Page 9 - Past Presidents' Club Book 1

10 I he „Y ttlioiwl .S111'ply mid -1Iachiiicry Dcolccs’ dissociation

I would urge upon the Convention the value of local Asso­
ciations. both for their intrinsic value to members and their aid
to the National Association. I find that where there is a good
local organization it is easy to bring a strong influence to bear
upon any question that arises, as well as being highly beneficial in
dispelling incorrect ideas of our competitors.
Locally, we should know each other better than we do, and
that, in almost every case, will result in our being better friends
and having more confidence in each other.
T would suggest that during the coming year, members take

:t upon themselves, as a duty to the Association, to bring to the
attention of the Secretary such matters as may occur to them as
proper for action by the Association. During the past year but
little of this has been done by the Association generally.
The business outlook seems in the highest degree promising;
and united, persistent effort on our part promises better reward
for our labors in the future than in the past. (Applause.)
M r. M cI n to sh : There is a little informal work, and I think
Mr. Puchta has something to say.
M r. P u c jit a : Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: This
Association was organized a year ago in Cleveland. It certainly
had a very humble beginning, and one about which there was some
doubt as to what might be the outcome.
As one member of that Association, it gives me great pleas­
ure to note the constant growth which has taken place in this
organization, and the support that has been given to it by its dif­
ferent members by word and action.
In the work of that Association, while we have all tried to do
our share, there is one gentleman in particular who I think is
deserving of special commendation. The work of this organiza­
tion has been voluminous. Some one has had to do it.
Your Executive Committee, in trying to get a Secretary,
a man who would fill the place, devoted four'months’ time to
find that man. A volunteer from Cleveland stepped into the
breach and did that work. He did not do it for pay; he did it
for love of the Association and the good that he could do.
In recognition of that service, Mr. Pattison, the Secretary
of this organization, I have the great pleasure of presenting you