Presentation of an Address to Sir R.Stout.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1756, 17 October 1887, Page 2

Presentation of an Address to Sir R. Stout.

(PEH PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

DUNEDIN, October 15.

A petition was presented to Sir Eobert Stout yesterday, asking him to re-consider his decision not to re-enter public I ife. Sir Robert, in reply, said that though be realised that it was a great honor to be called on to represent one's fellow citizens, it was also a position that entailed a great sacrifice in respect to health, comfort, and wealth. The representative was the loser, especially one like himself, who does not pose as a wealthy man, and who had young children of his own to bring up and look after. Though he could not Comply with the wish expressed in the address, he would never forget the kindness of those who had signed it, and the good wishes expressed by other fellow colonists. He had always been handicapped in election contests by a religious cry being raised agaiust him — not by the people at large, for, afl had been pointed out, members of all religious denominations had signed the address now presented, but by what he might term the least enlightened of the colonies. In respect to this matter, he, as they knew, always contended that it was not right for a man to disguise the views be held. His father and mother, who were strictly orthodox, had taught him that it was a duty to freely express one's opinions, come weal come woe ; and if he ever did re enter Parliament, it would be bis aim to do the best he conld for our common country.