Hearing both sides works I noted with concern the Mailbox letter by David Clarke, of the Rotary Club of Ashburton, N.Z., in the April, 2005, issue of Rotary Down Under. David raises the question of political addresses by politicians at Rotary club meetings. This is an issue which certainly raises questions in the minds of many and I have strong views on the subject. Among Rotary members the unwritten rule is that we try to avoid politics in our dealings together. Similarly we usually avoid discussion of religious issues. I feel this works well as we avoid any personal animosities that may develop as a result of differing political or religious viewpoints.

Old friends met at the District 9690 Conference in Canberra, A.C.T., in March. Pictured are Past President Bruce Ruston, District 9690 Past Governor Colin Dodds, Past President Lyn Kent and District 9690 Past Governor Frank McDonald (See meeting of old friends).

However, as Rotarians broadly are a group of people who take pride in knowing and supporting their communities wherever they are, I feel that  Rotary needs to include speakers from all walks of life if we are to be well informed of what is happening in our part of the world (wherever that may be).

We should remain open to listen to valid information from a number of sources. Politicians are, but one, source.

We leave ourselves open to the charge that we are close-minded, if we do not allow free and open discussion of the issues in our lives.

The question raised by David and the presentation by the New Zealand Opposition leader should centre around when the Rotary Club of Orewa, N.Z., is going to offer the alternate point-of-view so a balanced picture is understood (making it fair to all concerned!).

I can recall over the years having presentations by both of our local Christian bishops with not a murmur of complaint by any member and in this context I see little difference between church leaders or politicians.

David speaks of his real enjoyment of Rotary through the friendships he has made and the role he has played in his community, surely this is the fundamental greatness of Rotary.

No single Rotarian is in any way compromising his or her integrity through listening to a politician whether you agree with the sentiments offered or not.

Hang in there, David, Rotary is far bigger and more important than any political viewpoint!  
Martin Hill
Past President
Rotary Club of Ballarat South, Vic.  

Meeting of old friends
I attended the District 9690 Conference with my wife Glad in Canberra, A.C.T., in late March, 2005, and met up with some old friends in District 9690 Past Governors Frank McDonald and Colin Dodds and Past President Bruce Ruston and their wives.

I was president of the Rotary Club of Regents Park, N.S.W., in 1973 when the District was split up, Frank McDonald becoming the first governor of District 9690. PP Bruce took a Group Study Team to Tennessee in 1981 and Colin Dodds was the governor in 1980-81.