PRESENTATION TO MR FORBES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24116, 27 November 1943, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO MR FORBES

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS IN PARLIAMENT HURUNUI ELECTORS HONOUR FORMER PRIME MINISTER The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, a former Prime Minister,- and for 35 years member of Parliament for Hurunui, received a gift from his former constituents yesterday during the jubilee celebrations at Cheviot. The gift, a silver salver, was made by Mr W. H. Gillespie, M.P., the successor to Mr Forbes in Parliament. ; Mr Gillespie read the following telegram from the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser): “In extending warmest congratulations to. members of the Cheviot Old Settlers’ Association on their fiftieth anniversary, may I also be associated with those who are recognising the long and distinguished services of my Parliamentary colleague, Mr Forbes, who has so worthily represented the Cheviot district, and with all those present at the anniversary celebrations wish him many long, happy years in retirement.” It was a tribute to the integrity of Mr Forbes, declared Mr Gillespie, that he was known throughout New Zealand as “Honest George.” “He has had many proud moments in his life,” added the new member; “but this is probably the proudest in his career. It must, give him great satisfaction to know, at. the .termination of his long public life, fthat he has tne affection and respect of the people whom he represented so faithfully in Parliament.” The gift was not political in origin, said Mr Gillespie, but came from all sections of the community, irrespective of party. After paying tribute to the help that Mrs Forbes had given her husband, Mr Gillespie, on behalf of the constituents, wished them every happiness in their retirement. “It is indeed a great privilege to know that, after you have put up with (me for 35 years, I have still so many good friends in the electorate,” said Mr Forbes. “I am very much indebted to the people of this settlement. 1 was married here. My children were born here. It has been our home for many, many years.” “A Great Responsibility” Reviewing his political career, Mr Forbes said that he had always regarded politics in the same light as when he played football. “After the game v/as over and I had fought to the best of my ability,” he said, “those opponents at football remained my friends throughout life. And so it was in politics. When I left Parliament House for “good there was not one member who did not come along and shake me by the hand. The trust of the people is a great responsibility, and I have always been conscious of it. It has been my aim always not to let the people down.” Recalling days of the settlement, Mr Forbes mentioned the many deputations which he had taken to Ministers to secure roads a*<d bridges. T am proud to say that ev&jy river and stream that gave us trouble In former days is now bridged,” -he said. “There is no need for bitter feelings in public life,” he concluded. “We a great country to work for. When Prime Minister I tried to do my duty in the Interests of all the people, and did npt regard myself as a party leader. Mrs Forbes and I are extremely grateful for the kindness of the people of Hurunui, and will treasure their gift. Personally, I felt it a great privilege to represent them in Parliament.” Mr Forbes also congratulated Mr Gillespie on his election to Parliament, and remarked that he felt certain the affairs of the electorate would be safe in his hands.