Presidents Time

President Neil welcomed all Members and opened the meeting reminding us that on 23rd Nov 1963 President of the USA John F Kennedy was killed in Texas.
 
Announcements
President Neil reminded members that this year’s Magic Show will be on Saturday 2nd of December 2017. Eight to ten volunteers are needed
 
Christmas by Candle Light will be on December 17th at the Theatre Royal. Helpers needed. Details to be advised.
 
Neil asked (again) if there is anyone in the club that would consider to be The Club’s Secretary. Please think about this. It is not a position that requires a lot of work and time. Picking up mail from the Post Box, hand it out, write the odd letter, attend Directors Meetings and keep the Meeting Minutes. Post Note: This position has now been filled.
 
There will be no Rotary Meeting next Thursday 30th November17 as half the Club Members are away on the annual Fishing Trip
 
Thursday 7th December will be a standard Rotary Meeting
 
Thursday 14th December will be our Christmas Meeting. Please advise your partners, as on the December 7th meeting we will establish the numbers attending the Christmas Meeting.
 
President Neil then advised members that any rumour about having to shift from 7-Oaks is just that, a rumour. Gavin confirmed to Neil that at present it is “Business as usual” and should a change come up The Club will be given plenty of notice.
 
President Elect Harley Smithson commented on the Art Auction held last Thursday 16th November which turned out to be a success and a pleasant evening for all present. The Auctioneer did a great job and the auction together with the raffle raised around five thousand dollars. This is a very good start to the intended Art Scholarship. Well done Harley. Applications for this Scholarship is open to resident South Canterbury students from age 18 to 25. Applications close January 12th 2018.
 
Ken Linscott, who is our Club contact for the McKenzie Education Trust, advised that applications for families in need for support for their children’s education are now open. Traditionally the McKenzie Trust helps with the purchase of School Uniforms but also other needs for education.
 
Ken has done this job for a number of years and would like to hand it on. Ken took this job on after our late member Ken Talbot moved to Wellington, who again did it for many years. If a Club Member would like to be involved with the McKenzie Trust, Ken Linscott would like to hear from you and explain what’s involved.
 

5-Minute Talk

Terry Stagg talked about the efficiency of shipping as a transport mode. 90% of raw materials are shipped. The Shipping Industry experienced huge gains each time new technology could be introduced. From Sail Ships to Steamers and then to Diesel powered motor ships. Now the most recent diesel motors have 14 cylinders, all electronically controlled, very efficient and environmentally friendly. The biggest freight ships are up to 400m long and can carry just over 21’000 twenty foot containers! Ships we see here in Timaru carry about 2’500 containers.
 

Sergeant Session

David and Corporal Tom collected a good amount of Gold Coins
 

Weekly Club-Raffle  

Was won by Peter Prader
 

Guest Speaker

Chairman Bill Blair introduced Hamish Bruce, our Guest Speaker for tonight. Hamish talked to us about his live and how growing up on the family farm with the wider family nearby and the neighbours all family friends. He pointed out how important this sort of stable upbringing is for young persons. People growing up in a stable environment are far better equipped to deal with all sort of issues that everybody has to face during their live. Hamish is in the Transport Industry and applies his philosophy of giving someone a chance when employing Truck Drivers. In his experience there is no reason why someone with a somewhat chequered background should not be given a chance and he found that these people often made a real go of it and became good employees.
 
Ken Wood thanked Hamish for an interesting address.
 
President Neil wished all the fishermen a good week and reminded Members that the next meeting is on Thursday 7th December