MR. FORBES FAREWELLED

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 August 1930, Page 7

MR. FORBES FAREWELLED

GOOD WISHES FOR TRIP THE HOUSE AT ITS BEST [SPECIAL TO “STAB.”] WELLINGTON, August 22. Owing to its recent strenuous labours, the House of Representatives adjourned at 5.30 p.m. to-day, having passed the Estimates of the Prime Minister’s Department, Treasury, Friendly Socities and State Advances Depart mer-t. Finally, there were pleasant speeches of goodwill to the Prime Minister, and after ' the House adjourned a round of farewells to members of the delegation took place. When business resumes on Tuesday, the Minister of Lands (Mr E. A. Ransom) will bp in charge of the House, and it is intended to proceed with the Unemployment Billion the motion to consider it in committee. When the Prime Minister moved the adjournment of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, (Mr J. G. Delates) said he felt certain that members of the Reform Party would like him to extend to Mr Forbes good iwishes for a pleasant trip, although he realised that it would not be altogether pleasant, for it would be hard and arduous, but, most important. They wished him success in his endeavours. They believed he would represent New Zealand to the credit of himself and the Dominion at the Imperial Conference. (Hear, hear). “There is a lot one could say,” said Mr Coates, “and we have said a lot. (Laughter). We have not made the Prime Minister’s path altogether easy during the last few weeks, but the Prime Minister will realise that after all’ criticism leads to better legislation. I am sure the Prime Minister will realise that behind it all, there is very well recognised custom. Now that he is leaving the country, I wish to extend to him our felicitations, and wish him au revoir and a safe return to New Zealand, with the New Zealand flag still flying at the top of the mast, in her endeavours to assist and join in everything that will lead to a larger, higher and fjner Empire, and above all, complete understanding amongst people that live in the Empire.” (Applause). The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H. E. Holland) joined in extending very best wishes to Mr Forbes, and expressed the hope that the Imperial Conference would be successful, and that matters which made for the progress of nations and for the peace of the world would be items of front rank consideration. He said he thought he expressed the wish of the whole of the people of New Zealand in saying that he hoped Mr Forbes would come back the plain George Forbes he went away. They would try to serve the best interests of the country while he was away, and they all hoped that his actions at the Conference would tend to broaden out the British Commonwealth of Nations. He concluded by giving voice to the hope that Mr Forbes would enjoy his trip ami come back safe and sound. The Prime Minister, who was greeted 'with applause from all sides, th anted. the Leaders of the Parties for their expressions of goodwill, which were particularly pleasing because Parliament had come through a very strenuous fortnight. Never in his experience had so much contentious legislation been packed into so short a time, and its passage would not have been possible but for general co-operation of all members. It would have been easily possible for any one of those measures to have held business up for a considerable time. As an old Parliamentarian, he recognised .the great consideration which had been shown to him by members in working abnormally long hours and exercising great restraint. Important work had been got through without any feeling of irritation and he left New Zealand for the Conference with a feeling of the greatest gratitude for the assistance he had received.

“I recognise,” concluded Mr Forbes, “that in New Zealand the sentiment in regard to the Old Land is very strong and very deep, and I feel I am going Home to voice the wishes of our people and to be of some service in keeping that feeling alive, throughout the Conference and throughout the Empire. It is only by closer unity that the Empire is going to continue to be of benefit in the future, and it is very apparent to everyone, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Motherland and Dominions, and I shall try to promote to the utmost that spirit of unity which is the Empire’s success.’” Mr Sullivan: You won’t come back as Lord Cheviot. (Laughter). Mr Forbes: I can assure you I will not do that. 1 feel that the title of plain George, is the proudest one I ever want. (Applause).

PRESENTATION TO MRS FORBES. WELLINGTON, August 22. The members of the United Party and their wives met Mrs G. W. Forbes, who is to accompany the Prime Minister to the Imperial Conference in London, and presented her with a travelling rug. The presentation was made by the Minister of Public Works. Mr Taverner, who referred to (he social qualities of both Mr and Mrs Forbes, and expressed the hope that their trip' would bo pleasant. MR. SCULLIN’S ILLNESS SYDNEY, August 22. Mr. Scullin has departed from Melbourne, en route for Fremantle, where he will join a liner for London to attend the Imperial Conference. Mr. Scullin has developed slight pleurisy of the left lung, and he will remain in bed for the remainder of the trans-Continental journey. His condition is causing his friends anxiety. The great strain of his work has'taken heavy toll of his strength.