MR. G. SYKES HONOURED

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 25, 29 July 1936, Page 4

MR. G. SYKES HONOURED

EKETAHUNA "FUNCTION

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

MASTERTON, This Day. Glowing tributes to Mr. G. R. Sykes, former member of Parliament for Masterton, and appreciative references to his years of valuable and untiring work on behalf of his constituents, were paid at a social gathering held in his honour at Eketahuna last night. The hall was crowded with a gathering thoroughly representative of all parts of the electorate, and Mr. Sykes was presented with a well-filled wallet.

The Mayor of Eketahuna. Mr. W. Simpson, who presided, referred to Mr. Sykes's long and faithful service to the electorate. He hoped the time would come when Mr. Sykes would

"stage a come-back." Whatever might happen, however, the people would always recognise that Mr. Sykes had given good and faithful service to his supporters. The readiness with which residents of town and country'had contributed to the presentation was tangible evidence of the respect and i esteem in which Mr. Sykes was held and of the appreciation with which his good work was regarded.

Mr.. J. B. Carruthers, chairman of the Eketahuna County Council, speaking on behalf of country constituents, said that an ever-readiness to be of assistance and willingness to work for the benefit of his electorate had been characteristics of Mr. Sykes's long years in the House as representative of 'the Mastcrton electorate. He expressed the hope that the time would come when Mr. Sykes would come back fresher than ever.

After Mr. Simpson, on behalf of the town and district, had presented him with a well-filled wallet, Mr. Sykes said he very deeply appreciated the presentation and the kind remarks passed regarding his services. He doubted whether he had deserved either, but he had always done his best for his electorate. He was grateful to the Borough Council, County Council, and other district organisations for their assistance and co-operation when he was in office. After making some reference to aspects of local-body politics, Mr. Sykes reviewed Parliamentary affairs and changes during the past twenty years. The regard of the many [friends he had made while engaged in [politics, Mr. Sykes observed, repaid | him for his years of work. It would be au revoir and not good-bye he would say to his friends and supporters in the hall, lie concluded, amidst applause.

Interspersed with the speeches were a number of excellent musical and other items. A dance and a card tournament concluded a successful and enjoyable evening-