The Rotary Balita no. 743 (April 8, 1954)

Once more the editors of the Balita are reminding our fellow Rotarians about the contest opened by the Publication Committee for the best definition of Rotary. The contest was opened on March 11th and will close on June 10, 1954. For those who have not read previous copies of the Balta where the contest was announced, here are the rules: 1. Entries should be submitted not later than June 10, 1954. 2. Entries should not be over 75 typewritten lines. 3. The contest is open to all Rotarians in the Philippines. 4. Prizes will be distributed in Manila by President Danding June 24, 1954. Rotary definitions have been given hundreds of times but there is always something new to say about this great world organization and the editors of the Balita who have read definitions of Rotary coming from different countries and written by different people are anxious to know what the Rotarians in this district have to say about Rotary. In the London Rotarian, the following definition was once published: Rotary is rooted to morality. It does not lie in the quality of lunch. It touches in the minds of men the very springs of kindness, and points the way to a fuller understanding of their fellows. Rotary teaches men to obey their emotions but does not rouse their passions with a drum. Whether Rotary is spreading its clubs all over the world like an epidemic of "prefabs," or pushing its ethical standards toward high heaven, is merely incidental to the great fact that this movement is rich in individuals who are trying to show other men how to be happy. In this endeavor, Rotarians have only one tool to work with, and that tool is FRIENDSHIP. Rotary clears the mind of prejudice and sets sympathy on that silent path which leads to "Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political: Peace, Commerce and Honest Friendship with all Nations." And other Rotarians have not only thought of Rotary but have given to the idea the best of their inspiration in colorful poetry. The late Dr. Crossley Hunter, Past President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, wrote once: You tell me you're a stranger From lands that lie afar, You ask me just what Rotary is And what its meanings are. Well, Rotary is not a club That meets in many a land. Rotary is a spirit and a life Which you must understand. A fellowship of kindred minds, Goodwill in every jest, And where a man is honored most, Because he serves the best. Rotary loves a crippled child And helps the growing boy, In thinking first of other's needs It finds its greatest joy. As long as men can meet like this, As long as men are free, The souls of men will find their thrill In things like Rotary. For Rotary is no mere club Meeting in many a land. Rotary is a spirit and a life Which we must understand. Have you sent already your definition of Rotary? The editors of the Balita are urging all the Rotarians in the district to participate in this contest. Attractive trophies as prizes are at stake and the judgment will be entrusted to old and wise Rotarians. Send therefore your entry and the sooner, the better.