MEETING AT PICTON.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 139, 13 June 1908, Page 5

MEETING AT PICTON.

[from our correspondent.] Friday. At the Foresters' Hall last night a large number of people assembled to | hear the political address of the Hon. C. H. Mills, Member for Wairau. The speech was on the same lines as that delivered at Blenheim. Mr Mills had a splendid reception, and his address was punctuated with applause. His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. Maitland), occupied the chair and briefly introduced the speaker, and after the latter had resumed his seat Mr T. Philpotts moved: "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Hon. C. H. Mills for his explicit address; that we desire to assure him that he still has our unbounded confidence; and that we deeply regret that he cannot spare the time to again represent this electorate in Parliament." In asking cnose present to confirm the motion, Mr Philpotts said that he wasi sorry indeed that Mr Mills was to serve them no longer. They would all agree, no matter how they might differ in politics, that the E^on. Mr Mills had served the constituency well, and that, he hacl been faithful to the trust imposed in him years ago. He, the speaker, had been assured "by one of the Ministers that their' Member had not an enemy in the House, but, on the contrary, was esteeriied and respepted by all for his , "straight going." He was one of Mr Mills's oldest supporters, and lie was sorry that he would not be able to work for him any longer. When the time came for them to choose a successor to the hon. gentleman, he hoped they would be able to select another member who would look after their interests as unreservedly and honestly as"Honest Charley Mills" had done. (Applause). •:•,.. Mr H. A. Simmonds endorsed the previous speaker's remarks, and spoke in a similar strain. On behalf of those present- he wished Mr and Mrs Mills a pleasant trip to the Old Country and a safe return. J The Mayor then put the motion, which was ', carried unanimously amidst hearty and prolonged applause. Mr Mills, in returning thanks, said he intended to keep ,in touch with Marlborough, and if he could ever be lof assistance to them or their future member his services were freely at 1 their disposal. A vote of thanks $o the chair brought the meeting td a close.