MINISTER HONOURED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21505, 31 May 1933, Page 12

MINISTER HONOURED

TRIBUTES TO MR. BITCHENER [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WAI.MATE, Tuesday A complimentary social tendered to the Hon. J. Bitchencr on his elevation to the Cabinet was largely last evening. The Hon. A. Hamilton, Minister of Employment, was present. The Mayor, Mr. G. Dash, presided. Mr. Hamilton said he had been associated with Mr. Bitchcner for 13 years, and realised his worth. It was to the credit of Mr. Bitchencr that ho came from the plough to be a Minister of the Crown. He questioned whether any man in the House had such a good record on local bodies as Mr. Bitchencr had. These were the days for doing, and Mr. Bitchencr was the man for the job. Mr. J. A. Macpherson, M.P., said no man in Parliament was held in higher esteem that Mr. Bitehener, who possessed a wide experience. He paid a tribute to Mr. Bitehener's solid reliability as party whip. Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P.,- said that since Mr. Bitehener entered politics he had been guided solely by the interests of New Zealand. His outstanding qualities were loyalty, high integrity and common sense. At no period were such qualities necessary us at present. Mr. Bitehener was greeted with prolonged applause. He thanked his friends and colleagues for the references to his work. He said his experience on local bodies had been a real education, and he greatly regretted to sever his connection with South Canterbury local bodies, but hoped that ■ they would approach him if ever he could be of service. He assured his hearers that in the present financial circumstances, he would give a firm refusal if prospects did not measure up to requirements.