SIR HEATON RHODES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18506, 7 October 1925, Page 8

SIR HEATON RHODES.

RETIREMENT FROM POLITICS. METHVEN'S REGRET. Advantage was taken of Sir R. Heaton Rhodes's visit to Methven on Monday evening to express tho gratitude of the district for tho manner in. which he had represented it in Parliament. The chairman of the Mount Hutt' Road Board (Mr J. Carr) stated that he would try to express tho thankfulness of the residents of tho Methven district to Sir Heaton during the time ho had represented them in Parliament. Ho had been returned by tho Ellesmero electors for 25 consecutive years, which spoke bonders lor the confidence they had in him. They deeply regretted his retirement from politics, lie liad filled the positions of Postmaster-General and Minister of Defence with credit po himself and tho country. His duties Had always boon performed in such a manner that he had been asked to go back. 'lnhere never had been a more courteous member representing tho district than Sir Heaton Rhodes, awl lie asked those present to honour him in tho only way that seemed -feasible, and that was by acclamation. (Applause.) "For He's a Jolly Good Eellow - '' was also sung. In rising to respond, Sir Heaton Rhodes was greeted- with cheors. Ho stated he appreciated the kind words of Mr Carr, although ho thought ho might have somewhat exaggerated tho services he had given the district. Ho regretted parting from them, for he had made many friends and ho was well content with tho treatment and the majorities thoy had given him. He had hoped to stand again for the electorate, but his doctor's advice was to the effect that ho could not stand another General Election. Speaking in Parliament just recently ho had said that "Ho had been bedded and turned out to grass." What he had done for them had not been very much, but ho had always endeavoured to do his best, and he would carry away many pleasant recollections of Methven. He hoped that they would carry on the contest in the same friendly way as when ho was member for tho district. In conclusion he thanked them sincerely for the support they had given him while representing them in Parliament. (Applause.)