THE MEMBER FOR INVERCARGILL.

Southland Times, Issue 1507, 21 October 1901, Page 2

THE MEMBER FOR INVERCARGILL.

The constituency, we feel sure, will hear with regret that the member for the town, Mr J. A. Hanan, has been compelled by ill-health to temporarily relinquish his political duties. It has been known to his friends for somo twelve months now, indeed since the end of laat session, that Mr Hanan's health has been far from satisfactory. A severe throat trouble at first attacked Mr Hanan, and for some time it seemed as though he would be compelled to give up public life. Happily, however, by exercising the greatest care, he has recovered almost entirely from that affection, and, as those who have watched the course of Parliamentary proceedings this session will know, he has been able to take his part in the discussions which have occurred, and to look after the affairs of his electorate. Unfortunately, insomnia, in a very malevolent form, has remained behind, and at times Mr Hanan has been reduced by sleepless nights, almost to a state of exhaustion. Although he has consulted specialists, both ill New Zealand and Australia, Mr Hanan has so far been unable to obtain relief from this very trying affliction, and although he has carried on his Parliamentary duties, often under very great difficulties, he has at last been instructed by his medical advisers to take a rest from the House. Mr Hanan. we understand, has been most strongly urged by the doctors to take a long sea voyage, and it is probable that as a last resort he will go Home during the coming recess. It has been patent to all who have observed Mr Hanan's Parliamentary conduct, that he has at all times maintained the claims not only of Invercargill, but also of Southland as a whole, and his constituents will hear with great regret of bis ill-health which enforces his retirement even for a week. We feel sure that we are Only expressing the sentiments of all,

when we hope that a week's rest will enable him to resume his seat and see the session out, and that if he should find it necessary to make a journey to Britain in the recess, he will return completely restored to health, in time to take his position in the House when Parliament meets next year.