RELINQUISHING REINS OF OFFICE

Hawera Star, Volume L, 15 May 1930, Page 9

RELINQUISHING REINS OF OFFICE

“I need hardly say that I take this course with the greatest regret, because I hoped that the state of my health would have permitted me to devote my- services to the progress and welfare of New Zealand for a still longer period. However, the fates have ordained otherwise, and the time has now arrived for me to lay down tliei reins of office.

“In doing so, 1 look back to practically a. lifetime spent in the country’s service. 1 entered Parliament aw a young man, and almost continuously through the intervening years L have devoted what abilities J possessed to the service of the country—in my capacity as an ordinary member of the House, as a Minister of the Crown, and aw Prime Minister.

“During this long period I have at various times encountered strong opposition; what man in public life does not ? But I made lasting friendships. To me the inspiring motive of my service has been an earnest desire to advance the progress and prosperity of this fair land. “I have seen development of the Dominion proceed in a truly wonderful manner. It Is to-day a legitimately proud claim for one to call himself a New Zealander, and it will be for future generations to see that they guard jealously the heritage which will be theirs. “Though the times through which we are now passing are not without difficulties and pressing problems, and though the horizon may appear darkened' by clouds, there is always a sil-

Prime Minister’s Decision Result Of Medical Advice Valued Services To Country (.By Telegraph —Press 1 Association.) ROTORUA, May 15. “It will be remembered that towards the ’end of the last session of Parliament I suffered a. breakdown in health, necessitating- a temporary retirement from active participation in my official duties. Early in the present year I came to Rotorua, where I am still undergoing a course of treatment. AVhile I have experienced considerable benefit during my sojourn in Rotorua, my medical advisers have intimated to me that, in the interests of my health, it is essential that I should have freedom from work and official worry. “After full consideration with my colleagues, and being inspired by a keen desire that my indisposition should not in any way hamper the efficient administration of the public affairs of the Dominion, I have decided, on mature consideration, to yield to the advice which has been tendered to me by the doctors. “Accordingly, I am taking steps to place my resignation as Prime Minister >- the hands er His Excellency the Governor-General.

ver lining, and the characteristic tenacity of our people will enable them to surmount the obstacles in the path of national progress and to win through. | “To my Ministerial colleagues. I desire t-o express deep gratitude for their loyal co-operation in the task of government. I know full well that my illhealth has rendered the way not easy for them. 1 cannot .speak too highly of their devotion and assistance*. “To the- leaders of the other two political parties, as well as* to a-ll other members of Parliament, I desire) to tender my sincere acknowledgement of their uniform courtesy, more especially during the- time of my illness. I should also like to take the opportunity of paying a tribute to the zeal and efficiency -of the. heads of the State Department and the members of the Public Service;. I speak with years of experience when I say that New Zealand has been indeed 1 well and 1 faithfully served* by the Government officers.

"To my fellow citizens, who extended so much consideration to me, particularly during recent months, I should like to voice my deep appreciation- cif their kindness and, sympathy, and now that the evening of my official life is drawing -to a close I have nothing but feelings of the friendliest goodwill to each and* everyone, and may wc prosper exceedingly ini the coming years, secure in freedom- and liberty under the Crown, which. I fervently trust, will always stand as a symbol of the unity of the great British 'Common,wealth. ’’