When my year of office commenced I considered the most important requirement within the Club was an increase in membership, When a Club such as ours is influenced with seasonal conditions whereby a large proportion of its members require leave of absence for part of the year, it becomes apparent that this loss must be carried by the remaining members and therefore the more members there are the better the Club will function, One of our Dinner Meetings was given over to inviting along prospective Apexians and through this means out membership was considerably increased, I still consider that more members are essential to the smooth running of the Club and whilst there has been an improvement, we should all be on the look-out for suitable young men to join our Club.
I feel most members do not realise the importance of attending Conventions, Having attended District, Zone and Association Conventions this year I am convinced that this is the only way of really getting to know apex, It has been decided to apply to have the 1967 Zone Convention at Mooroopna and it would be pleasing to see a large contingent from this Club at Maryborough next October for the Zone Convention and at Mildura next Easter for the Association Convention.
Once again, Public Speaking and Debating has proved to be very popular In the Club and our congratulations go to the Debating Team for their success In the District Debating Competition, Five minute talks (which mostly turned out to be 20 to 25 minutes) were well presented and very interesting.
Due to the efforts of our energetic Service Director, there was plenty of scope for members to reveal their various physical talents throughout the year. It was apparent that members preferred large working bees where the Club could enjoy fellowship together rather than working in small rostered groups.
Our programmes have been many and varied and introduction of Sports nights in the Club proved very popular and stimulated fellowship.
The highlight of the year must surely have been the visit of Founders Fund guest Bill Unwin, The pleasant time had with Bill will long be remembered, International Relations has been kept before members throughout the year and I am sure everyone is becoming more and more aware of this important facet of Apex, The combined I.R. Dinner with Dick Austin as Guest Speaker was very well attended, Our I.R., Director is to be congratulated for his efforts in making contact with Round Tables in New Zealand, South Africa and Great Britain as well as Kirsmen of Canada, The idea of an international competition for a perpetual trophy between these countries was excellent and will be fostered indefinitely.
During the year the Club had its Dinner Notice registered as a periodical with the P.M.G. and this has had the effect of reducing our postage charges considerably, There are over sixty copies of the Midlander circulated each fortnight.
I cannot let this. opportunity pass without paying tribute to the patience, tolerance and understanding shown by "The Girls", Service and inter-club visiting has required absence from the home front on numerous occasions during the year, Their assistance with some of our fund raising activities and their general interest in Apex over the past twelve months has been greatly appreciated.
The Reports of the Directors for the year bear witness to the activity of the Club. May I extend to each and every Board member my appreciation for their guidance and assistance throughout the year. The club is fortunate indeed to have as its next President Morris Cowley.
Congratulations Morrie, I am sure you will have a very successful year
Finally to every member of the club, may I extend my own personal appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your president.
