In 1921, Paul Harris wished to expand the fledgling Rotary organization abroad, and selected two middle managers from its branches in Canada – two men who did not even know each other – and sent them to Australia with a few letters of introduction and credentials authorising them to form new branches here.
Only 23 days after reaching Melbourne they had convinced 38 of the most significant people in the city to become Charter members of the Rotary Club of Melbourne!
These two remarkable men were Lt Col Layton Ralston, President of the Rotary Club of Halifax and a Member of Parliament. In the war Layton had commanded the 85th Canadian Infantry Battalion attached to the Australian Army Corps under the Command of none other than Sir John Monash. A useful connection as it turned out!
The second commissioner was James Davidson, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Calgary.
The depth of their planning is shown in this letter from the National Library Archive. It was sent by Ralston to barrister John Latham, and we may assume that most prospective members received a similar letter.
From the MENZIES HOTEL, MELBOURNE April 16 1921:
Dear Mr Latham,
Re: Rotary
You will I know be pleased to hear that the reception and response which has been given to Mr Davidson and myself has been most cordial and that the prospect of a strong and influential Club here seems assured.
A group consisting of about 25 is being asked to meet at luncheon on Thursday the 21st inst at 1 pm at Scott’s Hotel. There the organisation of the Rotary Club of Melbourne (the first in Australia) will be completed. The luncheon will be conducted on Rotary Schedule so as to be over (including all business) in an hour and a quarter. [some things don’t change!]
It would be very much appreciated therefore if you could arrange or if necessary re-arrange your engagements so as to be present and assist by your counsel and influence. We know how busy you are but sincerely hope you can be there.
Some of those who will be charter members are Mr O’Sullivan of the English Scottish and Australian Bank, Mr Frank Tate – Director of Education, Mr Alec Cameron of the Melbourne Met Tramways Board, Mr Morton – City Engineer, Mr Lothian – Publisher, Mr York Syme of the Melbourne Steamship Co and Mr W H Clark of Carlton United Breweries.
With kind personal regards
Yours very truly
J L Ralston
32 of the 38 Charter members attended the formation luncheon. Prof Osborne was elected as the first President with Harold Clapp as the Vice President. When Mr Clapp advised he could not assume to the Presidency, Osborne persuaded Monash to accept office as our second President.
We should indeed be proud of the solid foundation that the two Commissioners gave to our Charter members.
Robert Fisher (Ed)President17 April 2019
