COUNCIL LEADER.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18721, 18 June 1926, Page 13

COUNCIL LEADER.

SIR R. HEATON RHODES WELCOMED. HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER. (SOCIAL TO THE TEESS.) WELLINGTON, June 17. In the Legislative Council to-day, reference to the appointment of fcfir R. Heaton Rhodes as Leader of the Council was made by tho" Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, who saidMie had that day had the pleasure of meeting many' old friends, somo of. whom had sat with him previously in another placemen who had done good work for New Zealand, and who would continue to do so in this Chamber. More than ordinary pleasure was attached to his meeting with the new Leader of the Council, who was a native of this country, and tho son of ono of the Dominion.s earliest settlers—ouo who had tor m-n. rears been closely identified with publie life in New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) Sir Heaton, Rhodes was still a comparatively young man, ciir William Hall-Jones went ou, and had a quarter of a century's record in tho other House. It was hoped that he would be able to seryo another quarter of a century m tho Legislative Council Chamber. Of that 25 years, ten- had been spent in Ministerial office, with all its responsibilities and its experience, and all knew how well he had carried out tho duties entrusted to his charge.. Many would remember the visit of Sir Heaton Rhodes to London, where he had represented New Zealand at tho Empire Parliamentary Association, when tho Dominion could not send any representatives. It was at a reception tliat Sir Heaton had ninclo a speech on.behalf of New Zealand that • had made New Zealand proud of him. Ho had also had extensive experience hi the Boer War, while few ttoukl ever flilly appreciate the good he had.accomplished while on tour on behalf of the Red Cross organisation. Everything would be done by members of tho Council to assist the new Leader in getting through his work with as little - trouble —allowing always for fair debater—as .could possibly, bo the case. Everyone could help in oxpediting his work,.and all would wish him success The Hon. Sir James Carroll added his tribute to the ability of tho new Leader, and to his fitness for the;posl- - He claimed kinship: with him by virtue of being native-born of this country, and by reason of his being a descendant of a savage -line. All woujd join in corroborating ~tho remarks of Sir William Hall-Jones, who had expressed the feelings of the whole Council. The Hon. G. J. Smith,said that the, .appointment of Bir Heaton Rhodes to the Leadership of the Counciljiad given eminent satisfaction in 'Canterbury, and, he felt assured, would be received with'equal satisfaction by the members of tho Council themselves. 'Sir Heaton Rhodes in Keply. In replying to the remarks of the three /speakers and in acknowledging . his. hearty, reception, the ' Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes said he did,6o with mixed feelings. • For he was, mindful of the great statesmen who had filled the position ■ before him, and of- the great statesman' who was in reality still Leader—for he. was only. in. the position temporarily. "1 am.not unmindful, of theso - great men " -Sir Heaton went'on, "and in. thinking of their ability, I feel that I will .have much difficulty in following -them. ; 1 am diffident of my .'ability, tbjcarry out the duties of tho position. At the same time* I cannot but express'my appreciation of having been asked to hit-it, for it is one.of dignity jind.honour, and -one of which any .man might , he envious.". He looked.back-' with i pleasure.to his associations with some , members of the Council ' in.tho other , House, and:as about half of them had , served with him there, be.felt,he was , not among strangers, nor did he feel , among strangers when; accorded such a warm reception from those, in the Council with, whom he had not had, the \ ' pleasure of serving. They had given him confidence by their willingness to assist in-making his task a light' and . easy one. -..•.■'