The Rotary Balita no. 629 (September 15, 1949).

"Ned" Hall is more than just a Rotary colleague, he is a pal, a dearly beloved "buddy." Not only because he is distinguished-looking and a wonderful baritone but also because in him, a Rotarian finds an embodiment and a reflection of Rotary ideals. The day of his Rotary despedida to mark his retirement from business, from the Philippines and hence from Manila Rotary, the usually rowdy, cheering, booing Rotarians could not help the quirk in their throats. For all the semblance of jolly comradeship there was a solemnity in the occasion and a mistiness in the eyes. Ned's speech was more than true-to-form, it was inspired. Even dear Vince Bunuan's face, when he gave his "salutamus" speech, had a thunder-struck quality. Which is exactly what Ned's departure will be anyway: a thunder-blow of a loss. "We'll miss you, Ned, more than you can ever know," said past Rotary International V. P. Gil Puyat, when he presented Ned with an Amorsolo painting and a watch as farewell gift of the club and that is exactly what all of us say.