MR ROLLESTON IS HONOURED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18644, 22 December 1928, Page 13

MR ROLLESTON IS HONOURED.

TIMARU RESIDENTS MAKE PRESENTATION. In recognition of his public service?, during the past twenty-one years, Mr F. J. Rolleston was presented yesterday by the residents of South Canterbury, with a silver salver and tea set and gold watch and chain, all suitably inscribed. The presentation, which was made by the Mayor of Timaru. Mr G. •J. Wallace, took place in the Timaru Municipal Chambers. There was a large attendance. In his opening remarks, the Mayor expressed gratification at the number of persons attending. It was a particularly difficult time of the year for meetings of the sort, and the large attendance was proof of the esteem in •which Mr Rolleston was held. The nieeting had been called with the object of expressing to Mr Rolleston the appreciation of the residents of Timaru and South Canterbury for his able and extensive services during his public life. “To every public man must be given,’* said Mr Wallace, “ credit for honesty of purpose and sincerity of action. I am convinced that Mr RolIcston. during his Parliamentary life, did his I>est for the community. Though the recent election went against him, I believe that everyone in the electorate realises and appreciates what he has done. He has set an example of what one can do in a life’s work.” Dealing with Mr Rolleston's work while Mayor of Timaru, Mr Wallace said that he had been instrumental in ensuring the safety of the municipal water supply. There was a time when there was a danger of the supply being cut off at moment’s notice. Mr Rolleston had Vaken the matter in hand and by raising a loan of £IO.OOO he had carried it through with the result that Timaru now had the advantage of a safe water supply. Workers’ dwellings and the municipal omnibus service were other results of Mr Rolleston’s service. Speaking on behalf of the Levels County Council, Mr T. B. Garrick said that during the last six years Mr Rolleston had greatly assisted in unemployment relief matters. He greatly regretted that Mr Rolleston had not been returned to Parliament. Men of his calibre could not be spared from the head of the Government in the trying times the country was going through. The chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, Mr G. T. Dawson, also paid a tribute to Mr Rolleston s services. During his term as chairman of the Harbour Board the eastern extension, which had proved the making of Timaru Harbour, had been built. The present sound financial position of the board was mainly due to Mr Rolieston's foresight and business ability. During the war period he had been the means of raising £332,900 loan ir.onevs at five per cent. The money was raised at a particularly adverse time and in the country. It was very good business. Mr G. S. Cray, speaking on behalf of the War Relief Society, said that no one had done more for the men of New Zealand who had fought during the Great War than Mr Rolleston. Indirectly Mr Rolleston’s defeat was a benefit. During the last few years he had been overworking himself and a rest was all to his advantage. Mr G. Taylor spoke on behalf of the residents of Rosewill. He hoped to see Mr Rolleston returned at the next election. , Mrs E. J. Mirams, speaking on behalt of the women, said that Mr Rolleston’s work in bringing about the equal guardianship of children and the family allowances legislation was greatly appreciated. At this stage Mr Wallace made the presentation. Returning thanks, Mr Rolleston stated that it was gratifying to know that his small services to the community had been deemed worthy of recognition. He was enjoying a holiday, an enforced one. certainly, but nevertheless a holidav. At one stage he had found himself at the head of ten departments of the State. The rest would be beneficial. At the call of the Mayor three cheers were given for Mr Rolleston and his familv, and the singing of “ For He’s a lolly" Good Fellow” closed the meeting. ______________