’s.
These people from Park Island Home for the Aged were greatly warmed by their outing and it was made an annual Rotary engagement, one which members too enjoyed. The Mayor greeted many he had known as respected citizens when he was but a boy himself.
Later the Club assisted the visit of the Ponsonby Boys’ Band to Hastings.
Dr. Clark addressed the Club on Infantile Paralysis, then much in the news, and February 9th found Rev. Gardiner Miller appealing to all businessmen to help regain stability in the world.
The first Annual General Meeting took place on March 16th, 1925, and thanks were recorded to the Wellington Club and all members for guidance and help in the first year when all were new to Rotary and its requirements.
Hastings Rotary Club was now firmly on its feet and with growing confidence, a new team was voted into office.
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CHARTER
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT No. 53
ROTARY CLUB OF HASTINGS
1st Preliminary meeting: 7th April, 1924.
CHARTER No. 1796.
DATE OF CHARTER: 13th June, 1924.
CHARTER Signed by
Guy Gundaker
President R. I.
DATE OF PRESENTATION:
PRESENTED BY:
SPONSOR CLUB: AUCKLAND
President R.I. Guy Gundaker
District Governor Sir George Fowlds
Charter President William Richmond
Charter Secretary Gordon Roach
Charter Members
Bone, F. L.
Candy, F.S.
Foot J. R.
French, H. R.
Gardner, Chas
Hallett, E. J. W.
Hobbs, W. B.
Hyslop, W. E.
Lowe, G. C.
McLeod, J. S.
Maddison, G. A.
Mason Chambers, T
O’Meara, A. E.
Phillips, Jos
Phillips, H. E.
Rainbow, A. I.
Richmond, W.
Roach, Gordon H.
Roach, G. F.
Robertson, A. M.
Rowe, W. J.
Scott, J. H.
Spinney, C. B.
Westerman, E. A.
Whitlock, W. C.
Club Sponsored:
Waipukurau 1943
Waipawa 1948
Havelock North 1963
Stortford Lodge 1966
Rotaract 1971
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CHAPTER TWO
THE FIRST DECADE
1st Annual Meeting.
The records of the first Annual General Meeting on March 16, 1925 show that the Club’s affairs were absorbing Rotary procedure. In adopting the First Annual Report, experience of the past year was debated and resolutions for future guidance adopted.
1. That the Club should not divest itself of the power of selection by adopting this Report as of greater authority than that of recommendations that may subsequently be made.
2. That as the essential to membership is individual character and capacity, and the chief aim, friendship and co operation in service, all appointments to office, except those of Treasurer and Secretary, be rotated.
3. While it will probably become customary to appoint the previous Vice President to the position of President, yet the Club should reserve the right to appoint whom it will as circumstances may dictate. Yet it will be well in nominating the Vice President to be mindful of his capacity to conduct the Office of President.
These were adopted, not without some dissent.
The Secretary and Treasurer thought their offices should rotate to some extent also.
Vice President Gardner in the face of this, began to doubt whether he might have all the capacity required and sought to nominate G. H. Roach. However no seconder was forthcoming, the club being unanimous that Charles Gardner was their man for second President of Hastings Rotary Club.
Rotarians O’Meara and Rowe spoke of their impressions of the business and social sides of the Conference they had attended, and were supported by the visiting President of Napier Club, J. Edmundson.
It was resolved on Rotarian O’Meara’s advocacy, that singing be introduced at Club meetings.
Thanks were recorded to President W. Richmond for his pilotage of a new vessel in unknown waters.
The Club had been well served.
Elected at the First Annual General Meeting 16th March, 1925: President, C. Gardner: Vice President, E. J. W. Hallett: Treasurer, W. J. Rowe, Secretary, G H. Roach; Directors, Hobbs, Lowe, Hyslop, O’Meara. Affairs went forward again. “Service Before Self” become increasing meaningful. There were tasks to perform.
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Boys’ Work Committee resolved “that all Rotarians should give support to the Girl Guides, Children’s Welfare League, Y. M. C. A. and kindred societies but that the Club give its initial effort to putting the Boy Scouts Movements on a sound footing in the district” and appointed a committee, Rotarians French, Phillips, Hughes, Maddison, Spinney, Cliff, Rainbow and O’Meara for this purpose.
The proposal to form New Zealand into a District of Rotary International was supported on receipt of a letter from Auckland.
A meeting was interrupted to read a news-note passed in to W. C. Whitlock, “Prime Minister Massey admitted to hospital for operation”. Later came tributes on the news of his death.
Sir Harry Lauder raised laughter in the Club and signed the Visitor’s Book.
Urbane Sir Truby King impressed members with the great importance of the work he was undertaking (Wellington Club made the building of Karitane Hospital their first major project.)
August saw a resolve for expansion to “increase membership to two hundred as soon as possible.”
£8 was voted to the Paki Paki scout troop.
Mr Airey, Rhodes Scholar, came.
Fifty lapel badges were ordered.
£5 was given towards a fireworks display in Nelson Park.
A party of boys was conducted over the Telephone exchange.
There was concern for ‘families in distress’.
There were to be fines for absence without leave, late attendance, and the use of the word, “Mr”.
On November 30th, twenty-five members and five guests sat down together in a typical weekly luncheon meeting.
December 14th saw the second gathering of Old Folks from the Park Island Home as guests of the Club at the Assembly Hall.
Second Annual General Meeting.
The A.G.M. was held on March 12th, 1926. E. J. W. Hallett became President, Mason Chambers was Vice President, F. Perrin was Secretary, and W. B. Hobbs, Treasurer. The matter of assistance to the Wellington Boys’ Band was referred to the Boys’ Work Committee.
The highlight was the guest, one Everett Hill of Oklahoma and a former President of Rotary International. He emphasised the International aspects of Rotary – “Old Glory and the Union Jack,” he said, “have been brought closer together than in any other way.” Within the community, he said, there was a mingling of men of substance and a fellowship that was quite unique. A Rabbi, a
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Catholic priest, a Presbyterian minister, and an Episcopalean clergyman he numbered among his close friends and this would not otherwise have happened. And here in Hastings on this day he was among friends, and this could not otherwise have happened either.
In June we find the first Father and Son luncheon proposed at a Directors’ Meeting, to eventually take place on July 12th, again in the Assembly Hall. Present were seventeen members, twenty four “lads” and three visitors. The speaker for the occasion, C. H. Slater, spoke on “Fruit” and its signicance [significance] and prospects in this area.
The Directors who discussed the Father and Son idea had been studying the Book of Rules and came to a decision that rules must apply, and consequently two members, one of them Gordon Roach, qualified for ‘membership terminated automatically’”. The circumstances are not stated, but on August 2nd following, the records show Gordon Roach addressing the assembled fellows on the subject “Why have a Rotary Club’, and he never indeed ceased to be a member until called Home in 1968, after a lifetime of service to the Club.
In August too, the Club heard details of “Nauru and its Phosphates” from Sgt. Major O’Leary, but an attempt to address the club on “No-Licence” by another party brought a firm statement that the Club was concerned “neither with Licence nor No-Licence”.
The Club heard about the “Ethics of Modern Business”. A Community Chest for all local appeals was suggested. Palmerston North, Hastings and Napier Clubs held a combined meeting, simultaneously with one held by Auckland, Hamilton and Whangarei. These were ‘district conferences’ though New Zealand was not yet a “District” in the Rotary sense. It was soon to be District 53.
The “Boy Problem” was the subject of an address by a Roy Bradstead.
“Art in Relation to Commerce” was the subject of Roland Hipkins, the Englishman who was Art Teacher at Napier Technical College and an early member of the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Society.
Messrs Giorgi, Budd and Westerman spoke to members on a visit to Puketitiri Hot Springs”. It was also resolved that unexcused absentees “be fined 1/-“ and that the A.G.M. be held “between July 5th and 26th each year”.
In March the Club was represented at the reception to the Duke of York, a visiting speaker from Auckland emphasised the value of Club interest in civic affairs, and the Club undertook “to place one orphan per year” on behalf of the Rotary Club of Bristol. The first boy brought to the District under this scheme was William Burke. Finding suitable placings was not easy and there does not appear to be any other boy placed under this arrangement.
The Badge Cupboard was supplied by Rotarian Jopling.
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A Club visit was made to Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Store to see grading and packing operations in progress for the export market. Mr Adamson delivered an address on “Orchard Diseases,” following up the Fruit Theme.
In May, Lady Dalrymple and New Zealand organisers spoke on “The Girl Guide Movement” then being promoted in the Dominion. (There had been a girls’ movement called Girl Peace Scouts, which in 1923 had been reconstituted as part of “Girl Guides” with its International affiliations.)
In June a letter was received from Christchurch on the “Open Air Classroom’. Sketch plans were requested, for this innovation in School Building was thought to have merit in an age plagued by tuberculosis. Subsequently, probably due to the interest roused, an Open Air classroom was built at Parkvale School. Rotary was certainly behind the Open Air classroom move in Christchurch.
A new member, E. T. Gifford, was admitted, and lunch charges were fixed at 2/-.
In July District Governor, Charles Rhodes, was present, for New Zealand and surrounding areas had been constituted “District 53”. T. J. W. Heighway and J. G. Wheatley, joined Rotary, cars were supplied for a scenic tour with visiting Canadian footballers, and a site for a proposed Boys’ Camp was inspected.
Rotary Club motorcade awaits Old Folks return to Park Island Home from Assembly Hall, 1927.
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1927 – 28:
President: W. J. Rowe; Vice President, T. Mason Chambers; Treasurer, G. H. Roach; Secretary, F Perrin; Directors, Rotarians Budd, Gnie, O’Meara, Redgrave.
Boys’ Work was declared the chief project for the year and Boy Scout camp equipment the immediate goal.
William Burke arrived on S.S. “Remuera” to be placed with one H. V. Hill of Mangawepa. There were contacts with Bristol Club.
A telegram of good wishes was sent to Harry Amos, and the New Zealand Olympic Team whose stars included J. S. Lay, of javelin fame, and the sprinter, Norma Wilson.
A suggestion about a Rotary Club building was put forward £4 17s 6d was raised towards a radio for the Hospital. The Blind Institute (Director, Clutha McKenzie), requested a position be found for a blind man and one subsequently was placed through the good offices of Rotary.
W. J. Rowe transferred to Nelson, and Mason Chambers, being overseas, A. E. O’Meara assumed the presidency with W. C. Whitlock as his deputy.
A highlight of the year occurred on April 20th when Rotarians arrived for lunch to find their wives in attendance. Obviously something was afoot. Organised by Rotarianne Maude O’Meara, a feminine “colour party” paraded with a birthday cake illumined by four candles and forthwith (no doubt with some prior connivance), proceeded on a “takeover”. The wives ‘usurped’ the offices and conducted the meeting. Sergeant at Arms Tom Gill was fined 3d for some misdemeanour, real or imaginary, Joy Budd sang, and Nell Griffiths contributed a stirring solo – the Welsh National Anthem. Maude O’Meara gave the address. All this by way of marking the fourth anniversary of Rotary in Hastings. It was long remembered. Mrs O’Meara still chuckles about it as she approaches her ninety years.
1928 – 29:
President: H. R. French; Vice President, F. S. Budd; Treasurer, G. H. Roach; Secretary. F. S. Perrin; Directors, A. F. Redgrave, T. H. Gill, A. Giorgi, R. D. Brown.
A complimentary luncheon was accorded the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop to the Maori Race, Scouts going to the Imperial Jamboree were entertained, and an address in which Sergeant-Major O’ Leary deplored the physical condition of recruits to the military cadet scheme, sparked off approaches from the Club, first to the
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B.M.A., then the Minister of Defence and finally to the Prime Minister himself on this question, and several letters were exchanged.
Gisborne, Napier and Palmerston North members attended the fifth birthday celebration of the Club.
Mr Longley of Hector Jones Ltd., demonstrated a new electrical reproduction of gramophone recordings. H. R. Hounsell talked on “Landmarks of Telephonic Communication”. Introduced to New Zealand in 1877, telephones numbered 2000 by 1890, 80,000 in 1920 and now automatic exchanges were appearing.
The new Mayor, G. F. Roach, and councillors were guests in 1928 at a luncheon and, a straw in the wind, there was a discussion on a meeting called by the Mayor on the “Unemployment Problem”. £100 was raised in concerts arranged by the Club in which the Blind Institute Boys’ Band performed, in Hastings and in Havelock North.
Flock House lads attended a luncheon, the Club’s caterer, Miss Moorhouse, retired and the Club admission fee was now £2 2s 0d.
New members: C. H. Slater, E. T. Ingram, Rush-Munro, T. Harrison, P. W. Jackson, J. Wedd, J. O. Kelsey, W. A. G. Penlington, F. C. Wilkinson, A. Grant, A. L. Baumgart, E. T. Price. Resignations: E. A. Murley, J. G. Wheatley, S. O. Garland.
1929-30:
President: F. S. Budd; Vice-President, A. Giorgi; Treasurer, G. H. Roach; Secretary, F. Perrin; Directors, E. S. Cliff, E. T. Gifford, Eric Phillips, C. Griffiths, H. R. French (Past President).
This year saw the adoption of a Rotary Welcome song:
“O Rotary visitor . . . O Rotary visitor,
We are glad indeed to have you here today,
You’re as welcome as the sun, and a friend to everyone
You’re as welcome as the little flowers in May.
O friend of mine… Yea, friend of mine,
As along the path of Life you gaily roam
We trust that you will say, as you trudge the broad highway,
There’s a welcome at the Rotary Club in good old Hastings town.
“Twice Fifty-Five Songs” was the official song booklet.
The first proposal for a Farmer’s Day luncheon appears, and the Kindergarten Scheme is “acceptable”. (This led eventually to the establishment of the Central Free Kindergarten.)
The merits of Esperanto and the desirability of re-forming the League of Nations Union were championed by W. A. G. Penlington and supported by Rotarians.
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W. C. Whitlock gave a first hand account of the opening of the new Waikaremoana Hydro and on another occasion, the merits of a plea for the “Abolition of Harmful Fireworks” occupied the Club.
Dr. L. H. Briggs, D.Sc. (an eminent scholar, Hastings born), extolled the country’s attractions in “See New Zealand First”. E. T. Gifford led a Club outing to Holt’s Bush, deemed worthy of preservation for posterity. There were discussions on growing unemployment.
C. H. Slater reported on the District Conference held at Chateau Tongariro.
President Budd was elected as delegate to the Chicago Conference.
New members: Dr. D. A. Bathgate, P. Hakawai, L. M. Willis. C. Hendry, W. A. Green, Rev. Mortimer-Jones, R. C. Somervell. Resignation: T. Harrison.
1930-31:
President: R. D. Brown; Vice-President, G. H. Roach; Treasurer, J. O. Kelsey Secretary, F. Perrin; Directors, E. T. Gifford, C. Griffiths. A. Grant, E. A. Westerman, F. S. Budd (Past President).
This year started well. The finish no-one had forseen. Links with Napier grew strongly. Twenty-seven members of that Club attended a combined meeting and the first golf match was arranged between the two Clubs. One Club luncheon achieved 100 percent attendance of the 42 members. The League of Nations Union received further promotion, sixty guests from Park Island Home were again entertained. L. F. Pegler, Headmaster of Central School for a long period prior to 1920 and first headmaster of the District High School that preceded the Technical High School, addressed the Club on Educational Reorganisation. He was re-visiting Hastings.
On February 3rd, 1931, came the earthquake. All members were affected and some suffered severely in business and person. The Roach Drapery building largely collapsed and there were deaths of staff and customers. Tom Gill, a Club director for several years and a particularly active member, lost his life attempting to rescue members of his staff. Club activity as such completely stopped. The Rotary Conference, planned for Dunedin in February, was cancelled, and Clubs in other centres hastened to do what they could to render general assistance.
The first post-quake Club meeting took place in the United Hall in the form of a Special Meeting and the minutes record proceedings: –
“Thirty-three members and two visitors were present. A vote of sympathy to the family of the late Tom Gill was carried in silence. President R. D. Brown explained the object of the meeting
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and alluded to the splendid work done by Rotarians during the time of stress and asked for a full and frank discussion of the Club’s future.
“It was resolved that the Club should continue and that the matter of its position in regard to obligations be held over till the next Friday, when District Governor Harry Guthrie would be present, at a meeting in Napier. At this meeting a promise was given that members’ subscriptions for the current year would be paid out of funds subscribed by New Zealand clubs for this purpose. The Club activities resumed from May 8th and letters of thanks and appreciation were despatched to Tokyo, South Africa and San Francisco for their practical sympathy and donations towards Earthquake Relief.”
New Members: J. Wilson, J. J. Lovell-Smith, C. S. Palmer.
Obituary: Past President W. J. Rowe at Nelson, T. Gill.
Later, in May, the Mayor (Mr G. F. Roach) delivered a Town Policy speech, with a suggestion that Rotary might restore the Town Clock. However, the Post Office tower was not to be re-built and the idea lapsed. Town planning and re-planning were current topics; The Borough Engineer spoke of the work, consequent on the ’quake, undertaken by his department, while another session heard the Director of Town Planning (J. W. Mawson) on this topic as it might apply to Hastings, for there was a resolve to improve the town in the re-building that had to be carried out.
The Club gave help to Mrs Gill and supplied the necessary headstone. The Hastings Registered Unemployed Association approached the Club for funds for rations. The Rotary Club Relief Fund stood at £86 2s 0d.
Luncheon talks listened to included “Wapiti and Moose Hunting in Fiordland” by E. J. Herrick, “Pioneering Days” by Rev. Shaw and “Rotary and the Disarmament Conference”.
1931-32:
President: A. F. Redgrave; Vice-President, C. Griffiths; Treasurer, R. D. Brown; Secretary, J. O. Kelsey; Directors, C. H. Slater, D. A. Bathgate, W. Rush-Munro, Hendry, A. E. O’Meara.
Annual General Meeting, held September, 1931.
A new Charter, issued by Rotary International was presented, the original being lost in the ‘quake.
Rotarian Perrin was asked to write up the history of the Club up to that time. The meeting place was changed to the Rialto tearooms, the first meeting of the Rotary Year being October 2nd.
“Reminiscences of Motor Cars of Thirty-five Years Ago” was the topic of speaker T. Emmerson.
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“Air” (by J.H. Edmundson of the Acetone Gas and Illuminating Company, founded in Napier and forerunner of N.Z.I.G.). At that time their products kept most of the coastal beacons lit.
A post-quake Carnival and Unemployment were among topics for discussion and action, but Education had much attention. A “Headmaster Day” on which all school headmasters and the Education Board representative were present was held; the Club visited the High School and the Hon. Minister of Education, Mr Harry Atmore spoke at a luncheon meeting.
There was cricket and golf with Napier Club.
A Rotary Committee set up, acted with the Citizens’ Rents and Eviction Committee.
On May 6, 1932, the combined Clubs of Gisborne, Hastings and Napier met in the Caledonian Hotel, Napier, to meet and welcome, International President, Sydney W. Pascall.
New Members: G. McCormick, D. Newbegin [Newbigin], L. Fail.
Rotarian F. Perrin made an Honorary Member.
Resignations: Three, names not given.
Eminent Speakers: Ivan Menzies (Gilbert and Sullivan actor), Sir James Parr.
1932-33:
President: C. Griffiths; Vice-President, R. Paynter; Treasurer, R. D. Brown; Secretary, J. O. Kelsey; Directors, A. F. Redgrave, D. A. Bathgate, A. L. Baumgart, C. S. Palmer, E. T. Ingram.
Meetings were held at the Favourite Hall, but later changed to the Rialto, and the Farmers’ Tearooms considered as well.
Times remained difficult . . . “Members take a proper interest in civic and community affairs, and sit on such groups as Unemployment Committee, Mayor’s Relief, Red Cross, and Rents and Evictions committees . . . a hard year with few direct activities but the Club has functioned in fellowship and as a means of inspiration to each member to bear his share in community activity born of the times.”
Book prizes were donated for High School essays.
Prefects were entertained at lunch.
A luncheon meeting was held at Grassmere Orchard. Nineteen Dannevirke Rotarians came to Hastings. Grace was decided upon for after each luncheon.
Fruit was despatched each week to Otaki Health Camp.
“Rose Culture”, “South Africa”, “Suva”, “Architecture of the Sydney Bridge”, “Magic” were topics of some of the addresses.
New members were B. de Castro, J. E. Sutcliffe.
Resignations: L. Fail, R. C. Somerville.
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1933-34:
President: D.A. Bathgate; Vice-President, A.E. O’Maera [O’Meara]; Treasurer, R.D. Brown; Secretary, J.O. Kelsey; Directors, Gifford, Lovell, Smith, Newbigin, Roach, Giorgi.
Of speakers Professor Corbin addressed the Club on “Afforestation”, “Rotarian Griffiths, on “Welsh Eisteddfod”, W. Armour on “Lord Haldane”, Bishop Bennet [Bennett] on “Significance of the Treaty of Waitangi”, Phillip Wirth spoke of his circus and Frank Milner gave the kind of speech which was winning him international notice. “The Silver-tonged Orator from the South Seas” the Americans called him.
Rotarians O’Meara and Whitlock reported on the New Plymouth Conference, there was activity in regard to the Crippled Children, and other matters including unemployment and distress, as well as the Inter-club Golf Match.
A Garden Party was held at Mason Chambers, beautiful Havelock home, on December 14th, 1933, to mark the visit of District Governor T.C. List. The Treasurer (R.D. Brown), toting income and expenses after the 105 guests had departed, reported to the Directors the sum of sixpence in credit.
The Tenth Anniversary was celebrated by 155 persons with a dance at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mason Chambers being called upon to cut the cake, surmounted by ten candles and a large Rotary wheel in gold and blue. Date: April 13th, 1934.
Of seven new members, J. Wattie, W.A. Whitlock and R.V. Giorgi are still with the Club.
The Secretary resigned, having changed his job and “lost his classification”. Happily a new one was found and he carried on.
Illustrating how little was known of New Zealand in the United States, it was said by T.C. List and F. Milner that Americans were surprised that they (1) were not aboriginals; (2) spoke English, though with a “strange accent”.
The visitors suggested the ladies should visit New Zealand sometime. “Oh, we would, we sure would, only we don’t like the sharks.”
The New Zealanders suggested they were thinking of Australia. That is where sharks get swimmers.
“Oh not those shorks,” they sweetly replied, “We mean the aarthquake [earthquake] sharks.”
1934-35:
President: A.E. O’Meara; Vice-President, A.L. Baumgart; Treasurer, R.D. Brown; Secretary, J.O. Kelsey; Directors, W.A. Whitlock, Matheson, J. Wilson, F.C. Wilkinson.
Perhaps because the worst of the Depression was over, Club activities increased. An address entitled “Moral Aspects of the
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Unemployment Problem” may indicate the atmosphere that led to a radical change of Government at the end of 1935.
A brass plate “HASTINGS ROTARY CLUB” appeared on the Secretary’s office, two more children were financed to the Otaki Health Camp, funds were accumulated for the Bristol Scheme, High School boys presented their winning speeches to a Club luncheon.
There was assistance in running the sale of Health Stamps for Health Camps. (Health Stamps resulted from a suggestion of a Mrs Neilson of Hawke’s Bay in 1929), and the Fletcher Cup was presented for Napier-Hastings Rotary Golf.
Dr. Schofield of the General Assembly Library, spoke of the “Outlook in the Pacific”.
Jean Batten, a new star in the aviation firmament, and home from her first record breaking England-Australia flight, was a welcome speaker. Not content to rest on her laurels, she went on to other triumphs in the succeeding years.
Club action sought the re-instatement of Arbour Day in schools, resulting in the tree planting at Te Mata Park.
There was concern to preserve Maori and Pioneer history and from this “Through the efforts of a sub-committee an Historical Society for Hawke’s Bay has been formed”.
In October, 1934, Captain EV Sanderson addressed the Club on “Forest and Birds”. This led to a public meeting called a few days later, chaired by Dr. Bathgate, where the speaker addressed
300 citizens. A Society was launched and has prospered ever since, largely under Dr. Bathgate’s leadership.
A survey of crippled children in the area led to establishment of the Hawke’s Bay Crippled Children’s Society.
The Annual Report of the Club records the events and achievement typical of the times.
The inspirational influence of attendance at Conference is emphasised to all members. There is mention of attendance records, the best, five years with 100 percent.
The launching of the Crippled Children and Forest and Bird Societies, the support of children at Health Camp, and of the Progress League in efforts at beautification, added to the record of community assistance and civic service in a decade marked by economic and terrestrial stresses of some magnitude, were reasons for satisfaction at the end of the Club’s first ten years of existence.
New Members: G.E.G. Rogers, A.J. Manson, J.J. Hill, C. Duff, N.C. Harding, V. Dodds, W.A. Nimon, E.A. Tong.
Hon. Member: G.A. Maddison.
Resignations: T. Heighway, E. J. W. Hallett.
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CHAPTER THREE
ROTARY BACKGROUND
The end of the first decade is a convenient place to halt and survey the general Rotary scene. No Rotary Club is an island, if one may turn a phrase, and the Hastings Club was but one unit in a wide net. Our records are a little thin concerning the next decade which covers the war period but all is much more readily understood if we trace briefly Rotary developments from the beginning. Let us return to 1922, quoting from F. G. Hall-Jones’ “Rotary in New Zealand”.
In September, 1922, the Hon. George Fowlds received a letter from the International Secretary, Jess Perry – “At the recent meeting of the International Board consideration was given to the fact that there are now three Rotary Clubs in New Zealand with prospects for additional Clubs. When there are at least five growing Clubs, the administration of the New Zealand Clubs will be through a regular District Governor of Rotary. Meanwhile, the Board had directed me to advise you of your appointment as Special Commissioner for New Zealand.”
The Commission was to terminate on June 30th, 1923 unless renewed or terminated in writing before that date. That document is now in the archives of the Auckland Club.
Two gatherings of major historical importance were held simultaneously in 1923. The first Conference on June 21st and 22nd in Wellington and the 14th Convention of R.I. from June 19th to 22nd at St. Louis, U.S.A. when Charles Rhodes was elected a Director.
Seventy-three Rotarians attended the first Conference, together with their ladies. Hon. Fowlds addressed the Conference on the aims and objects of Rotary, David S. Smith at the Ladies’ Evening spoke on its ideals, and J. M. A. Ilott on Youth Work. Reports were given on the activities of the individual Clubs and there were addresses on New Members, Club Names, Public Life, Health, the Magazine, and Publicity. It was a well planned and successful Conference, with a full programme of discussion, outings, and entertainment. A report of the proceedings was printed.
A strong delegation from New Zealand was meanwhile present at the St. Louis Convention of Rotary International, and comprised C. Rhodes, W. B. Leyland, L. A. Eady, W. J. Holdsworth and C. J. B. Norwood, together with six ladies. Rhodes was one of those who was invited to convey greetings from their respective countries. He described how Rotary had come to New Zealand, how it had spread, what it had accomplished, and what it meant to the members. The Board of Directors was elected for the ensuing year at its first
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meeting and according to the then Constitution. A ninth Director was elected in the person of Charles Rhodes. It was a signal honour for a representative of a small but distant country which was not yet a District, and which contained only four Clubs.
In November 1923, it was suggested at the Wellington Club that while keeping its connections with Rotary International, New Zealand Rotary should have some link, perhaps in the form of honorary membership, with the British Association of Rotary Clubs. A. F. Roberts (later Sir Alec) who was to visit England as New Zealand Commissioner at the Empire Exhibition was deputed to look into the position. The thought was expressed that in racial ties New Zealand is as close to Britain as the Isle of Wight, and that some form of link-up might enable Rotary in the Dominion to assist the Old Country in such matters as immigration.
However, the British themselves felt New Zealand should give full allegiance to the fountain head of Rotary in America.
As District 53, Rotary in New Zealand proceeded to develop and function within the framework of the Constitution, neighbouring Clubs exchanged visits. Our Hastings Club and Napier were in close accord, and Palmerston North and later Gisborne, also had social exchanges with us. However, the Conference, the term reserved for annual gatherings, became the point from which year, the District Governor met all the Club Officers. Presidents and Secretaries attended and the District Governor conveyed the messages he had brought back from his visit to American Headquarters. This American journey, at that time, took four months. Conferences held at various towns lasted two days mid-week, with two days each side for travel. Dunedin, for instance, required 8.30 a.m. departure from Hastings. 5 p.m. arrival in Wellington, ferry 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. next morning, Lyttelton to Christchurch 7 a.m. to 7.30, station breakfast 8 a.m., 8.30 a.m. departure for Dunedin for 5 p.m. arrival in that city. 700 miles in 32 hours was very good travelling.
The President and Secretary thus required a week away from work, and in the circumstances it is not surprising that only these two attended.
The theme of the years 1925-1936 was “More members for Rotary and more Rotary for the members.” Older Rotarians realise how long the process of absorbing Rotary is. This is noted in John Holderness’ Induction Speech. Apply his words to the first decade of Rotary District 53 and one has the clue to Hastings Club’s activities. Think of the economic factors of the time, compounded by the rehabilitation necessary post-quake, and the scene will be appreciated. Hastings Club members taking turns in the various offices and in the basic committees, were absorbing Rotary and bringing its influence to bear on the community. The figures who led the Rotary field in New Zealand were big in their context. They were leaders in their professions with great drive and often known Dominion
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wide. The early leaders in Hastings were of similar stamp and certainly figures in the District. W. Richmond is described as a man of great personal force of character and a tiger in his business of meat exporting. Others who worked with and who followed him left their names on the town in professional ways and in community service such as Council and various Boards. Others applying themselves to Rotary service have gathered strength and skills to serve the community in wider capacities.
The years up to 1936 were ones of consolidation, exercising the machinery of Rotary, and making an impact as a Club, rendering community service in a fashion new to Hastings. The Club was doing an adequate task in its support to vocational, community service and concern for local questions. There was concern, too, for international aspects. One speaker, Frank Milner, of Waitaki was a Club guest during Dr. Bathgate’s term as Club President in 1934. This man Milner had a great grip on current international questions of the day and an unusual capacity for explaining them. It is not out of place to note something of the impact this New Zealand Rotarian had on the International scene.
He had addressed the New Zealand Conference so impressively that he was invited to accompany T. C. List, District Governor Elect to the Boston Convention where he addressed the Convention on the “Common Idealism of Britain and the United States”. The reception he had was remarkable and he was flooded with requests to address Rotary and other institutions all over the States. He travelled 20,000 miles “interpreting British policy to the people of America and recalling to them their own historic idealism which, in an era of depression, they had largely forgotten”.
In view of later events and the changes of policy in America towards War debts and the implementation of Lease Lend, Milner’s contribution has historic significance. Milner and Lister spent an hour with President Roosevelt, who affirmed his personal belief in Rotary and his pride as a Rotarian. List at this stage too brought back details of the Crippled Children’s Society in America; a seed for Rotary to cultivate in New Zealand.
District Governors hold their Conferences on their return on their home ground. T. C. List, a newspaper editor in Taranaki, held his Conference in New Plymouth and the message he gave illustrating possibilities for a service for crippled children shows its echo in the records of our Club, immediately following, when a survey of crippled children in the Hastings-Napier district was undertaken. Some twenty were found. The formation of the New Zealand Crippled Children’s Society was undertaken by Rotary. £1,200 in donations were made in short time and Lord Nuffield, who visited the country shortly afterwards, showed his interest by a donation of £100,000.
At the New Plymouth Conference too, Bishop F. A. Bennett, then resident at Waipatu. addressed Rotarians on the significance of
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Maori culture and the desirability of its preservation, with some success. A similar and earlier address to our own Club had resulted in moves to form an Historical Society in Hawke’s Bay. Rotary influences are seen to act to and from a Club.
“Rotary is a two-way process.”
In this year, Rotary in New Zealand received special stimulation by a visit from Paul Harris, later President Emeritus of Rotary International. He was accompanied by his wife, Jean. He reached Wellington on April 15th and was the first official guest of the new Governor General, who had just arrived in the Dominion. He attended as many Interclub meetings as possible during his twenty day visit, which included Easter and Anzac Day. He was impressed by the size of the delegations which had travelled long distances to meet and hear him and his visit was commemorated in various places by the planting of a “Paul Harris” tree. Rotarians priviledged [privileged] to meet him hold a clear memory of the personality of the founder of the movement. In his turn he was impressed by much of the scenery he saw in New Zealand and he visited Waitomo, the Chateau, Wairakei, and Rotorua in particular. It is said that he was asked on occasions why America, from which we purchased so much, would not buy our pastoral produce. The reason, he said, was simple. The Americans could not buy commodities of which they themselves already had a surplus. New Zealand has magnificent scenery in great variety of which Americans could never have enough.
He suggested that it would be a reasonable way to balance trade if greater numbers of American tourists were encouraged to visit New Zealand. This was in 1935.
Dark clouds were gathering on the international horizon. Rotary in Germany was soon to be banned. Will Thomas, as District Governor, returned from America with Frank Milner with the exhortation “More Clubs”. There had been no new Clubs founded in New Zealand for ten years. The call was not enthusiastically taken up, but Ashburton, which could well have had a Club earlier, did form one, sponsored by Timaru, and in the following year, two small town Clubs, Mosgiel and Dargaville, were experimentally launched as pilots to the idea of taking Rotary in New Zealand to towns of 2,000 upwards. These Clubs were watched with some interest, for there was some scepticism.
1938 brought the march into Austria. It was in this setting that the Conference was held in Napier, bringing the centre of Rotary activities momentarily close to our own Club headquarters. The International situation was deteriorating quickly. Rotary was banned in Italy from January the 1st, 1939.
At the Napier conference, Angus Mitchell of Melbourne was the Official Rotary International Representative. President Alan Grant and Vice-President Dick Gifford represented Hastings. There were 25
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Clubs in New Zealand, including one in Suva and a total of 1,400 members. An address on international unity quoted A. H. Clough’s verses soon to become known throughout the English speaking world. “Say not the struggle nought availeth, etc.”
Addresses were presented on the problems of Youth, the Maori race, Vocational Service and so on. The venue was the old Gaiety Theatre in Dickens Street, Napier, and Dick Gifford clearly recalls a discussion he had with Angus Mitchell of Melbourne concerning the loss to Rotary that ensued when a senior member was compelled to resign upon his retirement, and it could well be from this conversation that a new rule was brought in shortly afterwards, setting out Senior Active Membership to overcome this problem.
1939 brought war itself and New Zealand’s reaction was summarised in the words of the Prime Minister “Where Britain goes, we go”. Military preparation became the paramount concern. The call to arms soon affected the work force, and employers were quickly faced with the problems the Manpower Committees were set up to solve. Rotary Clubs everywhere found their setting altered in many ways. Younger members went off to fight; older members had additional responsibilities and some, soldiers of World War I, returned to uniform as members of the National Military Reserve. Some indeed returned to the ranks of the fighting men.
The 1940 Conference was held at Massey College, Palmerston North and was attended by Sir Harry Batterby, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom and by Sir Robert Guerin of Sydney. There were addresses on “This Changing World”, “The Dominion’s Future Population”, “Rotary Philosophy of Life”, “Industrial Organisation”, “International Relationships” and “Community Service under War Conditions”.
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CHAPTER FOUR
TO THE WAR YEARS AND BEYOND
The records for the first ten years are fully preserved in a large well bound volume. One feels there should be another for the period of fifteen years that follows but the Minute book, like the Brass Plate, once outside Jo. Kelseys’ office, has not survived. Other documents collected by Wyn [Win] Warnes in his day as historian provide an outline.
1935-36:
President: W. A. Whitlock; Vice-President, C. A. Hendry; Treasurer, R. D. Brown; Secretary, J. O. Kelsey. New members: D. Watters, W. A. Greer, R. C. Rush-Munro.
1936-37:
President: C. A. Hendry; Vice-President, M. R. Matheson; Treasurer, R. D. Brown; Secretary, J. O. Kelsey; Directors, C. Duff, W. A. Greer, W. A. Nimon, A. J. C. Runciman, W. A. Whitlock. New members: A. J. C. Runciman (Past President, Dannevirke), W. H. Abbott, S. Ashcroft.
1937-38:
President: A. J. C. Runciman; Vice-President, A. J. Grant; Treasurer, R. D. Brown; Secretary, G. E. G. Rogers. New members: G. H. Henderson, P. H. Miles, L. Reisterer, P. van Asch, P. Loach, E. C. McDermott.
1938-39:
President: A. J. Grant; Vice-President, E. T. Gifford; Treasurer A. C. A. Hyde; Secretary, G. E. G. Rogers. New members: E. D. Savidge, W. Brinsley, Rev. W. Drake, R. H. Clouston, G. H. Sivyer, E. Mintoft.
1940 was the Dominion’s Centennial Year and Dick Gifford, at the Palmerston North Conference, as President of the Hastings Club clearly recalls the closing scenes when J. R. McKenzie took the stage ‘to make an announcement. J. R. McKenzie proceeded to thank Rotary for an inspiration which had prompted him to mark the Centennial, by creating a Trust for the benefit of disabled soldiers and sailors, ailing and delicate children, the Plunket Society and a number of other charitable services. As he proceeded with the details Dick says that it became obvious to those listening, that this was to be a substantial amount of money and you could almost see the faces calculating what it might be £25,000? £30,000? £40,000? The assembly was hardly prepared for the announcement at the end when “J.R.” said that the amount that he was setting aside in McKenzie’s shares to be administered by District Governors and the Presidents of the four main centres as a Trust Board was £100,000 ($200,000).
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Great is the amount of good that Rotary has been enabled to do in the administration of this Fund.
Dick recalls how there was an occasion here in Hastings, where a Doctor whose name would be known to many, suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and died at the very height of his career, leaving three boys whose educational opportunities were swept away. The Club approached the McKenzie Trust with the case and the boys had their education completed through University, and are today following the careers which their father would have wished. Dick says that the Club has never been turned aside in any case which they have presented to the McKenzie Trust and this work continued. “J.R.” was destined to lose his son in air operations in the war which had just begun.
1939-40:
President: E. T. Gifford; Vice-President, G. H. Roach; Treasurer, A. C. A. Hyde; Secretary, G. E. G. Rogers; Directors, A. Grant, H. W. Ebbett, W. Brinsley, P. Loach and D. Savidge.
It is recorded that tableware was presented to the Hawke’s Bay Children’s Homes. These Homes were situated, the Girls’ Home in Napier and the Boys’ Home, “France House” out at Eskdale. The original home had been in France Road, hence the name. New members this year were W. E. Bate, T. W. Sherratt and Les Fisher.
Les Fisher had long been Secretary to the firm of W. Richmond. About this time the Home Guard was formed and many Rotarians joined. Dick Gifford and Les Fisher among them, and these spent some of their time as Instructors in machine-guns. Parades were held at the Racecourse and the Manual of Training for Home Guard Infantry had been written and prepared by the Headmaster of the Hereworth School, J. D. H. Buchanan. W. A. Whitlock was active as second in command of the County Unit of Home Guard.
The next Conference held in Wellington and attended on behalf of Hastings by Gordon Roach, as President, “Admiral” Drake, Vice-President, with A. J. C. Runciman as Secretary was the last held in war-time. Cyril Hyde was Treasurer; W. Brinsley, Ernie McDermott, Ed. Bate and Dick Gifford were Directors. With petrol restrictions, an extra load fell upon the Railways and “Is Your Journey Necessary?” became the slogan. Boys and girls’ agricultural clubs were started in Hastings schools, sponsored by Rotary. Growing your own vegetables was a patriotic act that also helped transport.
Of special interest is that the fact that at this time a closing prayer was decided upon, to be used instead of Grace at the beginning of Rotary luncheon. This was composed by “the Admiral”, the Reverend W. Drake:
“Almighty God, we thank Thee for the gift of Fellowship and the opportunity for Service. We ask Thee to bless our
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goings out and our comings in from this time forth and forever more.”
When the Rev. Drake died in 1945, these words were quoted at his Homecoming service and a Minute was inserted in the records of the Rotary Club of Hastings, that these lines should be said at the conclusion of all luncheons as an act of memory to a dedicated Rotarian. They are, therefore, part of our Club’s tradition.
New members in 1941 were N. B. Fippard, D. M. Cattanch [Cattanach], W. A. Meads, L. B. J. Revell, R. F. Campbell, A. Kirkpatrick, D. G. Begley and W. B. Nicholl. Many Rotarians responded to the call to enrol in the Home Guard and one form of community service was that of preparing for the defence of the Borough in various ways.
In the 1941-42 years, the Rev. W. Drake became President and his Vice-President was Eric Phillips. The Treasurer, A. C. Hyde, Secretary, A. J. C. Runciman. Directors were D. M. Cattanach, G. McCormick, P. Van Asch, J. Wattie, G. Roach and Bidell. This was the period following the Battle of Britain.
Rotary Club activities rather stood second to immediate defence considerations. A supreme effort was mounted nationally to equip and reinforce the Army, Navy and Air Force commitments in European and African theatres, but there were powerful forces and demands on the country’s resources which many Rotarians of today could scarcely appreciate, but which Rotarians of that time were in a position to feel on the home front. Vice-President Eric Phillips went to Camp and Jim Wattie, in spite of the tremendous work load at his expanding factory, accepted the Vice-Presidency. New members included E. M. Fenton, H. E. Davies, a Surveyor, H. M. Bidell and H. Foley, and two of these were made Directors of the Club forthwith.
Sir James recalls the impact of the entry of Japan into the War. Home Guard service and duties and National Reserve Service became our defence, combined with A.R.P. There were blackout blinds in every building and shelters were dug in school playgrounds. Fire bomb precautions were attended to urgently.
New Zealand’s Air Force establishment changed its role from that of a training wing of the Air Force, to that of a strike force. American assistance arrived, and plans for New Zealand as an American Base, took shape. New Zealand Forces had been 17,000 in defence and fortress personnel. Now 11,000 Territorials were called into camp and by March 1942, 61,368 men were overseas and 67,264 were in Camp in New Zealand, while 100,000 accepted Home Guard duties. In addition, there arrived the Americans to add a further 100,000 men drawing foodstuffs, particularly vegetables from New Zealand. Of the weight of the impact, Jim Wattie, more than anyone, can spell out the detail. Hastings came to the forefront in organising the cultivation and processing and marketing of vegetables particularly. Fruit packing stores became premises of the “Joint Purchases
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Board” and the local industry, to become the country’s chief Cannery, was rapidly built up, with all the local resources that could be mustered, and grew with unprecedented rapidity to a round-the-clock concern.
Sir James recalls that in the view of the Americans, too many men had been sent overseas. New Zealand’s potential for food production should have been fully exploited by keeping more man-power at home, they said.
The Americans “reckoned” they had the “hardware” of war, but New Zealand’s special role was food for the stomach that armies fight on.
To Rotarians every service was community service, or vocational service or international service. It was enough that Rotary stay in being. The activities did not have to be sought, they presented themselves. A. J. C. Runciman, who had been Charter President of the Dannevirke Club took up the duties of Secretary, and carried them out with great efficiency.
To the appeal for money for patriotic purposes, the Rotary Club had organised a raffle of an Austin car. Directors, under Jim Wattie, were Rod Campbell, Alex Kirkpatrick, Pope Revell and C. G. Wilkinson. New members included J. K. Agnew, H. Foley, J. J. Nimon, A. E. Wishart, A. R. McIvor, R. P. Fish, R. P. Edwards. Incidentally, R. P. Edwards retired to Hastings when the Americans moved in and purchased his Cecil Hotel in Wellington, lock, stock and barrel, as their Army Headquarters.
Having done his stint as Vice-President and then President, J. Wattie handed over the Chain of Office to W. A. G. Penlington.
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ROTARY IN NEW ZEALAND IN WAR TIME
Of Rotary as a whole in District 53, 1942 and 1943-44 were particularly difficult years. In 1942 F. G. Hall-Jones was appointed for a second term as District Governor. There were difficulties of communication in inter-island travel and so Sectional Assemblies were held in each island. In the History of Rotary in New Zealand, F. G. Hall-Jones says that 24 delegates from eight Clubs attended the Assembly held at Timaru, and 41 delegates from fifteen Clubs, the Wellington Assembly held a week later.
It was a very bad period in the war. The Germans had reached Alamein and Stalingrad; shipping losses were at their peak. The Japanese were advancing down the Pacific. After an International address by Frank Milner the theme “The Spirit of Britain”, was adopted for the year by Rotary. The extension plan was announced by R.I., aimed to double the number of Clubs within the next five years.
Three hundred and fifty Clubs had been lost through enemy action. Canada, Australia, India, even Britain had already made a practical response to R.I.’s special appeal. As the small town clubs, Dargaville and Mosgiel, had made good progress, measures were taken to carry Rotary to a number of other smaller towns. Rangiora was sponsored by Christchurch, and Stratford by New Plymouth, Marton by Wanganui, Feilding by Palmerston North, Waipukurau by Hastings, Wairoa by Gisborne, Woodville by Dannevirke, Alexandria by Dunedin and Paeroa by Auckland. Clubs were also formed at Greymouth and at Hutt.
A large weekend meeting was held in Palmerston North with sixty visitors from eleven Clubs, and another at Dunedin with 62 visitors from eight Clubs, as a measure of compensation for a lack of a Conference.
At the request of the Wellington Junior Chamber of Commerce, which had founded “Heritage” to assist children who had lost their fathers during the war, the decision was taken by Rotary to extend the movement through the Dominion. Branches were formed and are rendering valuable assistance to the present time.
For the 1943-44 period, C. H. Taylor Of Christchurch (Cleaning and Dyeing) accepted office without the advantages of attending an International Assembly and Convention, although he had been a visitor at an earlier Convention. He was instrumental in extending Rotary to Hokitika and Westport and also Queenstown. His main idea then, and in later years, was Youth Work. He was Chairman of the Committee that planned and initiated Inter-Act. There was undoubtedly a fresh spirit in Rotary. More inter-club visits paid and a number of weekend forums were held, all helping to absorb new Clubs into the movement. H. T. Thomas of Auckland was the next
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District Governor and he was able with some difficulty to attend the Chicago Convention, and following that, Assemblies were held in Timaru and Wellington and a great deal of informative material was translated to the Clubs. John Ilott had also become a second Vice-President of R.I. and at the Auckland Conference he reviewed the organisation and the work of the Board.
At this time, L. K. Munro, later Sir Leslie, outlined the Dumbarton Oaks proposals for the establishment of the United Nations Organisation, and W. A. Whitlock, representing Hastings, dealt with International Service, particularly interviews with prominent citizens of Britain and the United States he had had during the course of his attendance at the Imperial Press Conference. Looking ahead, the Conference devoted three addresses and much discussion to the subject of “Rehabilitation”.
The end of the war was at this stage in sight.
Frank Milner retired from the Rectorship of Waitaki Boys’ High School but died suddenly very shortly afterwards, thus robbing Rotary of the services it had hoped he would be able to render to the Movement on his retirement.
1943-44:
W. A. G. Penlington President of Hastings Club, Vice-President Eric Phillips, Treasurer A. C. A. Hyde, Secretary Archie Runcimen [Runciman], Directors Nicol, Green and Meade. New members were J. R. Stephenson, G. R. Baillie, W. B. Edwards, E. J. Herrick, A. J. Escott, E. Orr and C. Ingram, and Honorary Members were Bishop Bennett, A. I. Rainbow, J. Holt, Joseph Wilson and the members who were on active service.
“Pen” says of this year that the great feature of Rotary that he recalls was the fellowship. They were strenuous times, there were many difficulties, all who were in Rotary had to face in their normal day to day affairs and services consequent on the war situation, demanded attention from everyone. Food parcels went regularly to the Troops.
1944-45:
President, Eric Phillips; Vice-President, A. C. A. Hyde; Treasurer, J. R. Stephenson; Secretary, N. Fippard; Directors, J. J. Nimon, W. B. Edwards, R. P. Fish, A. J. C. Runciman and W. A. G. Penlington. Members serving with the forces: R. V. Giorgi, N. Fenton, Wii Huata and A. E. Wishart. New members were J. L. Barriball, W. F. Kent-Johnson, C. G. W. Bryant, H. S. W. Macdonald, R. W. Hope and F. H. Goldfinch.
The death occurred of Harry Abbott, and there were resignations from L. J. Fisher, D. M. Cattanach, H. C. Davies, E. J. Herrick,
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J. J. Hill, C. Ingram, E. W. Hall and C. H. Slater. Honorary members were Bishop Bennett, Josh Wilson, A. I. Rainbow and Charles Gardner.
As the war moved to its closing stages, thoughts turned from support of the fighting men to the matter of their home-comings to rehabilitation and to the problems that were arising in connection with people disturbed and displaced as a result of war operations.
1945-46:
President: A. C. A. Hyde; Vice-President, W. E. Bate; Treasurer, J. R. Stephenson; Secretary (there were two), A. J. C. Runciman and N. Flippard [Fippard]; Directors, Messrs Escott, Baillie, Warnes and Bariball [Barriball]. Some £75 was subscribed and sent to Hastings, England, for food and the relief of distress.
Ron Giorgi recalls that he attended the first post-war Rotary Club Meeting held in Florence after the fighting stopped. An Italian who was proprietor of the hotel that was the New Zealand Forces Club, had been a Rotarian but Rotary activity had ceased in Italy on the 1st of January, 1939. Ron went with this Italian gentleman to the first Rotary Club meeting to be held in Florence post-war, and possibly one of the first held anywhere in Italy.
Morris Spence of Napier attended the Chicago Convention of 1945, became District Governor and held his assemblies in Wellington and in Timaru, in the 1945-46 period.
The Napier Conference, held in March, 1946, was the last of the twenty Conferences that were held for New Zealand as a whole. It was the first peace-time Conference, held in New Zealand since the previous Napier Conference of 1939 and it also commemorated twenty-five years of Rotary in the Dominion.
Plans were prepared to divide the District into two, and the new northern District was re-numbered as District 52 and it was later changed to 39 and included Fiji and the greater part of the North Island as far south as Palmerston North and Woodville. The South Island and the southern part of the North Island became reconstituted the 43rd District and was later changed and called the 40th District. As there were now two District Governors, steps were taken to maintain liaison and coordination.
1947-48:
Alec Kirkpatrick was President in the years 1947-48 and his 24th annual report shows that at the beginning of the year there were 68 members, six new members were admitted during the year, these being Rotarians Fitzgerald, Blair, Rainbow, Parkhill, Holderness and Mitchell, and in the same period three resignations took place,
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W. Brindsley, F. C. Rush-Munro and L. Barriball. At the close of the year the active membership was 71. An 85.76% attendance was the average for the year, six Rotarians achieved 100%.
Highlight of the year was the visit of the President of Rotary International, Ken Guernsey and his wife, in September of 1947. They visited six of the main centres and the President, Vice-President and eighteen other members of our Club attended a special evening meeting held at Palmerston North.
District Governor Reg Gambrill had a busy year, he held a District Governors’ Assembly in Hamilton in August, 1947, and the District Conference in Auckland in February. There was a Polio epidemic raging at the time of the February Conference affecting the attendance. However three members from Hastings attended, giving comprehensive reports on their return.
Waikaremoana Forums were continued at Lakehouse, attended by representatives from Gisborne, Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Waipukurau. These forums, proving particularly successful, were looked forward to by the Hawke’s Bay Club members.
Special meetings held during the year included Local Bodies’ Day, Farmers’ Meeting, Ladies’ Lunch, Sons and Daughters Day, and addresses given by the winners of the High School Public Speaking Competition. Some addresses were contributed by members of the Hastings Club itself.
Urban-Rural acquaintance was a special feature. There were meetings between town and country members first of all in Maraekakaho when Mr A. R. Cutler, V.C., the High Commissioner for Australia, addressed the gathering. The farmers held a return function at Maraekakaho and a further meeting was held at Waimarama. Membership subscriptions were increased to £4 15s 0d at the beginning of the year. Surplus for the year was £21 7s 6d. Accumulated funds were £386. The Benevolent Fund stood at £100 and was donated to ‘Food for Britain’.
Rotarians Charlie Bryant and Wallie Brunsden were thanked for their services to the musical aspect of the Club. Ladies were regularly sending flowers to Rotarians or members of their family who were in hospital from time to time, and Club activities generally were in good heart.
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CHAPTER FIVE
“OUR CLUB IN THE TWO-DISTRICT PERIOD”
TO SUMMARISE ACTIVITIES IN THE TWO DISTRICTS BETWEEN 1946 AND 1956.
This period began with 31 Clubs and 1384 members in District 52, and twenty-two Clubs with 998 members in District 53. Major activities included the ‘Food for Britain Campaign’ and the ‘Obstetrical and Gynaecological Appeal’, ‘The Cancer Campaign’ and the formation of branches of the Tuberculosis Association, and the Town and Country Forum held at Massey College.
On his death in 1947, Rotarians were invited to pay tribute to Paul Harris by donations to the “Foundation Fund”. From this, Foundation Fellowships were awarded and ten awardees from this Country went overseas during the ten years and six arrived to study in New Zealand. There was also a visit by a team of six young men, financed by Rotarians in the Yorkshire district, and these paid a two months’ visit to New Zealand, planting a seed of a new Rotary activity. This visit took place in February and March of 1950.
In 1955, which was Rotary Golden Anniversary Year, District 52 initiated ROTA which proved so successful that it was continued from year to year. Six young men with various occupations and from various parts of the district were taken on a two-month tour of Great Britain under the leadership of John Ledgerwood. The result was so gratifying, the scheme was kept up from year to year on the same financial arrangement. Eventually it was taken up on a world-wide basis by R.I. with only minor changes, under the title of “Group Study Exchange”, financed from the Foundation Fund.
This has been possibly the best contribution from Rotary in New Zealand to Rotary International. Every Club in each district embarked on the Golden Anniversary Project of one sort or another. The Golden Anniversary Conference held at Ellerslie in Auckland was opened by His Excellency Sir Willoughby Norrie. Among those contributing addresses was W. A. Whitlock of Hastings.
At the Golden Anniversary in Chicago, one of the speaches [speeches] was by Sir Leslie Munro.
The next year, 1956, was the last of the “two district” system and the Conference of District 39 was held in Napier. Preparation was made for a smooth transition to three districts. The Northern District was to change its number from 39 to 38, and its southern boundary to be in the vicinity of Te Kuiti on the south and Opotiki in the east. The Central District took over the number 39 and covered the rest Of the North Island. District 40 was confined to the South Island, losing the Clubs in the Wellington area.
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HASTINGS’ CLUB – 1948 TO 1956.
We now return to our own Club happenings during this period, and take up the story again.
1948-49:
President, R. V. Giorgi; Vice-President, W. A. Greer; Treasurer, J. R. Stephenson; Secretaries, A. J. C. Runciman, W. B. Edwards; Directors, J. Agnew, P. Barcham, W. Goldfinch, A. Kirkpatrick. W. Calder-McKay being District Governor, our Club was Host at the East Coast Conference held at Waikaremoana.
Bishop Bennett gave the Christmas Massage [Message].
A Tuberculosis Lay Association was organised and the establishment of the Y.M.C.A. was undertaken. There was assistance to the Blind Institute, to the Hastings’ War Memorial Fund, to the Health Camp, the Hastings’ Free Kindergarten, and the Paul Harris Travelling Scholarships. There were meetings with farmer groups. A Young Citizens’ Association was set up with teams in football, boxing, etc., for boys. This was the final year as Secretary of A. J. C. Runciman who had been a most dedicated Rotarian.
The Club’s Silver Jubilee took place on June 16th, 1949. Immediate Past District Governor Reg Gambill deputised for Bill McKay, and a highlight of the function was a speech recorded from Archie Runciman absent through illness. This turned out to be a deathbed oration. (Paul Barcham still has this recording).
Members were pleased that they had had the opportunity of accompanying Archie to Dannevirke in the previous November when Dannevirke celebrated its 21st Birthday. Past President Runciman being Charter President of the Dannevirke Club.
New members of this year were M. Parkhill, A. M. Esson, C. J. Wilkie. Resignations: W. A. G. Penlington and C. G. Wilkinson. W. Nichol and Percy Loach transferred to Past Service. The death occurred of the Honorable T. Mason Chambers, a Charter Member.
1949-50:
President: W. A. Greer; Vice-President, J. J. Nimon; Treasurer, J. R. Stephenson; Secretary, W. B. Edwards; Directors, Rotarians Fitzgerald, Nimon, Wilkinson and R. Harding.
A. E. O’Meara, who represented Rotary on the Crippled Children’s Society, brought along Mr Jim Parkinson who, through an accident, lost both his arms. The Society had invented apparatus worked by his feet which allowed Mr Parkinson to help himself quite a lot, including feeding himself. Rotarian W. Patterson presented a typewriter, enabling Mr Parkinson to write. In later years he painted good pictures holding the brush in his teeth.
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From July the 1st, the Rotary Districts were reconstituted, Hastings being District 39. A visit by the English youths representing a cross-section of English youth took place in February, 1950. Doctor G. F. Morton, the Yorkshire Rotarian who instituted this scheme, corresponded regularly with Bill Greer for some years. But Bill Greer records that the most interesting and exciting event in his year as President was the pleasure and the privilege that he had in nominating our good member, Bill Whitlock, as District Governor Elect.
Those who were present at the Rotorua Conference on the occasion will never forget the enthusiastic support that was given to Bill in making the nomination. It is recorded that:
“A ferocious body of “Natives” led by the great Wi Huata, attired in full Rangatira Costume, and “armed to the teeth”, gave vociferous support. The timbers of the hall really trembled during the wild haka of acclamation that followed.”
Bill Gordon, the presiding District Governor, said afterwards that it was the most enthusiastic and spontaneous nomination that he had ever witnessed. It certainly got Bill Whitlock off to a really good start.
The new member that year was T. C. Jackson. Obituary: A. J. C. Runciman.
1950-51:
President: J. J. Nimon; Vice-President, J. K. Agnew; Treasurer, J. R. Stephenson; Secretaries, W. B. Edwards, N. Fippard; Second Treasurer, Brodie; Directors, Rotarians R. V. Giorgi, A. F. Redgrave, Campbell, Brodie, Wilkie, Greer. Bill Whitlock assumed his duties as District Governor of District 39.
Beside the normal activities, the chief efforts of the Club were directed towards making a great success of the District Conference held in Hastings in February 12-22 of 1951.
The official representative of R.I. was Harold T. Thomas of Auckland. The District Governor was W. A. Whitlock, Host Presidents J. Nimon of Hastings and John Alexander of Napier, Conference Secretary Charlie Jackson, Assistant Conference Secretary Goldie Goldfinch, Conference Treasurer was John Stephenson, Conference Sergeant of Arms Jack Baxter, the Assistant Conference Sergeant of Arms Ed Stewart of Napier, Song Leader Charlie Bryant and Pianist Cliff Ferbrash [Ferbrache].
The Conference Theme was “Development of the Citizens”. The opening address at the Conference was given by the Right Reverend Norman A. Lesser, Bishop of Waiapu. The Mayors of Hastings and Napier, both Rotarians, played their part as civic dignitaries and there were visiting Rotarian Officers, Past District Governors and the like from New South Wales, U.S.A. and England.
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Guest artists included Mrs Klinginder [Klingender], Miss Wendy Whitlock and Mr Robert Houston. Padre Ken Button pronounced the Invocation. There were addresses to the Conference as a whole and a series of Group discussions. Fellowship was of a high order. “Our Duty to Youth”, was one topic discussed. “We can do a great deal in fostering ‘the growth of, and taking an interest in, the various kinds of young peoples’ clubs and organisations . . . Above all, such Club members should run their own affairs. Only in this way will they learn to co-operate, to face the consequences of their own actions, and understand one another, to experience the joys and disappointments of community life.”
And another “Society has to get a burning conviction to boys and girls that free co-operation is horse sense, that it works, that it is the one way in which everyone has a fair chance to pursue that adventurous life of high quality that makes happiness possible.”
On the Wednesday evening at 8.30 o’clock the Conference Hall had been transformed into a ballroom and District Governor Bill and daughter Wendy, accompanied by the Official Party, were piped into the Hall as a prelude to the Grand March headed by District Governor Bill, and past District Governors. Accompanied by their partners the Grand March moved off to the skirl of the pipes and presented an animated and colourful spectacle. A first-class dance programme, interspersed with floor shows and solo items, made a very happy evening. Summing up the Conference afterwards, Past District Governor Blair Tennent said that the splendid addresses they had heard all lead up to the one theme ‘Rotary’s Place in a Democracy’. And in one sentence it was a call for leadership.
New members to the Club in this year were C. J. Cox, H. E. Macpherson, C. Satterthwaite and J. E. Tier.
1951-52:
President: Jack Agnew: Vice-President, C. G. Wilkinson; Treasurer, G. Brodie: Secretary, A. M. Esson: Directors. J. Holderness, W. Patterson, M. Parkhill. J. Nimon and J. Tier.
Club members assisted with painting and plumbing of the Nurses’ Cottage at Te Awanga, and through the efforts of the Vice-President, the Country Library Service was made available to the Memorial Hospital. J. Young, an American Foundation Scholar, addressed the Ladies’ Luncheon meeting. The Club held a Farmers’ Forum meeting at Sherenden. Past President Ed Bate presented the Club with a gavel and bell.
New members were L. Christopherson, G. H. Bell, L. C. Kerr, G. D. Wilson, J. D. Howe. Resignation: D. Savidge. District Governor this year was an old Hastings boy, Charles Smith. E. A. Carne succeeded A. Esson as Secretary. The Club undertook the Windsor Lodge project. This £1000 undertaking required that the Club make
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good this amount to the Borough Council. A Gala was organised at Windsor Park to raise money for Windsor Lodge but unfortunately poor weather marred its success. Indeed it took some time for the Club to meet the full requirements that it had undertaken. The Club also decided to support the Carnival to raise funds for the erection of the War Memorial Library.
It was this year 1952, that there came a dramatic change in the concluding ritual of Club meetings. The well-loved King George VI died, the young Princess Elizabeth, at Tree Tops Hotel in Kenya, on her way to New Zealand, was informed and saluted as Queen, and the Club, with feeling remembered by those present, sang “God Save The Queen”.
1952-53:
President: R. F. Campbell; Vice-President, W. R. Warnes; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, A. M. Esson; Directors, G. H. Bell, W. B. Edwins, H. MacPherson, A. E. O’Meara, H. E. Philips, P. J. Priest.
Young Farmers came for a forum luncheon. An executive Secretary was engaged at £50 per year. Work on the Nurses’ Cottage at Te Awanga was finished. Rotarians assisted Napier in running a Crippled Children’s Picnic. A luncheon was held at Windsor Lodge Community Centre to give members an idea of the set-up there; this continued to be a project to be completed, in that our Club had promised to raise £1,000. The Club assisted with the sale of Health Stamps. Apples were again sent to Otaki Health Camp. Rotary lapel badges were presented to new members on initiation for the first time.
Among speakers was Bishop Lesser and Don Saxton. New members: S. A. O’Neill, J. Black, C. T. Ferbrash, H. G. Barden. J. W. Jones, Reverend T. Kaa, E. A. Batson, E. I. Hickman, W. R. Kemp, R. W. Price. H. F. Stoupe and E. J. Velvin.
1953-54:
President: W. R. Warnes: Vice-President, P. J. Priest; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Directors, G. J. Cox, R. P. Fish. E. T. Gifford, L. C. Kerr, W. Patterson, G D. Wilson; Club Marshall, J. Agnew. New members: J. H. Paynter. E. T. Russell, H. O. Christie, E. D. Anderson, F. H. Crawford, H. G. Little.
Report at the Annual General Meeting shows some financial difficulties due to losses, apparently, on social functions. It was decided to go into the question of a building for Rotary, either to purchase or erect something suitable. In July a Maori concert yielded a profit of £20. Club’s liability on Windsor Lodge at this stage stood at £871.
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The Windsor Lodge Committee was congratulated on past efforts and promptly put in the saddle again for a second year. The £1 sub to Greater Hastings was discontinued. The Tearooms were not available after October and this revived the question of having a building on its own for Rotary. There seemed to be financial deficits with regards to the “Rotarian”. Concern was expressed at the “low class” radio plays.
In August preparations were made for a Gala Day at Windsor Park, with redoubled effort. Club luncheons were moved to the Presbyterian Hall. Henry Bell was appointed Boy Scout Representative.
September: Further discussion of the building project. The Old Folks’ outing had been deferred to a later date. The Club was notified of responsibility for damage at Windsor Park in relation to the Gala. The proprietor of the Windmill Restaurant had taken over the Farmers’ Tearooms, and new arrangements were possible. There was a message of sympathy to Suva regarding their earthquake and tidal wave.
October saw reports of raffles for the Gala. Members, notably Eric Batson and Cyril Wilkie loaning trucks for use at the grounds of Windsor Park. Financial liability was reduced but there was still £750 to be found and at this stage raffles had been rather poorly supported. The resolution was passed that there were to be “no more big financial undertakings”.
February: The Rotary Club was reminded by the Council of its “obligations as guarantors for a substantial amount regarding Windsor Lodge”. The Club in its turn was asking for statements regarding disposal of monies which had been paid to the Council. Apples to the Health Camps were continued.
March saw an emergency meeting called because the accommodation required for a Conference proved to be unavailable in the Hastings-Napier district. All accommodation being fully booked from Christmas to Easter, it was decided to transfer the Conference to Auckland suburbs.
A rule on the nomination of officers was put forward, these to be President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary plus three others, two of whom shall be past Presidents and one an ordinary member. George Lowe was made an honorary member in respect of his climb on Mount Everest. Activities included a picture show for crippled children, an outing for 200 old folks in May. and £5 voted to Pukeora unit for the Disabled.
Windsor Lodge Committee was informed that no funds were forthcoming from Council sources and so Rotary had better decide to raise all the money. Tomoana Players turned on a performance, in this cause. Vocational evening was held at St. Matthews School essay competitions about wasps and aviation, sponsored. The question was again raised about the Rotary Club having its own hall.
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A letter from the Borough Council asked for payment of the balance of the Windsor Lodge money by the 31st March, 1955.
1954-55:
President: P. J. Priest; Vice-President, R. P. Fish; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, Ted Carne; Directors, J. H. Holderness, H. F. Stead, G. H. Bell, R. D. Brown, W. R. Warnes; Club Marshall, J. Agnew. New members: G. L. Pacey, J. C. Westerman, L. H. Wainscott.
At the Annual General Meeting the balance sheet showed a deficit of £8. The subs, it was decided, must go up by 10/- to £5 10s. The Club continued its efforts on behalf of Windsor Lodge and the late Henry Bell is recorded as making this project his own particular “hair shirt”. He was quite unsparing in his personal efforts to make the Project succeed. A “giant auction” was organised and this and other activity allowed £400 to be raised for the Council by October. Efforts were continued to November. A Directors’ meeting resolved to clean the whole matter up by the end of the year.
The renowned Club ballet troupe; from Left: F. Goldfinch, W. Warnes, F. Wilkinson, R. V. Giorgi, F. Stoupe, G. McCormick and W. Patterson, 1953-56.
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1955-56:
President: R. P. Fish; Vice-President, J. H. Holderness; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Directors, R. F. Campbell, R. M. Keys. H. MacPherson, J. J. Nimon. W. Patterson and E. J. Velvin. New members: Dick Nimon, Jack Dallimore, Alan Jensen. Don McKee, Jack Seton, Roy Skitrup [Skittrup], Jack Thompson, S. G. Chaplin. D. L. Grant, J. Drummond, K. O. Garland, Len Harvey. and Bert O’Meara had died.
Nineteen Past Presidents received lapel badges marked “Past President”, an innovation at that time. A Giant Auction was organised to raise funds for Y.M.C.A. and was very successful, the amount being £450. An organised motor drive and afternoon tea at Rotarian Don Wilson’s gardens for 80 Old Folks. The District Conference was held at Napier assisted by Hastings Club. Health Stamps were again distributed.
To mark Rotary’s Golden Jubilee, three trees were planted at Windsor Park handy to the Windsor Lodge, which was made possible by Rotary effort over the years. The liquid amber was designated a “Paul Harris Tree”. A luncheon was held outside at the Park.
ROTA, instituted by an Auckland Club and supported by all the other clubs in this Rotary district, was under way. Hastings had five nominations but were unsuccessful in having their final choice accepted. This was Callum Kirkpatrick to whom a presentation was made. Subs were raised to £10 per annum.
The full amount for Windsor Lodge had been realised and the final sum of £6 2s 9d was paid over after £100 had been provided for a piano. Waikaremoana forums were abandoned. Books were presented for the Sir John McKenzie Memorial Library at Riccarton. This was a Rotary project in honour of the memory of a great Rotarian.
The City celebrations were held this year, the Borough of Hastings having been raised to City status under the Mayoral guidance of W. E. Bate (later Sir Edwin). A letter was sent to George Lowe congratulating him and sending good wishes. He was at that time departing for England to take part in the I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) which included a Transcontinental trek of Antarctica. The Club paid £10 to the “Ross Sea Fund” to assist New Zealand’s effort in the Antarctic.
It was decided that the Birthday Song which was in use was too juvenile and also it was decided that salad dressing should be put in gravy boats “for the benefit of those who did not want it, then they would not have it.” A new badges board was provided by Harold Christie at the cost of £5.
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The Club’s International Committee benefited and entertained nine Colombo Plan students from Massey College over a long weekend; three of these students gave short talks at a Rotary luncheon. The Club was again host to the farmers at Waimarama and a talk is recorded on the subject of aerial photography by Rotarian Piet Van Asch. Honorary Rotarian George Lowe addressed the Club on his experiences on Mount Everest, and received a most attentive hearing.
1956 had been an interesting year.
A cheque completing the £1000 guaranteed by the Club for Windsor Lodge is handed over July 1955. Chairman E. Batson, President R. P. Fish, Mayor W. E. Bate.
Below: Rotary Club and Borough Councillors together at Windsor Lodge.
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CHAPTER SIX
N.Z. ROTARY IN THREE DISTRICTS
1956 – 1970
Before continuing the story of the Club’s activities let us turn to the developments of Rotary in New Zealand as a whole during the next period 1956 – 1970 the “Three District” period.
Three Districts:
This system lasted for fourteen years and the Districts were at first called 38, 39 and 40, but after 1957 they were renumbered 292, 294 and 298. In July 1956, District 38 had 33 Clubs, District 39 had 27 and District 40 had 25, a total of 85 with a membership of 4,464. By 1970 both the number of Clubs and the number of members had doubled so it was a period of expansion, but not only in numbers; there were numerous new developments too.
A Pan Pacific Conference was held in Sydney in November of 1956 and a total of 69 Rotarians and their wives attended from New Zealand.
A “ROTA” team from District 292, which had initiated the Scheme, toured England for two months, and a further team of 38 was selected to visit the Pacific States of North America the following year.
Charles Taylor of Christchurch was nominated a Director of R. I. The first Weekend Conference ever held in this country was held in Hamilton in the February, extending from the Friday to the Sunday afternoon. The “Weekend” system offered such advantages that it was adopted in all subsequent years for all Districts.
As well as the ROTA team, under “Operation R.Y.E.” (Rotary Youth Exchange) the first young man from New Zealand left for a working year in Norway.
A Town and Country Forum was held at Lincoln College bringing out the Town with Country principle of Rotary. An O. and G. Appeal launched from Auckland was handled by Clubs throughout the Country and raised over £200,000 as a tribute to the work of Dr. Doris Gordon, this amount being used to set up a Professorial Chair at Auckland University. £4,000 also was raised throughout the Country for flood relief in New South Wales.
A Schoolboy Exchange Scheme was initiated from Auckland. A ROTA team from North America under Dr. Lyman Partridge returned the visits made from New Zealand and toured the Country in 1959.
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The Timaru Conference was opened by Harold Thomas from Auckland who was a nominee for the President of R.I. for the year 1959-60. So with our own New Zealand President and Charles Taylor of Christchurch on the Board of Directors, New Zealand was well represented in Rotary International.
District 294 held its Conference in Hastings. The District Governor being I. Matheson of Wellington. As well as his address there were others by N. Larharry, Sir George Curry, Sahib Mohammed and A. Brown. Discussions included the topics of Foundation Fellows and Student Exchanges. The following year Charles Taylor of Christchurch became Chairman of R.I. Youth Committee which was in due course to bring out “INTERACT”.
That year 294 held its Conference in Wanganui. The Conference being opened by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Keith Holyoake. Next Conference for our District went to Napier. It was opened by Sir Francis Cuming-Bruce. Addresses by F. Beattie, L. Long. C. Taylor on Interact, C. C. Aikman on “V.S.A.” (Volunteer Service Abroad) by the Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powells; other speakers being Sir John Walch and Dr. W. Henley.
INTERACT having now been established by R.I., the first Club in this country was founded at New Plymouth, at New Plymouth Boys’ High School. The last ROTA team visited the Far East.
G.S.E. (Group Study Exchange) came into operation first in 1966 and really superceded ROTA. In the years following, five exchanges were made between New Zealand and Indiana, Great Britain, Argentina, Wisconsin, Texas and one was prepared with California. All the visiting teams toured the whole of New Zealand.
Regular Foundation Fellowships were awarded both to and from New Zealand and this idea was extended to cover Graduate Fellowships, Undergraduate Fellowships and Technical Training Awards.
“Student Exchanges” were now being arranged at District level with quite a number participating, George Pacey being among those interested. After 1967 the Board of Rotary International adopted a policy whereby Rotary Clubs could set up Rotaract Clubs for young people in the 17-25 age group. Mt. Albert took the first move in this direction and this movement has progressed in New Zealand.
The 1963 Conference at Rotorua. again opened by the Hon. Keith Holyoake, emphasised the work that was being done for youth and the strong developments that were taking shape.
New Zealand’s idea of ROTA had become R.I.’s G.S.E. and there was increasing activity.
The Technical Training Award Scheme was announced and its introduction begun. Further prospects were really bright.
In 1965-66 C. P. T. Teenstra of the Netherlands was President of R.I. He made a tour of New Zealand taking part in a regional Institute of District Governors held in Wellington. There is record of
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a busy two days in our area. L. V. Philips was second Vice-President R.I. District Governors that year were T. R. C. Overton, E. J. Velvin and J. B. Bailey. Ten new clubs were formed in the three Districts.
Technical Training awards took a young man from Newmarket to California. Interact Clubs were formed in Suva, Palmerston North and Napier. Charles Taylor visited Japan and other countries on a promotion work on this topic – Work For Youth. A Group Study Exchange team from Louisiana came to New Zealand.
The Conference at Hastings was the highlight of the year for Hastings Club. District Governor Vel opened the Conference with K. Scheller and Sir Arthur Tindall as chief speakers. George Pacey was Conference President. This was a very well run Conference under the Chairmanship of John Holderness and all the Committee Chairmen concerned in that Conference are still in the Club.
Philip Proctor of Wellington was District Governor 1966-67. In this year what was called “Rotary Youth Exchange” in America began to operate in New Zealand under the term “Student Exchange”. The District Conference was held this year in New Plymouth.
1967-68:
W. G. Bassett of New Plymouth was District Governor. Rotary Halls of Residence project for Massey College which had been taken up by Clubs in the District during 1966-67, this year resulted in a cheque for $53,000 being presented to Hon. Blair Tennent, the Chancellor. With the subsidies that were applicable to this amount, 96 rooms were enabled to be built.
INTERACT continued to grow and a Conference of the nine Clubs was held in August, 1967 in Napier with Harold Thomas and Charles Taylor present. Student Exchange was now more systematised and fifteen students from District 294 went to Australia. Two other students took up Technical Training Awards from District 294.
Graduate Scholarships were inaugurated in 1967 to mark the 50th year of the Rotary Foundation. One of these went to A. T. Rella of Palmerston North, District 294. A Group Study Exchange Team under E. de Joax, went to Argentina. Conference that year was held at Hutt. Bob Dockary [Dockery] of Napier was District Governor 1968-69. S. Ramson of Hutt was District Governor 1969-70. He was thus the last Governor of District 294 as constituted at that time. Next year four Districts were organised.
Main achievements in this period 1956-70 were first, the great expansion in the number of Clubs and the number of members. and secondly the activity particularly in the fields of Youth. There were ten items under this heading. G.S.E. Group Study Exchange, The Graduate Fellowships, The Technical Training Awards. R.Y.E. Rotary Youth Exchange, Student Exchange, that is the term applied
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for senior pupils of secondary schools, Interact – the Rotary activity for secondary schools, Rotaract for the 17-26 group, R.Y.L.A. Rotary Youth Leadership Association this came from Queensland initially, The Good Neighbours scheme under V.S.A. which was Supported by Rotary (Students at our Universities under the Colombo Plan were being hosted by Clubs throughout the Country). The 10th item was Outward Bound which continued to receive support from the Clubs and it is worth noting that Outward Bound had its origin as a Youth Project in the Auckland area. By 1970 3,500 boys had had courses during the six years of operations.
“Rotary Down Under” had appeared as a Rotary publication from the South Pacific corner of Rotary. Altogether these had been fourteen fruitful years.
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CHAPTER SEVEN
“CLIPPINGS AND COMMENTS”
Our Club’s growth owed much to a few men particularly, who, having caught the spirit of Rotary from those who introduced it, nurtured the idea among their fellows and actively sought new members. A few found Service before Self a little too demanding and withdrew, yet growth was necessary, were the Club to be strengthened into a really active force in the Community.
Gordon Roach, that tall dedicated Anzac, was a staunch advocate and first secretary and later treasurer. He was Vice-President 1930, to R. D. Brown and would have been the next President but the earthquake altered that. Roach’s store suffered complete destruction and it was several years before he took office again. By 1940 he became President and served the Club with vigour then and thereafter.
Another enthusiast was Bert O’Meara, the dentist, a small man but big in Rotary spirit in the early years. With the President transferred to Nelson and Vice-President overseas he accepted the duties of President with zeal, to complete the 1928 year. He was president again in 1934 being a prime mover in Rotary launching Hawke’s Bay Crippled Children’s Society. He is also said to have rewarded Jean Batten’s well received speech with a Presidential kiss, a distinction, loudly applauded.
Hastings, Gisborne and Napier Clubs met in Napier in 1932 to hear Rotary International President Sydney Pascall, of London. The welcome was in the hands of Club President A. F. Redgrave who, inadvertently, welcomed the guest to Hastings instead of Napier. The Sergeant-at-Arms promptly fines all 33 Hastings fellows present 1/- for “attempted takeover, or biased publicity, or both”. (It seemed to remind the guest of 1066 one in the eye for Hastings.)
President Pascall referred to the world economic situation and wondered about Education. “As a school-boy I learned how many wives Henry VIII had and all their names, but nothing about the function of the money in my pocket.
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The 25th Anniversary:
The Club President who conducted the 25th Anniversary celebrations, contributes a Foreword as City Mayor. Not surprising, perhaps, when it is seen that his predecessors, (Sir) W. E. Bate, R. D. Brown, A. I. Rainbow, G. A. Maddison, G. F. Roach were all Rotarians.
President R.V. Giorgi, welcomed visitors from Napier, Wairoa, Waipawa and Waipukurau and the Guest Speaker, Past District Governor, Reg Gambrill, and the familiar Welcome Song, “Haeremai” followed. This highly esteemed Welcome Song is thus shown to have been used for over 25 years. It is believed to have been adopted from the Dunedin Club long ago.
Reg Gambrill spoke of “Freedom” which, he said would continue to survive, despite the fiercest persecution, and despite attempts by Totalitarian powers to extinguish it. Much of the trouble of the day he attributed to wrong thinking. Rotary had a function as a generating station of good will. “Men of goodwill do not fight each other.”
In the recorded speech, A. J. C. Runciman describes the founding of the Club and its growth from 25 members to the then strength of 69.
President Giorgi read congratulations from Auckland, Wanganui, Hamilton, Otahuhu, Palmerston North, Woodville, Dannevirke and Wairoa, and from the District Governor and Rotary International.
Those who journey to Napier by the coast road may know of the Colenso monument standing by the Waitangi bridge, but may not know that its presence is due to something said at a Hastings Rotary meeting.
Viv. Smith, of Taihape Rotary Club addressed our Club on October 10th, 1950, on “William Colenso” – pioneer missionary, farmer, printer, botanist, explorer and educationalist. His special interest grew from the fact that Colenso of Hawke’s Bay was Inspector of Schools in Hawke’s Bay, 1876-79, and that Viv’s father was the second Headmaster of Hastings (Central) School. Rotarian Smith, Hastings born, was now Chairman of Taihape County Council, its area including Inland Patea, the terminus of Colenso’s famous pioneer journeys. He suggested a monument at Waitangi. The idea was taken up and in due course the slab erected by the Historic Places Trust . There is a similar monument at Inland Patea.
A Papal Ban on Rotary was announced on January 12th, 1951. As can be imagined, this caused a rash of articles and statements all over New Zealand.
The Governor of District 39, William A. Whitlock (Director of the Herald-Tribune), asked for his views, said: “In the absence of
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some explanation for the reason for the decree, it would be inappropriate to comment.”
Continuing, he said, “Rotary makes no distinction as to creed in its membership; and in its ranks there are undoubtedly men of many denominations, including many Catholics. No reference is made to a man’s religious faith when he joins Rotary. All that is expected of a Rotarian is that he shall be a good citizen, loyal to his own community, and ready to render service for the well-being of his fellow citizens.”
Rotary’s merits and, in some views, demerits were debated but presently other news captured the headlines, and no more was heard.
On the Conference of 1951, at Hastings, newspaper reports praise the “good staff work” that gave service to Rotary visitors. “Considerable thought had been given to behind the scenes organisation.”
The first tangible evidence of hospitality was the presentation to each Visitor of a carton of Hawke’s Bay fruit and a Lady’s spray. The gifts were individually addressed, awaiting at their hotel. Each delegate received an addressed copy of the Herald Tribune. A special parking area (on what was called “the Courthouse site” now Magnus), handy to Conference Assembly Hall was available.
More evidence of organisation appeared at the Assembly Hall where a Post Office posting box was placed, cleared twice daily. Stamps, letter cards and telegram forms were available and a temporary telephone installed for visitors. Catering and supper room provided morning and afternoon teas as well as lunch. Though two sittings were needed there was no hold up. Sight seeing trips were arranged for the women and there were other social functions and outings.
Greater Hastings had been co-opted to provide an Information Bureau. Information and literature on the whole district were available. The Social Room at the Fire Station and the Board Room at the Power Board were at the disposal of the Conference for discussion sessions. A full record of everything said and done at Conference was compiled, a tape recorder operating throughout. Prepared papers were printed in advance and a copy handed to delegates as they left each session.
The Conference concluded with a Garden Party in the lovely setting of Ruakawa, home of Robert Harding, on a “truly summer afternoon”.
Photographs of all attending Conferences were taken in Civic Square, proof copies being available just one hour later.
A clipping shows that one reporter questioned Mrs Russell Tripp, wife of the first Foundation Scholar who had just come to New Zealand, present at Conference. Mrs Tripp, young, dark and vivacious,
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expressed herself thrilled with life in New Zealand. Her husband’s scholarship was held for one year at Victoria in Political Science and Public Administration. Their home town was Omega, Oregon, a State about the size of New Zealand. She hoped she might be able to take a place as a “Substitute” teacher while in Wellington.
Foundation Scholarships were set up as a memorial to Paul Harris, Rotary’s founder, and all Rotarians make contributions to the continued support of this Fund. When a Club makes the full contribution allotted to it, it is termed a “100% Club”. If, of course, it doubles it, it is a “200% Club”. Some years ago there was difficulty in meeting the target amount, and it was a suggestion, made in Charlie Jackson’s time as Treasurer, that, on the first of the month, when the Shrapnel box goes round, that the call, “THE LID IS OFF” be used to remind the fellows that a little extra generosity, once a month, would ensure the Fund was always met, and since then it always has.
This information I discovered in the archives. I had not previously understood why Bill Kemp so joyously proclaimed: “It’s the first of the month, the lid is off!!”
So, fellows, now YOU know.
NOTE ON A PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR
It wasn’t really the noise of that vociferous haka that carried Bill Whitlock to the top when he was appointed District Governor elect.
If Sir James had a steeple-top view of the Food Production situation during the War, equally Bill had a like view of the International situation.
The contribution of the Whitlock family, father and son, to journalism had brought Bill to a position of eminence among journalists world-wide. His words as Chairman of the Annual Conference of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Association were widely reported. He led a team of five prominent New Zealand journalists to visit Britain, at the invitation of the Ministry of Information, to see for themselves what the Old Country was doing in Wartime.
In this way Bill had a unique view of the war machine and particularly of the political stresses and strains that were at work behind all that was being done.
Not surprisingly he was re-elected Chairman of the Empire Press Association. His further visits and studies in Britain, immediately
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post-war gave him a pre-eminent view of Europe when the menace of Russia was poised like an impending avalanche above the newly won peace.
There was the highest confidence in the great contribution that Bill could make to Rotary, particularly in the International field, and this, of course he did.
It should be remembered.
Golf, Napier and Hastings Rotary, June, 1950. Played at Bridge Pa, the four-ball matches were all square but Napier won the singles matches, eight to six. A combined Stableford was won by C. G. Wilkinson and A. F. Redgrave with 40 points.
A Headmaster well-known in Hawke’s Bay (Hugh Henderson), in 1950 addressed Rotarians on modern Education. He urged that “no importance should be placed on generalisations that condemned present teaching and methods”.
“Do you judge a doctor’s power to heal,” he asked, “on the fact that he cannot WRITE?”
Dr. Kingma, asked to address Rotary on the geological development of Hawke’s Bay, declared that the process covered a period of 700 million years and wryly doubted that he could compress it all into half an hour. Each form of life, fish, amphibian, reptile, mammal had in turn appeared. Man, a comparative newcomer, had already started downward, his successor he declined to name.
Twenty-four years ago, Rotary Clubs of Hawke’s Bay presented £25 worth of books to the Te Aute Library on the occasion of its Centenary. That underlines what an old institution Te Aute is in this area.
Travel in England had not too much financial hazard, said Miss R. Paton, addressing Rotary after her hitch-hiking trip around Britain in 1950. Youth Hostels were numerous and the tariff, 1/6 a night.
Captain J. W. Burgess, BOAC, holidaying in Napier in 1951, addressed Rotary. He was Captain of the “Canopus” Flying Boat that pioneered Tasman Flights in 1939. He spoke of the progression from Sunderlands to Liberators, Constellations and the then new, De Haviland [Havilland] Comet expected to operate at 40,000 feet.
“Uncle Ed” Culver, August 1950, traced for Rotarians the progress of their broadcasting sessions from 1929 when he and Aunt Gwen began “ZL” as a privately operated station in a room in a house on the corner of Warren and Heretaunga Streets in Hastings. The station was destroyed in the ‘quake, but the aerial mast stayed on top of the building for many years after. Remember it?
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The German wasp, predicted an Agriculture Department Instructor in 1950, was likely to spread over the whole country. It was first noticed at Hamilton in 1945 and had now been seen as far as Otaki, he told Rotarians.
If Television ever reaches New Zealand, said Tom Marshall, of Los Angeles, talking to Hastings Rotarians in 1950, theatre attendances can be expected to drop as much as 35 percent!
Hastings Rotary Ballet, formed in 1953 by Bill and Dolly Patterson was active for two years. Composed of all male performers, who weighed in at from nine stone to 21 stone, it was a two sequence performance and responsible for hilarious laughter. Much training and practice took place at the Fire Brigade social room, made available for the purpose. Participants were Goldy Goldfinch, Wyn Warnes, Fred Wilkinson, Ron Giorgi, Fred Stoupe, Graham McCormick and Bill Patterson, with Jack Agnew, Cyril Wallers and Joe Nimon as “extras”.
First performed with great success at a Ladies’ Night at St. Matthews, it was requested for a charity concert at the Municipal, organised by Jaycees. A good cheque for the Nurses’ Chapel Fund resulted.
There were performances at Mahora School Jubilee, at the Rotary District Conference at Tomoana, and at a Waipukurau Plunket Ball. There were other requests that could not be accommodated. Dolly Patterson made all garments and wigs, the latter from wool, the real thing being unprocurable. Mary Bell, the talented local pianist, gave the show her services generously and happily.
Jack Dallimore denies he was first up in the Glider demonstration of 1958 he was last, he recalls, and the experience a wonderful one with good thermals and a sensation of bird-like freedom in the airy silence. “You alright?” asked the pilot. “Marvellous,” quoth Jack, and with that assurance the craft was put into a series of loops and spirals as a concluding performance for those on the ground. Jack completely lost the whereabouts of his stomach and finally staggered out of the craft to the plaudits of his happy fellow Rotarians, “green to the gills” and nursing a sensation of vertigo that he carried for the rest of the day. For him the term “rotary” assumed new meaning.
Student Exchange:
A unique position in Student Exchange has been won by George Pacey, and its success is a measure of his effort and dedication. He became involved during his term as President in making arrangements for our first exchange student, June Steenson, to go to Carlsbad, New Mexico. This was a new field, in which there was much to learn, and, dealing as it did with many people, called for qualities of tact, co-operation, decision making and liaison on an extended scale. As
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the scheme grew the results in international understanding and the personal development of young persons concerned became very evident. Started as an individual Club concern, it is now a District activity with George as Chairman for District 294.
The District turnover is now 155 young persons of whom 21 have passed through Hastings Rotary Club. Unlike bursaries, the whole cost of travel is met by the parents, but Rotary becomes involved in making the arrangements.
An important feature are the seminars at which those about to travel meet those who are or who have been on exchange. Three of these, each larger than the last, have taken place in Hastings, organised by the Club sub-committee. It is George’s task here from the breadth of his experience, to “lay on the line” the “do’s” and “dont’s” for those setting out on a personal venture, not without hazard. That the young people invariably acquit themselves well as ambassadors for New Zealand rewards George and his team and justifies Rotary in this facet of endeavour – International Understanding.
Club Heirlooms.
The President’s Chain seems to have been purchased by the Club but there is no record available.
Rotary Mere was presented by C. C. Odlin on behalf of the Wellington Club, October 14th, 1924.
Badge Cupboard: The first one was presented by J. Phillips in 1926, the present one was bought by the Club.
Sunshine Box: The carved wooden Bear was brought from Switzerland and presented by A. E. O’Meara about 1934.
Rotary Bell and Gavel: Presented by (Sir) Ed Bate 1946.
Speaker’s Stand: Presented by Alex Kirkpatrick in 1947.
Shrapnel Box was presented in memory of Grey Wilkinson, a good Rotarian, 1939 to 1951.
Rotary Flag Banner was presented by Jack Westerman in 1957.
President’s Lady’s Pendant: This is handed on from one President’s wife to the next each year and was presented for this purpose by Maude O’Meara 1934.
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On learning of our approaching Golden Anniversary, Rotary International Secretariat recently returned a hand-written letter from their files sent February 21st, 1931, as of special historic significance.
St. Briavels,
Havelock North,
HAWKE’S BAY, N.Z.
The Secretary,
Rotary International,
CHICAGO.
Dear Sir,
Owing to the terrible destruction caused by the earthquake of Feb. 3 in Hawke’s Bay, our source of income for this year must cease. Under these circumstances we cannot take the trip we had anticipated and will thus not be able to represent Hastings Rotary at the Conference in Vienna in June.
Our disappointment is great. I can assure you that we are staying to try to do our part in the reconstruction of the town. Some Rotarians in Hastings and Napier have suffered terrible losses, men who were well off are the poorest now. Unless one has gone through the experience, it is impossible to realise that so much damage could he done in the course of a moment. The men of Hastings are sticking to their guns and are determined to reconstruct a fine and better Hastings.
Yours faithfully,
W. C. WHITLOCK.
At least one if not more Rotarians was killed by his office collapsing on him.
The signature is that of W. C. Whitlock, foundation member and Past President 1935/36 and father of our present member P. D. G. Bill Whitlock.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
OUR CLUB IN DISTRICT 292
1956 – 1970
1956-57:
President: J. Holderness; Vice-President, L. C. Kerr; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Directors, H. A. C. Fitzgerald, S. A. O’Neill, H. E. Phillips. G. H. Roach. E. T. Russell. The District Governor this year was Stuart Hayton. New members: W. Apatu, L. K. Fear, C. R. French. Obituary: Chas. Gardner, Frank Budd (Foundation members).
Membership began and ended the year at 87. The Big Project was a St. John Appeal and by organising and carrying out a house-to-house appeal the Club raised £927 towards erecting a new hall for St. John Ambulance. The Club organised and assisted the sale of Health Stamps. Apples were sent to Otaki Health Camp. A radio appeal, organised for the Hastings District by Rotary for the Plunket Society put Hastings in third place for New Zealand with £2,000.
A Garden Party for Old Folks at Waikoko was attended by 58. The ROTA scheme was supported, nine candidates being put forward, selection going to M. June of Napier. Vocational Committee called a public meeting on “Safety”, which was well attended. The Club supported a slogan “Get out and Vote” as an appeal to greater Civic virtue.
Following investigation, there was action to have a Child Welfare Officer resident in Hastings. Success in this took a little time. A speaker system was installed, a sign of Club growth. A flag banner was presented by Jack Westerman.
1957-58:
President: L. C. Kerr; Vice-President, H. A’C. Fitzgerald; Treasurer. T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Directors, J. Holderness, J. S. Thompson, W. Kemp, D. A. Bathgate, K. O. Garland, R. Campbell, R. V. Giorgi. Hon. members: G. Lowe. B. Panapa. A. Grant, D. Kaa. New members: H. Wong, I. Mason. Resignations: A. I. Rainbow, L. Christopherson.
Talks to the Club included one on “Gliding” when, after lunch, the fellows adjourned to the Aerodrome for a practical demonstration in which members ‘‘took flight”. Community Service worked for the appointment of a Welfare Officer, ran an Old Clothes drive for the Hard of Hearing, visited Pukeora and helped patients visiting the Blossom Parade, made a visit to Catchment Board work, gave a
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helping hand to the Lifesaving Club at Waimarama, and helped I.H.C. International sent slides and tapes to Hastings, England, Rotary and made contacts with the Dutch community in Hastings.
Dick Gifford, who attended a Rotary Conference in Lucerne, welcomed guests on an “All Nations’ Day” when visitors of various nationalities were invited to luncheon. The International Geophysical Year, then in progress received attention. Vocational worked on a “Courtesy Week”, a visit by Wairoa students and a series of Job Talks.
The “First of the Month” collection was instituted to ensure the success of the Rotary Foundation Fund. The Minutes of the final Directors’ meeting at Lace Kerr’s Havelock home records, “some light exercise with Rod’s car in the ditch after the meeting”. Rotary Road Emblems were erected North and South of Hastings.
1958-59:
President: H. A. C. Fitzgerald; Vice-President, J. E. Tier. Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Directors, L. C. Kerr, J. Drummond, E. Gifford, H. E. Phillips. J. Seton, L. Wainscott, W. C. Whitlock. Hon. members: G. Lowe, D. Kaa, B. Panapa, A. L Rainbow. New members: J. D. Baxter, C. B. Beatson, S. J. Begley. C. R. Campbell, C. Jones, J. C. Kelly, J. Macfarlane, W. H. Read, M. G. Sutherland.
The Community Service Committee fostered the sending of fruit to the Health Camp at Otaki and Y.M.C.A. Camp at Opoutama received assistance. The Old Folks were entertained at Tom Lowry’s property while all the usual groups, Children’s Homes to Heritage and Birthright, were assisted by donations.
The International Committee prepared a programme for the ROTA team, an American group under Dr. Lyman Partridge.
The Vocational Committee made plans for interesting school leavers in a wide range of callings.
The Club kept contact with developments at Windsor Lodge, an amenity the Club had provided as a Community Centre and now in use by various groups. Thought was also given to what might be developed at Te Mata Park while a Wishing Well for the city was also discussed.
A number of new Classifications were opened and Club finances built up, for there had been a small deficit. Fellowship and attendance were stimulated, the Club getting into gear for a specially active year in project as Hastings was to be the venue for the District Conference of 1960. The 1959 Vice-President was making his plans early.
A Sunshine Box, designed by Eric Phillips was presented on Charter Night to the new Taradale Club.
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Due to the illness of his predecessor, Fitz. finished a stint of practically 18 months as Club President.
1959-60:
President: J. E. Tier; Vice-President. E. A. Batson: Treasurer. T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne; Directors, D. A. Bathgate, D. Revell, H. A. C. Fitzgerald. New members: P. C. P. Chamberlain, P. A. Powell, A. A. Worley, C. Anderson, F. J. Glover, R. Treacher, D. R. Graham, W. N. Swainson. Resignation: G. Baillie.
The previous Hastings Conference of 1951 had set a high standard for its efficiency in every department, and under President Jim it was evident from the start that no stone was to be left unturned to ensure the success of that forth-coming. What is more, all stones were turned early. The Conference Chairman Jim Drummond, Secretary Allan Jesson and Treasurer Eric Anderson spearheaded the organisation for District Governor Ian Matheson and Executive Secretary Miss F. Morton-Lowe. As the Club President said, “Our task is to complete projects bequeathed to us and have no other project except Conference. Annual commitments will of course continue but Conference will be the full Club task, each Committee with its allotted job.”
The Showgrounds were the venue, the Produce Hall being amazingly transformed under Hughie Little’s guidance, into a Conference Hall, the Ladies under Dorothy Holderness, adding superb floral decorations. The two Jims proved themselves masters of detail, and organisation ran smoothly. Waikoko, once the home of the founder of Nelson’s Tomoana Works, proved an enchanting setting.
President of Rotary International that year was Harold T. Thomas, of Auckland, a signal honour for New Zealand. At the Hastings Conference his personal representative was Nitish Laharry, managing director of Columbia Films in India, District Governor presiding Ian Mathieson, Host Club President J. E. Tier, Principal Speakers Past District Governor Malcolm Leadbetter, Rector of Waitaki, Sahid Mahomet. a Pakistani student, resident in Fiji, Sir Geo. Currie, ex Vice-Chancellor of University of New Zealand and Alan Brown, an Accountant, District Governor Elect.
The Programme was varied and included discussion of Tokio [Tokyo] Conference 1961, a Student Exchange proposal for District 294. Ballet on the Waikoko Lawn, and a Mannequin Parade and a “Buzz Session” full of vitality under Moderator Fitz Fitzgerald. The fellowship was very good; the results very satisfactory to the hard-working Committee. Every possible detail of the organisation was filed for future reference, and makes an imposing dossier in the archives.
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1960-61:
President: E. A. Batson; Vice-President. E. C. Anderson; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, E. A. Carne and M. G. Sutherland; Directors, J. E. Tier, W. R. Warnes, R. Campbell, I. Hickman, E. J. Velvin, A. A. Worley, D. Grant. New member: S. R. Young. Resignations: G. H. Bell, W. Ritchie.
Community Service worked to establish “Meals on Wheels” and to foster the Heretaunga Youth Club, to which £100 was voted from a Shop Day. The Wishing Well was discussed. International Committee arranged billets for students from Indonesia and kept in touch with Colombo Plan activities. Vocational Committee arranged a series of speakers for Te Aute College.
Club Service tackled the matter of the Club’s equipment and provided a cabinet and a box for this.
Old Folks were entertained at Clive, the Town and Country session took place at Maraekakaho. June Opie was one of the outstanding speakers of the year and Vel Velvin and Wyn Warnes were appointed as delegates to the Tokio Conference.
1961-62:
President: E. D. Anderson; Vice-President, E. J. Velvin; Treasurer, T. C. Jackson; Secretary, M. G. Sutherland; Directors, J. Holderness, C. R. Campbell, C. R. French, J. Jones. J. Agnew, J. Seton. New members: R. A. Butler, F. R. Darroch, T. R. Keys, D. D. Wilson, E. W. Tucker, S. V. Howells, H. Curnow. Resignation: N. Pirie.
New membership was the result of a drive to build membership up to one hundred as soon as possible. Community Service provided entertainment for the Old Folk in a Hall, this being decided as a new policy. Meals-on-Wheels project was proceeding, 13 meals a day being served. A survey of living conditions of Old Folk in the area was made and Pukeora patients were entertained to lunch on Blossom Day. Wishing Well plans were advancing. Mac McKenzie and Geo. Pacey were representatives on the Windsor Lodge Committee.
A Cheshire-Wilson resuscitator was provided to a number of schools, to foster the practice of oral resuscitation now favoured. International Committee made foreign contacts with the Wankie Club and the Piora Club. Vocational Committee set up a Technical Training Week and recorded suitable talks for the occasion. Club Service organise 100 new banners at 10s each. The Club gave support financially to Heretaunga Youth Club, Heritage, Birthright, Blind Social Club, Hard of Hearing, and the Blind Foundation, and also to the Flood Relief in Havelock North occasioned by a cloudburst.
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1962-63:
President: E J. Velvin; Vice-President, T. C. Jackson; Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary, M. G. Sutherland; Directors, H. E. Phillips, C. P. Chamberlain, D. Wilson, H. A. C. Fitzgerald, H. G. Little, C. R. Campbell, G. Pacey. New members: C. B. Cox, A. B. Pywell, M. C. Rees, L. J. Tucker, J. S. Thompson and B. H. Wilson. B. H. Wilson became the 100th member, the Club thus achieving the goal it had set the previous year. Resignation: R. Whiteman.
Community Service Committee attended to the Road Signs which needed repair; pushed forward on the Wishing Well Project and made plans for a shelter at the Intermediate School baths, and completed it. Vocational set out to have all apprentice employers involved in the Apprenticeship Extension Scheme and in vocational aspects. An exchange was organised for Ivan Linnell to Melbourne and Sydney.
International Committee organised books for Western Samoa, and had an interesting meeting on a Danish ship at Napier. Holiday work was found for Asian students. The Wishing Well was completed and officially presented to the City. A young Japanese was hosted during Hawke’s Bay Show Week.
Havelock North was sponsored as a new Club and on the Charter evening, April 3rd, 1963, Hastings Club presented a Gong, Lectern and Chain of Office.
To the new Club, Napier West, a shrapnel Box was presented. Donations were made, too, to the Old Folks’ billiard table, and the Fire Brigade’s Emergency Tender.
1963-64:
President: T. C. Jackson: Vice-President, J. Seton; Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary. M. G. Sutherland; Directors, E. J. Velvin, R. B. Fish. W. Warnes, F. Crawford, P. Beatson, K. O. Garland. Honorary members: B. Panapa, C. Ferbrache. New members: C. A. Burt, N. R. Eades, B. A. Krebs, M. W. Luttrell, D. Murray. K. D. Mills, R. J. Ross. J. C. van Bohemen, G. R. Yates. Resignations: H. McIvor, R. Mander, G. Cross, H. Curnow, H. Wong, H. Christie. Obituary: C. Ferbrache.
The Club assisted the Old Folks’ Association in obtaining a piano, gave support to the Cancer Campaign and the usual boost to the Health Stamp sales organisation. £100 went to V.S.A. for a two-year period; a presentation was made to the new Club, Wanganui South, and forums at Waikaremoana were resumed for Hawke’s Bay District Clubs.
Community Service committee organised a “sheltered workshop” in the Y.M.C.A. for the I.H.C. Children, a blind woman’s house was painted; Meals-on-Wheels recipients were given a Christmas treat; assistance was obtained from J. R. McKenzie Trust for two students
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and a Young Citizen’s forum organised. The International Committee entertained some girls from Japan, and made contact with Roskilde Club, Denmark. The Vocational Committee extended vocational talks, and were gratified that a Vocational Officer had at last been appointed for Hawke’s Bay.
The Apprenticeship Bursar this year in Australia was Alan Harvey. Gordon Roach presented 300 Building Society shares to be used as a nucleus for a Retail Assistant’s bursary. Neilson Swanson was Bulletin Editor.
Of particular interest was the nomination of E. J. Velvin as District Governor Elect for District 294, a matter of honour and enthusiasm to the Club.
On the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Rotary Club of Hastings, a special function was held, guest of Honour for the evening being the American Ambassador, Herbert P. Powell. It had been another good year.
1964-65:
President: J. Seton; Vice-President, G. Pacey; Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary, M. G. Sutherland; Directors, T. C. Jackson, A. Kirkpatrick, J. Holderness, F. Darroch, S. R. Young, A. Pywell. Honorary members: B. Panapa, N. Swanson. New members: G. K. Sands, M. W. Boyle, B. N. Bowers, K. L. Robinson, W. F. Crist, J. A. Redgrave, J. McCormick. Resignation: F. Glover.
The Vocational Committee was busy again with the Apprenticeship bursary scheme for which they put up five candidates. Allen Harvey, who had been Apprentice bursar in Australia, returned and gave an account of his experiences. A Retail Assistants’ and an Apprenticeship bursary in alternate years was decided upon. Arrangements were made in Melbourne for the next bursar, David Cooper.
The Community Service Committee promoted support for a Medical Bursary Fund. The booklet of Clubs and Sports, the “Leisure Hours” booklet was brought nearer to completion and there was some reorganisation in connection with the Junior Citizens’ Forum.
The International Committee brought Dr. Axel Serup to Hastings to address the Club, his visit coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Rotary International. The programme including the combined dinner with Havelock North, was such as befitted the occasion and the presence of His Excellency, the Ambassador for Denmark.
Sharon Sisk, a Student Exchange girl from America, was well looked after during the year by the Committee. Several problems arose but were satisfactorily solved. All Club members clubbed in to give Sharon a £50 holiday in the South Island before she left.
A Hastings student, meantime, Sally Little, was in Pennsylvania. Tapes and film had been sent to the Rotary Club at Roskilda.
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Heritage, Birthright, Sheltered Workshop, Eversley Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Waiapu, Blind Social Club, Hard of Hearing, Salvation Army and Sister Johnston were all given financial support. £50 was given to the Welfare Officer stationed in Hastings for special purposes and £99 was donated to Volunteer Service abroad.
Rotary International’s 60th Birthday was suitably celebrated with a Jubilee Dinner in February and to this Waipawa and Havelock North Clubs were invited.
Vel Velvin, who had been to Lake Placid in May, was installed with due ceremony in June, 1965, as District Governor.
John Holderness was appointed as Conference Secretary and Charles Jackson as Treasurer for the forthcoming Conference in 1966.
1965-66:
President: George Pacey; Vice-President, Keith Garland; Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary, M. G. Sutherland; Directors, J. Agnew, T. R. Keys, J. Seton, D. Wilson, J. Holderness, E. Phillips, R. Skittrup, S. Begley. New members: L. J. Greer, R. G. Buck, G. W. Weir, A. W. Knight, W. E. Langford, T. Kyle, G. C. Anderson. Resignation: R. G. Ross.
A J. R. McKenzie Trust grant was obtained for two High School students and assistance was given to brilliant local young pianist, Brian Sayers, to help him proceed to England for further study. There was discussion re allotment of territory with a view to forming a new Club at Stortford Lodge.
The Vocational Committee proceeded with detail of the Retail Bursary Scheme, and promoted the Apprenticeship Bursary Scheme, more particularly with some employers who were inclined to be disinterested. The Retail Bursar proceeded to his exchange position in Brisbane.
The Vocational Evening, held at the High School, was particularly satisfactory.
The Community Service Committee became interested in assisting the Fantasyland Scheme and rather than sponsor a Queen it was decided that a Shop Day be held. This was highly successful, £420 being raised and subsequently applied to the erection of the Railway Station in Fantasyland.
An appeal was made by the Club on behalf of the Massey Halls of Residence where a whole Hostel was being erected by Rotary and the Club subscribed sufficient funds for two rooms.
The International Committee was active in its collection of Text Books for Fiji and finally 41 cartons were sent to 46 Primary and nine Secondary Schools. There was support for V.S.A., more particularly in Vietnam, and there were the usual annual donations to
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Mayor R. V. Giorgi accepts the Wishing Well for the City from President E. J. Velvin, 1966. L. to R.: R. J. Skittrup, H. Paynter, P. Barcham, E. C. Anderson, Dr. Bathgate, D. Wilson, C. R. Campbell, P. Chamberlain, J. Dallimore, J. Agnew, W. Kemp.
Stortford Lodge Charter presented 1966 by D. G. Vel. Velvin to Charter Pres. T. Wrightson.
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Birthright, Little Sisters of the Poor, Salvation Army, Sheltered Workshop. Waiapu, Hard of Hearing. St. Vincents de Paul, Heritage, Eversley, Blind Social Club, Braille Week and to Sister Johnson.
£20 was subscribed to the families of the ship “Kaitawa” which was lost with all hands near North Cape.
The highlight of the year and indeed of the Club’s history was the visit in December of the President Rotary International in office, Sput Teenstra. He spent two days in this area in a busy round of addresses, mayoral receptions, meetings, social functions and scenic highlights before his departure South. That this happened to be D. G. Vel Velvin’s year of office added to the pleasure.
This was in December of 1965, and was the only visit to our Club ever made by President R.I. while in office.
In June, 1966. a Charter Evening was held for the new Stortford Lodge Club. As with Havelock North, Hastings presented a President’s Chain of Office.
In February, 1966, Vel Velvin’s District Conference was held here in Hastings. George Pacey was Host Club President, the Chairman of Conference was John Holderness, the Secretary Cedric Campbell, Treasurer was Charles Jackson, and a strong Committee – Accommodation: Cliff Cox; Catering, Jack van Bohemen; Clerk of Works, Roy Skittrup; Decorations, Mrs D. Holderness; District Governor’s Aid, Keith Garland; Entertainment, George Pacey; Fellowship. Jack Seton: Halls, Lionel Wainscott; Hospitality, Eric Phillips; Ladies, Mrs N. Pacey; Printing, Jim Drummond: Publicity Information, Pat Chamberlain and Frank Darroch; Registrations and Transport, Cyril Wilkie; Conference Secretary, Miss F. Morton-Low; Sergeant-at-Arms, Jack Jones: Song Leader, Padre Rangiihu; Pianist, Alan Pywell.
With a reputation earned at two previous Conferences in Hastings everyone worked to make this one an outstanding success. Conference speakers included the Hon. J. R. Hanan, Sir Arthur Tyndall, Mr E. F. M. van Hall the Dutch Ambassador, and R.I. representative Ken Scheller, and of course District Governor, E. J. Velvin.
The theme of the Conference was “Rotary is International”. The Hon. J. R. Hanan, Minister of Justice, said in effect: “The profound International events of the past years have brought home to us very sharply in New Zealand that we face growing responsibilities in this modern independent world. We no longer enjoy an isolated position. We are involved in mankind. For a small country we are caught up in an extraordinary network of International relationships.”
Sir Arthur Tyndall, speaking on International Labour and Management Problems said, among other things, “I am going to speak about overseas Labour Unions, control of prices and wages, strikes and other industrial subjects. Labour Unions are with us and they are going to stay with us and I say this talking internationally not only about New Zealand. In every country people have
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to live with the Trade Unions, with walk-outs, with demands for better wages, and pressure groups.” He concluded, as a final word, “If wages are controlled prices must be controlled. If we are to try and control salaries and wages we must try and find the means of maintaining the prices of basic materials.”
The Royal Netherlands Ambassador gave a most comprehensive survey of International co-operation, while Ken Scheller, as personal representative of the President of Rotary International, gave an inspiring message on the International Nature of Rotary.
Rotarian Doctor Eric E. Tilson addressed the Conference and the Rev. T. W. Cadman, led the Service of Worship.
The Social Highlight of the Conference took the form of a Fashion Parade organised by the Wool Board. With New Zealand top models, it was one of the most ambitious seen anywhere, and made the climax of the Garden Party held at the Racecourse.
The proceedings and summaries of the Conference were published in the form of a Handbook afterwards. It was a very successful Conference, the more so that Conference Chairman John was able to report a financial surplus, which was supplied to the District Governor’s Conference Fund. It had been estimated that the attendance would be about 442 registrations and 435 actually came. Total costs were £3,163 and the surplus was £344.
After the Conference the Rotary year carried on until the official end of the year in June of 1966.
1966-67:
President: Keith Garland; Vice-President, Selwyn Begley: Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary, M. G. Sutherland; Directors, C. Campbell. H. A. Fitzgerald, John Holderness. C. Wilkie. G. Pacey. New members: L. Hoogerbrug, A. J. Smith, D. Peryer, S. Campbell, E. R. Bate, A. R. Giorgi, J. B. Jones, P. C. Single. Resignations: Dr. Bathgate, Bruce Krebs, D. Wilson (on transfer).
In Club activities, Club Service promoted Past Members’ Day, Girls’ Oratory Finalists addressed the Club. A new speaker system was proposed. The International Committee organised Books for Suva Project involving first of all distribution of 30,000 circulars to schools – Primary and Secondary in Hastings. The Union Steamship Company undertook to take these books to the Islands free of charge.
Contact was made with Iceland Club and there was also an attempt to get in touch with Rotarians in Yugoslavia. The Club made a donation to the Rotary Club in Hobart to assist people who had suffered in the extensive fires that had occurred in Tasmania. Tapes and slides were received from the Elstree and Boreham Clubs, these being circulated to other Clubs in this area. A large number of stamps were collected and cleaned to assist a Club project in Denmark.
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Student Exchange was now becoming better organised and a Committee consisting of Vice-President and International Committee Chairman of each Club became the District Exchange Committee. The costs and the responsibility of billeting each student was to be borne by the Clubs represented on this Committee. The Vocational Committee decided to have the evening Vocational Session to be held bi-annually.
The organisation and fund-raising for apprenticeship bursars continued, funds from the Golf Day being placed towards this project, but no suitable apprentice was actually available nor were there any applications for retail bursars. The Club helped many causes financially including the Te Aute Baths Appeal, Operation 21, Freedom from Hunger Campaign, Heritage, Birthright, Sheltered Workshop, Crippled Children, Hard of Hearing, Salvation Army, Friendly Neighbours, Hillsbrook, Sister Johnstone, Eversley Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Waiapu House, Blind Society, and St. Vincent de Paul. There was also a special fund administered by the President personally. Blinds were fitted to the luncheon lounge to facilitate the showing of slides, at Rotary Club expense.
A Group Study Exchange from Argentine that arrived on 6th May were entertained and shown over the District at the weekend. Charles Kirklands, an Aboriginal from Australia who was visiting New Zealand, addressed the Club on April 27th. The Club made a donation towards a presentation to Miss Low who had been Secretary to the Rotary District Headquarters in Wellington since its inception in 1921.
The Club recorded its policy as against raffles in the Club as a means of raising money.
Widows of Rotarians were in future to be invited to Club functions. The Club confirmed its support for the Aquatic Centre Project. The Community Service Committee made a donation towards painting of the Akina Scout Hut and was active in the interests of Road Safety and Anti-Litter. Outward Bound and Maori Liaison was also discussed. A Forum was held at Waimarama.
General Topics:
John Holderness was appointed Induction Officer.
There was a further discussion on Fund Raising, it being pointed out that ‘‘hand-in-pocket” was not the R.I.B.I. idea of this.
The Governor-General addressed the Club on December 13th. The lunch charge was raised to seven shillings as from February, 1967.
One hundred and fifty old folks were entertained at the Annual Outing and fifty cars and a bus were organised for this purpose.
A new Club banner design was submitted. Ten dozen were ordered at six shillings each.
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1967-68:
President: S. J. Begley; Vice-President, C. R. Campbell; Treasurer, A. A. Powell; Secretary, G. C. Anderson; Directors, E. J. Velvin, W. Warnes, K. O. Garland, D. Grant. New members: A. R. Vaile, W. D. Patterson, Rev. Canon Rangiihu, T. Richards, E. J. Oaks, W. A. Pascoe, C. H. Blackmore, F. J. Gill. Resignations: A. Holder, J. Baxter, W. Wier, B. Bowers, D. Grant, N. Rees, J. Kelly. D. Wilson, T. R. Keys, L. J. Tucker. Obituary: Padre Ken Button.
Community Service Committee produced two washing machines and a radiogram for the I.H.C. They provided thirty meals for the patients of Pukeora who attended the Blossom Day Parade and they prepared plans for a railway station structure at Fantasyland. The house was painted for the Townswomen’s Guild, Town and Country Forum, held at Maraekakaho, was addressed by Sir Richard Plimmer. The usual Old Folks afternoon was also arranged.
International had one Student in U.S.A. and there were two U.S.A. Students in Hawke’s Bay while two nominees left in January for U.S.A. Some sixty further cartons of books were prepared for the Islands. Accommodation was provided for two Asian students for three months and accommodation for one week provided for Nancy Burg, a United States student exchanging with Australia.
Vocational Committee:
The Apprenticeship Retail Bursary Schemes were consolidated. A Careers Evening was held at High School, 64 vocations were represented, to an attendance of 800. Speakers were arranged for Te Aute. Mark Morgan was put forward for a Rotary Foundation Scholarship and reached the finals. The G.S.E. team from Wisconsin, U.S.A., came to the District on April 16th and was conducted to various Clubs.
Student Exchange was something of a special feature, this year there was Sue Henthorn from the United States. the girl from Australia, and Joan Steenson, the Hastings girl, was in the United States. George Pacey made such an outstanding job of liaison with the Schools, the parents, and the Clubs that he was asked to carry on this work in the following year. Miss Brooks, V.S.A., who had visited the Club previously, was now in Vietnam and contact was made to see what assistance she might be able to use that the Club could provide.
The biggest project of the year, however, was that of raising funds to equip a modern Electronic Coronary Care unit, the cost estimated $1400 for one bed. It started with the International Committee but grew to a Project involving the Club at large.
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The services of the Choir of Kai-nga-Wari Maori Company of the Hawke’s Bay Stake of the Latter Day Saints’ Church was enlisted and they agreed to prepare a commemorative concert if the Club would procure the gear required from Hamilton. Two large trucks were provided, one by Watties Ltd., and one by Plix Products Ltd., to make the double journey to Hamilton and back to get the scenery and to return it. When the scenery was set up the Choir spent several nights in rehearsal, some coming great distances, even from as far as Nuhaka to attend the rehearsal, until midnight or early hours of the morning, and then returning to their work places to carry on a day’s work afterwards. Rehearsals were carried on night after night for nearly a week.
A Rotary Committee attended to the matter of the theatre and to the tickets, and the printing, posters, advertising and parking of cars. There was great enthusiasm for what turned out to be a splendid show. The theatre was filled two nights and the nett result was that, far from the $1400, the total amount raised was $3,200 and so the Unit provided was able to be a two-bed unit instead of the intended one-bed unit. This was a matter of great satisfaction to all concerned.
Russell Forrest was sent on an Apprenticeship Bursary to Australia and in this year a special project fund was established by raising the Luncheon Fee from 7/- to 10/-. or rather, as we had changed over to decimalisation from 70c to $1.00.
There was evidence that the Leisure Hours Booklet, now distributed, was attracting very complimentary comment. In his penultimate bulletin of the year President Selwyn summoned the fellows and their ladies to the final evening meeting at which he would have the pleasure of handling over the cheque for the Coronary Care Unit to the Chairman of the Hospital Board, Sir Edwin Bate.
His final President’s Corner records, sadly, “Words are so inadequate. Padre Ken has been called suddenly to his eternal reward and we have all lost a true friend. Ken has laboured in our midst for the past 22 years and in that time both he and Hilda have won for themselves a place of honour and respect in our community and the whole community mourns his passing.”
1968-69:
President: C. R. Campbell; Vice-President, C. P. W. Chamberlain; Treasurer, A. A. Worley; Secretary, G. C. Anderson; Directors, E. D. Anderson, R. P. Fish, S. J. Begley, C. J. Wilkie, S. Campbell, J. A. Dallimore. New members: A. J. Eising, J. B. Buxton, M. Penny, L. J. Webb, B. N. Trilford. Resignations: Don Wilson, Mac Mackenzie, Don Mills (transferred to Christchurch), Luke Adams, L. Hoogerbrug, R. Keys, S. G. Chaplin. Obituary: Gordon Roach (a foundation member, died suddenly at the age of 74), Ken Robinson, Mac Sutherland, formerly Secretary of the Club.
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Committee activities: Vocation – Maori Education was discussed very fully . . . and meetings were held with the Maori people at Kohupatiki and also at Te Aute.
Under the extended training scheme Russell Forrest had six months in Sydney during 1968, and Murray Isdale left in March for a year in Sydney. District Leadership Training Forum discussed many topics, 31 taking part in one of the meetings held.
International Committee provided books for Niue. A sum of money was raised for Ala Afua Agricultural College in Samoa by a scheme involving the sale of plastic name plates. Under Student Exchange George Pacey, now elected as local Deputy Chairman, was very active. Sue Millar returned to the U.S.A. in May via Singapore, Colombo, Madras, India, Germany and Denmark, and Glenis Bell, a Hastings student, in Connecticut for one year, wrote her thanks for the wonderful experience she was having in the U.S.A.
Community Service removed a fence from around the Eversley Home, conducted a clothing drive, entertained 117 Old Folks in an outing, provided a speech-trainer for deaf children for the use of Miss Reeve. A scheme of ticket selling for the film “Oliver”, raised funds for I.H.C. and Plunket.
Events of note include the fireworks evening for the children at Hillsbrook, Havelock North, a Barbeque evening at the home of Win Warnes. Win was the organiser of the sale of Health Stamps for 25 years on behalf of the Club, and in 1968 this duty was taken up by Peter Single.
Some notable Luncheon Meetings included Sons’ and Daughters’ Day when we were entertained by the Society of Magicians at St. John Hall, an address by Col. R. M. Bell on the history of the Taupo Road, and another by Ron Grant of the Ministry of Works on the National Roading Scheme and with particular reference to the Runanga deviation.
Major Morley addressed the Club on “Palestine Today”, Russell Forrest spoke of his Australian trip on the extended Training Award Scheme, Bishop Manu Bennett gave the Christmas Message, and we listened with interest to the three finalists, B. Hurst. M. Isdale and Margaret McBeath in the Apprenticeship Training Award.
George Lowe, visiting New Zealand in January, addressed the Club, and first Vice-President of Rotary International, William Carter, also addressed our Club.
The Club became a 200% Member of Rotary Foundation, $50 was donated to Camp Kaitawa to benefit Hawke’s Bay school Children. Congratulations were offered to Lionel Wainscott on attaining eight years’ 100% attendance. A gong was presented to the new West Gisborne Club, $250 to Birthright to take five children to the Y.M.C.A. Camp and 75 children benefitted from a $20 donation
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towards their needs in the camp. Twenty-five families were helped with a $173 donation.
The Leisure Hours booklet was being much sought over through the Public Relations Office. We attended a Charter Evening of Ahuriri, another new Club, the tenth in the District, and the sixth new Club since 1963. Another satisfactory year.
1969-70:
President: C. P. Chamberlain; Vice-Presidents, M. W. Luttrell and R. H. Rangiihu; Treasurer, A. A. Worley; Secretary, W. F. Crist; Assistant Secretary, A. Giorgi; Directors, C. R. Campbell, J. Agnew, G. Pacey, I. Hickman. New members: I. M. Robertson, P. Jones, R. F. Brockway. J. H. Cooper, L. Lloyd, D. A. Huggett, I. Snadden, W. J. Harvey. Resignations: H. Barin, B. Wilson, A. Smith (transferred). Elected to Honorary Membership: H. E. Phillips, after 45 years as a member. Obituary: S. O’Neill, W. Apatu.
Due to illness, Max Luttrell, during the year relinquished the Vice-Presidency to Canon R. W. Rangiihu. The year was notable for activity on all fronts. Student exchange was very busy, the Club hearing addresses from Janet La Green of Australia and Gillian
Photo caption – President Cedric Campbell welcomes the Rt. Rev. Manu Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa and Bishop B. Panapa. Bishop Bennett gave the Christmas Address 1968.
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Fear, her New Zealand partner, Tom Mainwaring from Pennsylvania, Gordon Patterson from South Africa, and Garry MacCaulay [McAulay], a Hastings student who went to Ohio.
There was an outstanding series of addresses on “World Understanding”. President Pat toured the Consulates and secured the services of a number of Diplomatic Representatives who addressed the Club in a series over the latter part of the year. High School students from eight High Schools were invited and at the conclusion, an Essay Competition was held, the two winning essayists receiving Bursaries to assist them with their studies at University. We had Diplomatic Representatives from France, Yugoslavia, Israel, Canada, South Africa and Canberra. We also had an address from Bishop Snedden on the same subject. Other speakers addressed the Club, notably N. Fippard on Expo ’70. E. J. Oaks on Local Government, and the Rev. Bob Lowe. The United Kingdom Agriculture Attache addressed the combined meeting of the Farmers on the subject of the E.E.C. There were two Ladies’ Luncheons, one of which was addressed by Sam Pollock, of B.B.C. fame, and the second by the Consular Representative of South Africa, His Excellency, Peter Philip.
Community Service Committee implemented the organisation for the National Heart Foundation Appeal, later also organised a Blood Bank appeal, and with the help from Rotary Ladies, provided a television set for the Hastings Hospital.
President P. Chamberlain and Exchange Students, with banners collected in four continents, Asia, N. and S. America and Europe.
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The International Committee had its nominee, John Nott, included in the G.S.E. team to California. This was an active year, world-wide. Two hundred and ninety-five awards were made from Rotary Foundation and the G.S.C. Awards were increased from 50 to 60. The Committee also raised quite a sum of money for the Suva Club of Fiji, by undertaking to sell a number of artifacts supplied from Fiji.
The Vocational Committee operated the extended training award. John Davidson of Morrison Industries travelled to Australia. Vocational information was organised for High Schools and there was an exchange arranged with the Vocational Committee of Rotorua Club.
During the year there was a successful Barbecue, the usual Old Folks’ function and meetings were held with farmers at Waimarama and Maraekakaho. Ten members registered 100% attendance. The Club subscriptions were advanced to $8 per half year, and the meal charge was to include 20c for the Project Fund.
The Club had occasion to congratulate Secretary Frank Crist on receiving a Woolf Fisher Travel Award, Arthur Giorgi acted as Secretary in his absence. An additional $100, contributed to V.S.A. by International Committee and the Club sponsored an Outward Bound trainee, $100.
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CHAPTER NINE
RECENT YEARS IN DISTRICT 293
1970-71:
President: R. H. Rangiihu; Vice-President, L. Wainscott; Treasurer, A. A. Worley; Secretary; W. F. Crist; Directors, J. E. Tier, K. O. Garland, M. Boyle, P. Chamberlain. New members: I. Atkins, C. I. Featherstone. R. Apatu, S. Lowe, N. Louis, D. Therklesen [Therkleson] and G. Pike. Resignations: R. Buck, W. O. Knight (transferred), C. Burt (transferred).
General:
J. E. Tier succeeded H. E. Phillips as Club Historian. President Sam, during his presidency, made mini-lessons in Maori a feature. with pronunciations, greetings and personal rendition of Maori songs. That Maori heirloom, the patu, presented by Wellington Rotarians in our Club’s first year added a flourish to President Sam’s opening remarks each Club day. Members attended his Church and accompanied him on occasions on the Marae.
Rev. Sam Rangiihu. President 1970-71 flourishes Rotary mere presented in the Club in 1924.
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International:
There was an exchange of slides with the Uxbridge Club in England, and considerable activity with visiting Rotarians. The G.S.E. team 522 from California was hosted in February and team 508 from British Columbia, Washington and Idaho, were later also similarly hosted and entertained in the Hastings area. One feature, which was a great success, was the entertainment of the visitors at the Waipatu Marae. A team of Rotarians from Banbury, in England, passed through and received hospitality. A sum of some $90 was raised for football jerseys for the Tonga Agriculture College and a similar amount was raised and remitted for relief of distress in Pakistan.
Community Service Committee – main project was a trailer, planned and built for the use of the Waimarama Surf Club, completed in time for the 1970-71 season. There was assistance to the Red Cross and Corso Appeals and a successful Blood Bank appeal was organised and carried out with major co-operation from the Whakatu Freezing Workers.
Some investigation was also carried out in conjunction with other Rotary Clubs in the district, towards the formation of a “Rotaract Club”.
The Vocational Committee operated the extended Training Award and organised a period in Australia for one Pat Wahl. Vocational week for Te Aute fifth formers was operated in conjunction with other local Rotary Clubs. The Te Aute boys. very appreciative, gave a concert performance by way of thanks.
A Rotary Youth Leadership Award seminar, held at Dilworth, so convinced members of the Committee of the value of this activity, that they recommended that it be further fostered. The Student Exchange scheme continued to thrive, thanks to the dedication of George Pacey. Bonny Goodfellow came from Australia, June Bearn was in Natal, Wendy Drummond went to Yorktown, Ohio, and Edwina Thompson had been in Pennsylvania and Canada.
1971-72:
President: L. Wainscott; Vice-President. J. Dallimore; Treasurer, A. A. Worley; Secretary, W. F. Crist; Directors. R. H. Rangiihu, R. A. Bate. R. P. Fish, S. J. Begley. New members: D Davidson, I. McPherson, G. Clarke, C. Trask, P. McKeown, J. Melhuish, L. Lloyd, A. Wright. B. Campbell, G. Morley, J. Mullaney [Mullany], R. Custance, G. Lewis, F. Coates, Father B. Ryan. Honorary members: C. R. French, R. Campbell.
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Hospital Toybox Project. Intermediate Boys present their handiwork to patients in Children’s Ward,1 971. Left rear: W.E.L., Pres. L. Wainscott.
Presentation of Charter to Hastings Rotaract Club, May 27, 1972. W. Chapman (Rotaract Committee), Ian Drabble (District Governor), Murray Wiig (Charter President), L. Wainscott (Rotary Pres.)
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Obituaries: There were several. The Club learned with regret of the passing of C. R. Campbell, President 1968-69, and still in his prime, A. Kirkpatrick, of whom it was said “the giant Kauri has fallen”, and ‘Goldie’ Goldfinch, the man who, returned from World War I, gave up a promising legal career to serve Returned Soldiers. The newly elected District Governor, Eric Wiig, also died suddenly and his duties as District Governor were taken up by Past District Governor Ian Drabble with the help of all Past Governors.
This was Golden Jubilee Year for Rotary in New Zealand. At the 293 District Conference held in Rotorua, a resolution was passed that a fund of $50,000 be raised to promote education in the South Pacific. The allocation for our Club was $1,000, Community Service Committee undertook a number of projects with Greater Hastings and Crest Birdseye. There was assistance in the matter of a Festival Concert to help Fantasyland. The library at Te Aute was painted over a succession of weekends. A Hastings Intermediate hobby class made toys for the hospital and it was hoped that “Operation Toy- box” might become an annual project. Assistance was given to I.H.C. by organising “Wool 72”. This was a show organised in the Municipal Theatre with the help of Godfrey Bowen and his rams from “Expo 70”. Relda Familton and others . . .
The Vocational Committee, organised visits for members to Port Napier, to Kaweka Forest and also to the Hospital. Job talks were arranged with the Club and pre-school education for Maori children was considered. A Vocational evening was also held very successfully at Hastings Boys’ High School.
It is noteworthy that Rotary Foundation awards amounted to $12,000,000, up to the end of 1971 and all this money was raised by Rotarians.
J. E. Tier having moved to Auckland, W. F. Langford was appointed Club Historian.
The International Committee spearheaded effort for raising the money for the Golden Jubilee Fund, a grant variety concert raised $1,000 and a moneybox project was instituted to raise an additional amount. The hand of Rotary friendship was extended from Port MacQuarrie West Club on the Hastings River in Australia. The Committee also made a donation of $100 to St. Andrew’s College in Nukualofa (capital of Tonga Islands). Club Service, among other things, organised another successful barbecue and a progressive dinner. The annual subscription was increased by $4, meals by a further 20c.
The Town and Country Forum took the form of a meal with the boys of Te Aute at the College. The Ladies of Rotary organised a splendid Polynesian evening. Candidates were selected and sent to R.Y.L.A. and the impressions given to the Club on their return, spoke volumes for the good value of this experience.
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ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD, 1972.
Hastings’ Club first two RYLA Awardees: Cheryl Dewson aged 20, an Insurance Receptionist and Kevin Watkins, aged 22, an Accountant, with Frank Darroch, Chairman of the RYLA Committee. Both Awardees are members of the successful Hastings Rotaract Club recently sponsored by the Hastings Club.
Rotaract:
A sub-committee under Bill Chapman and Roger Bate successfully launched this venture. The Club of some 70 young people was formed and got away to a good start, after the formal Charter night held in the Assembly Hall on May 27th when the new Club was presented with a lectern, the first President being Murray Wiig. The young people, without delay, organised a “litter-thon” and through this, raised $200, used to present a stereogram to the Psychological Unit of the Hastings Hospital. The Rotary Club assisted the New Zealand Epilepsy Appeal and the Commonwealth Games Appeal; a G.S.E. Team from District 293 left for District 508, British Colombia, Idaho, and Washington.
Under District Chairman George Pacey, Student Exchange continued to be exceedingly active, with a number of the young people coming to the Club at various times, although not all of them.
One of these was Susan Towle, the first Hastings girl to go to Japan. There was also Susan Campbell and Virginia Maxwell, and Frans Mikael Jensen, a fluent linguist in six languages, from Denmark. It was very gratifying, therefore, when George Pacey himself became the subject of an overseas tour, and some seven or eight of his past Student Exchange people were present when he was fare-welled before making his departure for Europe. A kind of busman’s
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holiday this, as he was actually involved in investigating and seeing for himself, the conditions and perhaps some of the difficulties met by students, who are on exchange visits. After six weeks, George returned refreshed and re-inspired.
1972-73:
President: J. Dallimore; Vice-President, J. B. McCormick; Treasurer, A. Giorgi; Secretary, W. F. Crist; Directors, J. Nimon, J. Holderness, M. Luttrell, L. Wainscott. New members: L. Hoogerbrug, I. Hay. J. Cornelius, R. S. Gray, M. M. Pinfold, C. A. Young, J. T. Cameron, W. R. Webb, A. G. Walker, W. M. Chapman. Honorary members: D. Wilson, C. R. French, F. C. Wilkinson, W. Greer, H. E. Phillips, P. Loach. Resignations: L. Longmore, W. Reed, J. E. Tier (transferred), F. Coates (transferred). Obituary: H. G. Little and J. J. Nimon, both of whom had had long service in Rotary and in public affairs.
General Matters:
The Club had voted $50 to Te Aute and $25 also to the Children’s Home and to the Hawke’s Bay Crippled Children Society. There was a move to have free accommodation for relatives in the Geriatric Block at the Hospital, but this was not possible at the present stage. Help was sent to Fiji towards hurricane relief. Club’s lunch charges were raised $1.50 to include 10c for a project fund. Promise of participation in the proposed Pakowhai Country Park. Hastings Intermediate School Boys’ Club delivered another batch of toys to the Hospital. Vocational Committee was active in preparing brochures called “To Prepare for Retirement”. Five hundred pamphlets were distributed and a series of seminars was held with great success at the Hastings Intermediate School.
Two young persons were selected, Mrs Anne Plymers and Wayne Brunton to attend this year’s R.Y.L.A. seminar. Community Service Committee was also very active. A bus shelter was built, provided and erected at Te Aute. $200 was raised for Outward Bound. The grounds of the Crippled Children’s Society in Mahora were cleared and repairs made to the fence. A concert was provided for the Crippled Children, books were provided for the Te Aute library, and painting was done to the rooms for the new Marriage Guidance Counselling group. Another round of blood donations was organised, while the Town and Country Forum was held at Matapiro.
The International Committee organised a collection of books of various kinds for school purposes at Nukualofa. A further $250 was raised by means of a dinner for a chiller-freezer for Tonga.
Student exchange activity was increasing. Deanne Goray from Canada returned to her homeland and addressed the Club before doing so. Susan Towle, returned home from Japan, gave a very
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impressive address and revealed that she had become exceedingly competent in the Japanese language. She has subsequently gone to University and is specialising in this field.
An Exchange student’s father in the person of Lars Stieg Jansen, father of Mikael, from Denmark visited Hastings and was delighted to meet Mikael’s friends and hosts. Among the outstanding speakers was one Joe Gasparich (now 84 years of age) who spoke about the grand old days of the Kauri Forests. J. E. Stevenson spoke on the new metrics, and there were many others.
With the 50th Anniversary approaching, a survey of ideas for implementation as a Rotary Club project was undertaken. Of many considered, the Water Feature for the Civic Centre won the day as the most suitable.
Don Wilson, active as ever, had reported planting 500 redwood trees for planting out next year for the benefit of Rotary. The 25th Anniversary of the Waipawa Club, one of our satellite Clubs, was celebrated and contingents from Waipukurau and Hastings, the two sponsoring Clubs were present.
Golf has been a continuing interest over the years, and many matches have been arranged between the Hastings Club and sister Clubs in the area. In this year, four Club members took part in the Golf News Tournament, held at Wairakei. The Club Secretary particularly enjoys continual embarrassment at the hands of the Sergeants-at-Arms for his various successes in the small-ball game.
President Jack paid a tribute at the time of his passing to Sir John Ilott, a Charter Member of New Zealands’ first Rotary Club, Wellington, who had a lifetime record of activity in Rotary and attained the high office of Vice-President of Rotary International.
The speech at changeover night was given by Sir James Wattie and will be remembered by all who heard it. President Jack paid tribute to all his officers, and all who had helped the various projects and particularly the Bulletin Editor, Max Luttrell, who regularly produces a weekly news sheet of wit and consequence. And so we enter our Jubilee year, our third year in the Four District period of New Zealand Rotary.
1973-74:
President: John McCormick; Vice-President, J. B. Jones: Treasurer A. A. Giorgi; Secretary, W. F. Crist: Directors, J. Seton, C. P. Chamberlain, R. Custance, J. Dullimore [Dallimore]. Hon. members: P. Munton, H. E. Phillips, G. D. Wilson, W. A. Greer, C. R. French, F. C. Wilkinson. New members: A. Rotherham, G. Lee, L. Snooks, E. Robertson, R. Batchelor, T. Cross.
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Committee Activity:
Community – The Committee considered several ideas including television for the hospital, help for the Aged, trees to beautify approaches to the city, tramping for Te Aute boys, welfare of Island newcomers in addition to normal activity such as the Orphans’ Concert and entertaining the Old Folk, but above all, planning towards the fund-raising for the Club’s Golden Anniversary project took precedence and continues.
Vocational – Have conducted a series of job talks at Home meetings with interesting results. Assistance from McKenzie Trust was obtained for a Lindisfarne student. A visit to Whirinaki Mill was arranged while a programme in connection with the Golden Anniversary is under way.
International – The District 293 Golden Jubilee South Pacific having been set up (1971) the Committee set out to apply the Club’s share for 1973-74. Two applications were submitted after the necessary investigation and both were successful the cheques being present[ed] at a Club luncheon, one to a student, Ram Dayal, proceeding to Otago University, and Jane Taukamo, to assist her in her 7th Form studentship. In each case $200 came from the Trust fund and the Club raised $100 as a subsidy so that there was “local content” in the help given.
General – Attendance figures gave President John no cause for joy and a “third to last” really put a burr under his saddle. Fellows soon had their thoughts turned to something more creditable such as making a real effort to “make up” and with this in mind attainment of 100% seemed not impossible. Had it ever been attempted? “It could be epoch making, fellows. Shall we try on September 4th?” The gage [gauntlet] thrown down was as firmly taken up. And when the final count was in, there it was — 100%! “Well done, fellows! that’s worth a cigar each or if you don’t smoke, After Dinner Mints.” It was good fun, gave everyone considerable satisfaction and incidentally, involved every member. When the historic record was scanned this had not been done, it seemed, since 1930 when membership stood at 42.
The visit of Rotary International President W. C. (Bill) Carter provided the Rotary highlight when with his wife, Olive and daughter Rosalind, the meeting at Napier was made a great occasion.
The District Conference at Gisborne gave the Clubs’ representatives and their wives a taste of Rotary Fellowship and Inspiration, Jim Redgrave’s account of which was a masterpiece.
Student Exchange had its own memorable weekend when, under Geo. Pacey, District Chairman and Jim Redgrave, Club Liaison, 34 young people were involved in an orientation seminar. Twelve were from other countries and 22 were New Zealanders shortly to go abroad. These sessions are frank and forthright and of great value
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Present R. I. Bill Carter, with District Governors and Club Presidents, Past and Present, of District 293 and Eastern sector of District 294 at Napier, November, 1973.
President Rotary International, Bill Carter with District Governors, Past and Present. W. A. Whitlock 1950-51, R. F. Gambrill (1947-48), President R.I., President’s aide, Bill da Costa 1973-74, Bob Dockery 1968-69. (Abs. E. J. Velvin (1965-66) who appears in the other group).
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from all viewpoints. This is where George’s dedication really shows, but no one who has not glimpsed his records and paperwork in his “den” at home can realise a fraction of the work he does, mainly around 4 to 6 a.m. “I work best then,” says George.
The Golfing Wing of the Club also had great satisfaction. The New Zealand Annual Rotary Golf Tournament, organised by Eastern Hutt (proceeds for the Paraplegic holiday camp at Otaki), had takers for the two-weekend qualifying rounds (played on any course). Finalists played at a central course (fares paid). Secretary Frank Crist is, at this time about to go to the final with the 16 best in New Zealand.
The Club also came home with the Alexander Cup for the best four aggregates at the Golf Seminar at Dannevirke, Frank and Bryce Jones turning in the top gross scores of the day. There has always been golfing blood in Hastings Rotary.
New members welcomed this year: G. B. Lee, E. Robertson, A. A. Rotherham, A. E. N. Cross, L. P. Snookes, R. Batchelor, E. J. Gallen, P. W. L. Young.
Conclusion.
As the History goes to press Club arrangements have been finalised for the celebration of the Golden Anniversary by functions centred around the date of the Charter June 13th.
There is to be a luncheon with re-enactment of the first luncheon meeting of 1924, on Thursday, June 13th. A social evening at the Assembly Hall on the Saturday with recapitulation of the atmosphere of succeeding decades in song and dance followed by a Rotary Church Service at St. Matthews on Sunday.
Meanwhile the Hastings Rotary Jubilee Trust has been set up to commemorate the Golden Anniversary of our Club with two major objects in mind.
Firstly to it is a charitable Trust approved by the Commission of Inland Revenue to enable funds to be raised for the benefit of the community at large. It enables Rotarians with special talents or attributes to use their skills in commercial fund raising ventures which would seem to be a more efficient use of a Rotarian’s time than some of the present means of collecting money. It would therefore be appreciated if any further schemes, either short or long term, which may occur to any member could be suggested to the Trustees.
Secondly, should any Rotarians or indeed any member of the Community wish to make a gift or an endowment to Rotary, this Trust would be the logical agency to accept such monies. This would need to be done through a solicitor. The present Trustees are the President and Vice-President of the Club and the Chairman of the Community Service Committee, but at present the President is the only automatic ex officio Trustee.
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The formation of this Trust is an outstanding step forward on the path to Service and to Rotary, and of great significance and value to our Club for the years ahead. We know the Trust will receive deserving support from members of our Club.
The visible contribution to the community of Hastings in celebration of fifty years of association between the Rotary Club and the City is to be a water feature in the forecourt of the new Civic Centre in front of the War Memorial Library.
An artist’s impression appears below.
Artist’s impression of the Rotary Fountain in the new Civic Centre.
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THE OBJECT OF ROTARY
The object of Rotary is: To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: –
1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity of service.
2. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
3. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business, and community life.
4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service.
THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
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MEMBERS – 1973-74
1924 Phillips, H. E. (Eric). Hon. Architecture. (Foundation Member)
1927 Gifford, E. T. Dick S.A. (Solicitor)
1933 Giorgi, R. V. Ron S.A. (Menswear Rtl)
Wattie, J. Jim S.A. (Fruit Canning)
Whitlock, W. A. Bill S.A. (Newspaper Pub.)
1938 Van Asch, P. Piet S.A. (Aerial Mapping)
Bate, W. E. Ed. S.A. (Barrister)
1942 Agnew, J. K. Jack S.A. (Refrig. Eng.)
Fish, R. P. Bob S.A. (Muni. Engin.)
1946 Patterson, W. Bill S.A. (Office Equip)
1947 Barcham, P. Paul S.A. (Radio Eq. Ret)
1948 Holderness, J. H. John S.A. (Law Solicitor)
Mitchell, Rev. H. A. Padre Alex S.A. (Rel. Presby)
Parkhill, M. Matt S.A. (Dairy Pro. Dis.)
Wilkie, C. J. Cyril S.A. (Transp. Goods)
1949 Jackson, T. C. Charlie S A. (Dairy Produce)
1950 McPherson, H. G. Hamish S.A. (Med. Gen. Prac.)
Cox, G. J. Bunny S.A. (Real Est. Agent)
1952 Hickman, E. I. Ian S.A. (Stationery)
Kemp, W. R. Bill S.A. (Dry Cleaning)
Price, R. W. Bob S.A. (Sh. Metal Wk.)
Velvin, E. J. Vel S.A. (Md. Opth. Sur.)
1953 Anderson, E. D. Eric S.A. (Accounting)
1954 Pacey, G. L. George S.A. (Ag. Tom. Gwr.)
Wainscott, L. H. Lionel S.A. (Panel Beating)
1955 Garland, K. O. Keith S.A. (Jewel Retail)
Drummond, J. Jim S.A. (Printing)
Seton, J. G. Jack S.A. (Elect. Whole)
Skittrup, R. Roy S.A. (Furniture)
Dallimore, J. A. Jack S.A. (Plastic Mould.)
1956 Thompson, J. S. Jack S.A. (Cool Store)
1959 Begley, S. J. Selwyn Cropping
1960 Chamberlain, C. P. Pat Quantity Surveying
Powell, A. A. Arthur Power Distributing
Worley, A. A. Bert S.A. (Public Trust)
1961 Young, S. R. Syd Med. – Surgery
1962 Darroch, F. G. Frank Insurance Life
Butler, A. R. Ray S.A. (Paint P’hang)
Tucker, E. W. Ted Engin. Refrig.
Howells, S. V. Vic. Milk Treatment
1963 Cox, C. B. Cliff Moquette Manufact.
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1964 Luttrell, M. W. Max Capital Investments
Van Bohemen, J. C. Jack Restaurants
Yates, G. R. V. George Depart. Stores
Boyle M. W. Max Grocery Retail
Sands, G. K. Keith Civil Engineering
1965 Crist, W. F. Frank Educ. Secondary
Redgrave, J. A. Jim Hort. Supplies Ret.
McCormick, J. John Insurance Adjust.
1966 Langford, W. E. Bill P.S. (Ed. Int. Schools)
Kyle, T. J. Tom Police
Anderson, G. C. Gerald Accounting
1967 Campbell, S. R. Padre Sefton Rel. Presbyterian
Peryer, D. A. Des. Mortitian [Mortician]
Bate, E. R. Roger Solicitor
Giorgi, A. R. Arthur Menswear Retail
Jones, J. B. Bryce Gen. Merch. Retail
Single, P. C. Peter Signwriting
1968 Blackmore, C. H. Colin Cloth. Retail. Dept.
Rangiihu, R. H. Can. Sam S.A. (Rel. Maori Pas)
Patterson, D. W. Dom Office Equipment
Richards, T. M. Tom Banking Com.
Oaks, E. J. Ernie Town Clerk
Pascoe, W. A. Bill Public Trustee
Webb, L. J. Len Building Society
1969 Eising, A. J. Bert Shoe Retailing
Mills, P. B. Peter P.S. Agri. (Tom. Gro.)
Jones, P. Paul Car Retailing
Huggett, D. A. Doug Govt. – Lab. Dept.
1970 Cooper, J. H. Jack Orchardist
Snadden, I. Ian Ambulance Service
Harvey, W. J. Jim Estate Agent
Burkitt, E. M. Mark Dentistry
1971 Apatu, R. F. Rei Agric. Farming
Featherstone, C. I. Ian Stock & Stn. Agent
Louis, N. H. Noel Caravans Retail
Lowe, A. W. Sandy Autobody Builders
Pike, G. B. Gary Chemist Retail
Therkleson, D. Dael Studio Photography
Clarke, G. Graeme Med. Practitioner
Davidson, D. H. C. David Gynecology [Gynaecology]
McPherson, I. G. Ian Physician
McKeown, P. M. Peter Retail Jewellery
Melhuish, F. J. John Passenger Services
Trask, C. J. Charlie Building Contractor
Campbell, B. D. Brian Build. Mat. Distrib.
Lloyd, L. J. Laurie Butchery
Wright, A. R. Athol Auctioneer
1972 Custance, R. J. Ray Indust. Design (Furn.)
Morley, J. G. R. Gordon Industrial Relations
Mullany, J. J. John Musical Instru. Retail
Ryan, B. Father Barney Educt. Pri. Schools
Lewis, G. Gwyn Educt. Inter. School
Cameron, I. D. Ian Freezing Works
Webb, W. R. Bill Meat Exporting
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1973 Gray, R. S. Dick Insurance – Fire
Young, C. A. Colin Credit Services
Pinfold, M. W. Murray Public Relations
Chapman, W. M. Bill Food In. (Whole M.)
Walker, A. G. Alan Printing
Cornelius, J. A. John Sharebroking
Hoogerbrug, L. J. Len Architecture
1974 Lee, G. B. Gordon Chinese Restaurants
Robertson, E. Ewing Savings Banks
Rotherham, A. A. Adrian Department Stores
Cross, A. E. N. Tony Apple & Pear Marketing
Snookes, L. P. Les Chiropractor
Batchelor, R. Roy Photo. Equip. Retailing
Gallen, E. J. Ted Motels
Young, P. W. L. Peter Used Car Retailing
HONORARY MEMBERS
1924 Phillips, H. E. Eric Architecture
1951 Wilson, G. D. Don Hort. Nurseries
1956 French, C. R. Bob Edu. Int.
1930 Greer, W. A. Bill Motor Retail
1929 Wilkinson, F. C. Fred Land Agency
1969 Munton, P. J. Canon Peter Rel. Anglican
PRESIDENT: John McCormick.
PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS: Bill Whitlock, Vel Velvin.
DIRECTORS: Pat Chamberlain, Ray Custance, Jack Seton, Jack Dallimore.
DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS – Chairman Rotary International Student Exchange Committee District 293: George Pacey.
DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Bill Whitlock, Vel Velvin (also Trustee Dist. Fund).
CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: Bryce Jones.
CLASSIFICATION: Bill Pascoe, Dick Gray.
MEMBERSHIP: Tom Richards, Paul Jones.
ROTARY INFORMATION: Jack Dallimore, Vel Velvin.
EDITOR/PUBLIC RELATIONS: Max Luttrell.
PROGRAMME: Brian Campbell, Colin Young.
SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS: Gwyn Lewis, Jack Seton, Paul Jones. Arthur Giorgi.
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CLUB MARSHALL: Hamish McPherson.
ATTENDANCE: Ray Custance.
CASHIER: Athol Wright.
ENTERTAINMENT: Ted Tucker, Ian Hickman.
FELLOWSHIP: Ray Butler, Max Boyle, (Host) Bert Eising.
RECORDS – RYLA: Frank Darroch.
TREASURER: Arthur Giorgi.
SECRETARY: Frank Crist.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-HISTORIAN: Bill Langford.
CLUB VISITORS: Lionel Wainscott, Keith Garland.
SONG LEADER: Bill Kemp.
PIANIST: John Mullany.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: Don Patterson.
WORLD COM. SERVICE OFFICER: Peter Single.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE: George Pacey.
ROTARY FOUNDATION OFFICER: Cliff Cox.
STUDENT EXCHANGE LIAISON, HASTINGS: Jim Redgrave.
COMMITTEE: Eric Anderson, Ian Cameron, Sefton Campbell. Jim Drummond, Dick Gifford, Ian Featherstone, Jim Harvey, Vic Howells, Bill Kemp, Tony Cross, Tom Kyle, John Melhuish, Alex Mitchell, Des Peryer, Gary Pike. Ian Snadden, Jim Wattie, Len Webb, Bill Whitlock, Peter Young. Adrian Rotherham.
COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: David Davidson.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: Charlie Trask.
YOUTH COMMITTEE – ROTARACT LIAISON: Roger Bate.
COMMITTEE: Gerald Anderson, Rei Apatu, Roy Batchelor, Ed Bate, Selwyn Begley, Colin Blackmore, Mark Burkitt.
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Graeme Clarke, Bill Chapman, Jack Cooper, Len Hoogerbrug, Bob Fish, Noel Louis, Gordon Morley, John Mullany, Peter Munton, Peter McKeown, Ian McPherson, Ernie Oaks, Arthur Powell, Roy Skittrup, Piet Wan Asch, Jack Van Bohemen, Alan Walker, Don Wilson, Bert Worley, Syd Young.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: Peter Mills.
COMMITTEE: Jack Agnew, Paul Barcham, Pat Chamberlain, Bunny Cox, John Cornelius, Bob French, Ted Gallen, Ron Giorgi, John Holderness, Doug Huggett, Charlie Jackson, Gordon Lee, Sandy Lowe, Laurie Lloyd, Matt Parkhill, Bill Patterson, Murray Pinfold, Bob Price, Sam Rangiihu, Barney Ryan, Ewing Robertson, Les Snookes, Keith Sands, Dael Therkleson, Jack Thompson, Bill Webb, Cyril Wilkie.
HASTINGS ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENTS
1924-25 W. Richmond
1925-26 C. Gardner
1926-27 E. J. W. Hallett
1927-28 W. J. Rowe
A. E. O’Meara
1928-29 H. R. French
1929-30 F. S. Budd
1930-31 R. D. Brown
1931-32 A. F. Redgrave
1932-33 C. Griffiths
1933-34 D. A. Bathgate
1934-35 A. E. O’Meara
1935-36 W. A. Whitlock
1936-37 C. A. Hendry
1937-38 A. J. C. Runciman
1938-39 A. J. Grant
1939-40 E. T. Gifford
1940-41 G. H. Roach
1941-42 Rev. W. T. Drake
1942-43 J. Wattie
1943-44 W. A. G. Penlington
1944-45 H. E. Phillips
1945-46 A.C. A. Hyde
1946-47 W. E. Bate
1947-48 A. Kirkpatrick
1948-49 R. V. Giorgi
1949-50 W. A. Greer
1950-51 J. J. Nimon
1951-52 J. K. Agnew
1952-53 R. F. Campbell
1953-54 W. R. Warnes
1954-55 P. J. Priest
1955-56 R. P. Fish
1956-57 J. H. Holderness
1957-58 L. C. Kerr
1958-59 H. a’C. FitzGerald
1959-60 J. E. Tier
1960-61 E. A. Batson
1961-62 E. D. Anderson
1962-63 E. J. Velvin
1963-64 T. C. Jackson
1964-65 J. G. Seton
1965-66 G. L. Pacey
1966-67 K. O. Garland
1967-68 S J. Begley
1968-69 C. R. Campbell
1969-70 C. P. Chamberlain
1970-71 R. H. Rangiihu
1971-72 L. H. Wainscott
1972-73 J. A. Dallimore
1973-74 J. B. McCormick
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SENIOR ROTARIANS
From Left: W. A. Whitlock (1933) Past Pres. 1935, Past District Governor, 1951: Piet van Asch (1938); Sir James (Jim) Wattie, (1933) Past Pres. 1942; H. E. Phillips, (1924) Foundation Member, Past Pres. 1944; E. T. Gifford (1927) Past Pres. 1939; R. V. Giorgi (133), Past Pres. 1948, Mayor of Hastings.
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Subjects
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Hastings Rotary ClubFormat of the original
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1974Publisher
Hastings Rotary ClubAccession number
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