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The Royal City Men's Club met at Trinity United Church Gymnasium on the above date. There were 47 members present.
President Tom Beale rang the ceremonial bell at 9:55 a.m. He welcomed everyone to the meeting, observed that there were no guests to introduce,
and read out a few interesting historical facts.
Len Johnstone presented the joke of the day, followed by Tom Beale advising that there was a sign-up sheet on the table for people who planned to
attend the Tim Hortons Guelph distribution centre tour on April 29 and noted that Bill Apsit had sent an email notice to members with driving
instructions and a map. Bill Laidlaw then spoke briefly about the new biking season starting the next day, leaving from the Village by the
Arboretum parking lot at 9:00 a.m. He said he would update members weekly about upcoming rides if they gave him their email address or
telephone number.
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Rob Scouller introduced speaker, Rob Martin, Professor of Law, Emeritus, University of Western Ontario, who introduced
his topic as “Understanding the Mess in Zimbabwe”. Mr. Martin did an admirable job of taking us through a series of events
that certainly did help with understanding the mess, and left some of us wondering just why the mess has persisted to the
present time.
Some of these events were:
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Photo by Bill Apsit
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- Cecil Rhodes armed take-over of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia,
- an influx of British settlers and settler rule,
- liquidation of the British Empire starting in 1957 threatening settler rule,
- 1965, unilateral declaration of independence by Prime Minister Ian Smith to protect White minority rule and privilege,
- Guerilla war response by the two African National groups, ZAPU and ZANU,
- British Government intervention, proposal for power sharing with 20 seats of 100 seat parliament reserved for
Whites and property rights guarantee accepted,
- 1980, Robert Mugabe (ZANU) winning absolute majority, and subsequently proposing to change the constitution to
increase his power at the expense of the opposition.
- Proposal defeated in a referendum - pushed Mugabe over the edge. From 2000 to 2004/05 the tempo of farm seizure
increased and all white farms were essentially gone. “War Veterans” destroyed the farm machinery and irrigation systems,
food production capacity plunged and inflation soared. “A 100 million dollar bank note would buy a loaf of bread.”
- At 85 years of age, Robert Mugabe is still in power.
Members gave Mr. Martin a round of applause as he concluded his presentation and Rob Scouller presented him with a token of
appreciation on behalf of the RCMC.
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At this point, President Beale turned the floor over to Murray Mathieson who gave instructions for moving into the RCMC
Anniversary Luncheon. After the tables were moved into place, the pastor from Trinity United Church gave thanks and
asked the blessing and Murray directed traffic to the buffet.
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Photo by Bill Apsit
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At the end of the lunch, Murray Mathieson observed that there was a good turnout (42 members) and invited members to
acknowledge the excellent meal provided by the caterers. By the level of applause, it was evident that members agreed
with Murray's assessment.
President Beale thanked Murray and his committee members for their fine job in organizing the Annual Luncheon.
[Bill Apsit and John Newstead were observed taking a few photos to record the event for posterity.]
Photo by Bill Apsit
Photo by John Stoddart
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Gordon Framst
Secretary
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Photo by John Stoddart
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