Ernest Bate was the President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne 1947-48 and District Governor 1949-50 (District 28).
During this years as Club President, the Club made a determined effort to revive the prewar sports and social activities. Three bowls matches, four golf days, two visits to Flinders and Emerald Country Clubs with wives, and the Annual Ball were held in the St Kilda Town Hall.
The list of other activities is also as impressive, ranging from food parcels for London, visits and assistance to mental institutions to continue the work in hand, to three holiday outings for some 180 children.
From "A History of Service 1921-86"