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The First Rotarian |
by
James P Walsh |
| From Chapter 33 'In to the
mountains' pages 228-229, relating to James
Roth At Santiago there were more farewells. It was here they said au revoir to Hubert Baker, whom they fondly expected to meet in the United States at the International Assembly at Buck Hills Falls. Alas, it was not to be. Before they could be reunited, Baker died suddenly, and Harris more than anyone appreciated what a devoted friend he had lost. From Baker's own lips he and Mrs. Harris had heard of his efforts on behalf of Rotary in South America. Taking over from Baker was another Rotary field representative, James Roth. He was to accompany them for the remainder of their time in South America except for the last few weeks in Brazil. The Harris's andRoth had a five-day train journey in front of them as they crossed the South American continent, but it represented a well earned respite for the weary couple. The route selected avoided the high altitudes of almost 20,000 feet encountered on a more direct route. The journey took longer of course, but provided an opportunity of spending a few days in the magnificent lake district on the Chilean-Argentinean border, the 'Switzerland of South America'. First the party travelled five hundred miles to the south to the city of Osorno. Although essentially Chilean, Osorno has a strong German element. At the time of Harris's visit it was refuted to be the country's fastest growing city. The Harris's and Roth spent two days there and attended two meetings of the Osorno club, whose members also took them to see the famed Swallow Falls, aptly named after the swallows who hover over the tumbling waters and make their homes in the greenery flourishing on the islands of rocks that divide the falls into numerous cascades. In Harris's opinion the Swallow Falls were more beautiful than Niagara Falls, 'being far less torrential and with a much more inspiring setting'. And from the last two paragraphs of Chapter 34, Eighteen Days in Argentina, page 235 Back in Buenos Aires, the Harris's attended a farewell luncheon. This was held on the roof garden of the only other hotel in the city to rival the famous Plaza, where the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires meets. Invitations to the luncheon were sent to all the leading Rotarians in the district and to the chief executives of the principal North American business houses. The meeting, being the last for the Harris's, affected the Argentineans. There were no speeches , only brief and warm expressions of goodwill. The Harris's also said goodbye to Jim Roth, who had been their guide and advisor all the way across South America and whose duty was now done. They had breakfasted and dined together for several weeks, and ha discussed all manner of subjects at all times of the day and night. But Roth's greatest contributions were his interpretations of Harris's speeches before the South American clubs. According to Harris, Rothinvariably won the plaudits of the assembled Rotarians by his skill in translating English into instant Spanish. In Brazil, where they were now headed, the official language was Portuguese, and Roth's duties were taken over by Armando Pereira. Transcribed by RGHF member and 2011/12 president Tim Tucker, UK |
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