NEW MINISTER

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11957, 30 May 1933, Page 5

NEW MINISTER

TRIBUTES TO HON. J BITCHENER

“MAN OF HIGH INTEGRITY”

Press Association) WAIMATE, May 29. A complimentary social tendered the Hon. John Bitchener in connection with his elevation to Cabinet was largely attended by residents of town and district as well as by visitors from farther afield,. including the Hon. A. Hamilton and Messrs T. Burnett, 11. Holland, and J. A. McPherson, M.’sP. The gathering was presided over by the Alayor (Mr. George Dash) who referred to the guest’s lengthy public service. Speaking for the borough, Air Dash said that he nvas extremely proud and highly honored that, one of tho boys had become a Minister of tho Crown. Apologies were read from the Prime Alinister and Air Coates, i In addition to the Parliamentarians other speakers were Messrs 11. 33. S. Johnston, representing the Waimate County Council, Air J. C. Hay (Farmers’ Union), Air N. A. Rattray (Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and Mr S. I. Fitch (Educational bodies).

Air Hamilton, said that lie bad been associated with Air Kitchener for thirteen years, and realised his worth. It was a credit 'to Air Bit-ch-oner to come Up from following the plough to be a 'Minister of tho Crown. The speaker questioned whether any man in the House had such a good record ou local bodies as Air Bitchener.

Continuing, Air Hamilton said that 1933 had got to see better times. Men were going 'to the World Conference to put the world back into gear and lie believed that they would do so. These were days for doing aud Air Bitchener was the man to -do it. Air Holland stated that Air Bitehfener, Mr Burnett, and himself had shared a room in. Parliament and had never had a quarrel or a misunderstanding. ‘When the Government was considering tho matter of filling the position of Minister of Puhlie Works. the speaker had written to Air Coates suggesting Air Bitchener and L-lie speaker was delighted that the Government had wisely chosen him. The Public Works Department was the largest spending department in the Government, aud Air Bitchener was the mail to apply the Wostinghousc brakes. Air AlcPhersoii said that no mail in Parliament was held iu higher esteem Ilian Air Bitchener, who possessed a vide and broad experience. Ho paid a, tribute to Air Kitchener’s solid reliability as a party whip. Air Burnett said that, since' 1919, when Air Bitchener entered politics, lie had been guided solely by tlie interests of New Zealand. Ilis outstanding qualities averts loyalty, high integrity, and common-sense. At- no period •were such qualities as necessary as at present. Mr Bitchener was greeted with prolonged applause. He thanked Ids friends an colleagues for the references to his work, lie said that his experience on local bodies had been a real education. He greatly regretted to sever his connection with the South Cnaterbury local bodies, but hoped, they would approach.' him if ever he could bo of service. He assured liia bearers that, in the present financial circumstances he would have to give a firm refusal, if the prospects did not measure up to requirements. He expressed thanks to those taking part in the gathering.