The Rotary Balita no. 635 (December 8, 1949).

In 1940 the Rotary Club of Manila, The Philippines, was presented with a beautiful hand carved rostrum of native wood, patterned after the rostrum used by the Rotary Club of New York. A large, bronze bell, especially cast, was mounted on the wooden frame of the rostrum. In March, 1945, during the battle of the Manila Hotel (where the club's office was located), this rostrum was completely destroyed. After the battle a soldier's attention was attracted by a gleam in the rubble. Upon investigating, he found the bell, blackened and burned, with a large chip knocked from its edge. He took the bell to his commanding officer, who turned it over to Ted Hall, past district governor, then in Santo Tomas Internment Camp. In June, 1949, a beautiful new rostrum, an exact replica of its predecessor, was dedicated at a meeting of the club and the historic bell, mounted on the rostrum, again rang to call the meeting to order. -Reprinted as editorial in "Spokes in the Wheel," Organ of the Rotary Club of New York City on Oct. 25, 1949.