SIR R. HEATON RHODES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3765, 11 May 1926, Page 77

SIR R. HEATON RHODES.

ENTERTAINED BY FORMER ELECTORS. KECOCNITION OF HIS SERVICES. CHRISTCHURCH, Maj 4. The Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes and Lady Rhodes were entertained by the residents of tho Ellesmere electorate at a garden party this afternoon and at a banquet to-night. Those present included the Prime Minister (th© Right Hon. J. G. Coates), the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nosworthy), Mr David Jones, M.P., and Mr John Cunningham, chairman of the Ellesmere County Council, who presided at the garden party. Eloquent tributes were paid by the Prime Minister and others to the services rendered to the country and the Empire by Sir Heaton Rhodes during the 25 years that ho had represented Ellesmere in Parliament. Regret was expressed that his health had caused him to relinquish some public duties, but gratification was felt that the country would still have the benefit of his wisdom as a member of the Legislative Council, and as a Minister without portfolio. Tho Chairman, in his spech, said that Sir Heaton Rhodes had twice represented the Dominion abroad, onpe in the East and on

another occasion in England in connection with the Red Cross. He had seen active service in the Boer War and was Minister °f Defence at the time of his retirement. Ilis crowning honour was the knighthood conferred upon him by his Maiestv the King. Mr Cunningham, on of the electorate presented Sir Heaton with a gold-inscribed casket containing a scroll setting out. his record of distinguished ser vice, and Lady Rhodes with a gold watch* Tho banquet to-night was held in the store at the railway siding, which is the only building in the district capable of accommodating all who attended.