RETIRING MEMBERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 246, 28 July 1943, Page 4

RETIRING MEMBERS.

NATIONAL PARTY FIGURES. TRIBUTES TO THEIR SERVICES. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “If members of Parliament consider nothing but their personal popularity the result Avould he a A r ery poor Government. A seat in Parliament- is but a smail thing compared Avith the welfare of the country. A man avlio has not .got the backbone to face up to the difficulties is not Avortli much.” Those remarks Avefe made by the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, M.P., when icplving to tributes paid to him at the annual Dominion conference of the New Zealand National Party in 'Wellington. In addition to Mr Forbes, the Hon. J. G. Cobbc and Mrs W. if. Poison, who are also retiring, were present, and reference was made to another retiring member, Mr FI. G. Dickie. Colonel H. G. Livingstone (Christchurch), avlio voiced the party’s appreciation of the service given by the retiring members, made special reference to the long Parliamentary career of Mr Forbes, Avho had been a mtember of Parliament for 35 years, Avliilo Mr Dickie and Mr Cobbc had also given exceptionally long service. Mrs Poison bad politics on a high plane and her speeches bad been read in, every home. The leader of the National Party (Mr S. G. Holland) said that Mr Forbes had been one of the Empire’s great statesmen. He retired from politics with a wonderful record and a grand name, that of “Honest George.” Mr Cobbe and Mr Dickie had given outstanding’service both to the country and to their electorates, while no member in such a short time could have made such an impression as Mrs Poison, whose presence in the House had been an inspiration. A motion recording the party's appreciation of the services of the retiring members, and wishing them happiness in the future, Avas carried by acclamation and with musical honours. Mr Forbes said lie had been asked by some people Avliy he Avas retiring, as he was in excellent health, and his reply had been that the old order in politics was passing, giving place to the new, and lie Avas aAvare he belonged to the old order.