MR. G. R. SYKES

Wairarapa Age, 29 July 1936, Page 4

MR. G. R. SYKES

TRIBUTES TO PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE. GATHERING AT EKETAHUNA. Glowing tributes to the worth of Mt. G. R. Sykes, former member for Masterton, and appreciative reference® t® his years of valuable and untiring work on behalf of Ha constituents, were paid at a social gathering held at Eketahuna last night in his honour. The hall was crowded with a gathering thoroughly representative of all parts of th® electorate and Mr. Sykes was presented with a well filled wallet. * The Mayor of Eketahuna, Mr. W. Simpson, who presided, referred to Mr. Syke® ’s long and faithful service fce the electorate and said that it was mfortuMt® that at times members of Parliament lost their seats, notwith* standing the fact that in many cases they had done splendid work for their district. He hoped that the time would .come when Mr. Sykes would "stage |a come-back.” Whatever might happen, however, the people would always recognise that Mr. Sykes had given good and faithful service to Ms supporters. The readiness with which residents of town and country had contributed to the presentation was very tangible evidence of the respect atyd esteem in which Mr. Sykes was held and of the appreciation with which hie good work was regarded. Mr. J. B. Carruthers, chaiYmaa of the Eketahuna County Council, speaking on behalf of country constituent*, said that an ever-readiness to be of assistance and willingness to work for the benefit of his electorate had been characteristics of Mr. Sykes’s long years in the House as representative of the Masterton electorate. He expressed the hope that the time would come when Mr. Sykes would come back fresher than ever.

After Mr. Simpson, on behalf of th® town and district, had presented Mm with a well filled wallet, Mr. Bykee said he very deeply appreciated the presentation and the kind remarks passed regarding his services. He doubted whether he had deserved either of them, but he had always don® his best for his electorate. He was grateful to the Borough Council; County Council and other district organisations for their assistance and cooperation when he was in office. After making some reference to aspects of local body politics, Mr. Sykes reviewed Parliamentary affairs and changes during the past 20 years. The regard of the many friends be had made white engaged in politics. Mr. Sykes observed, repaid him for his years of work. It would be au revoir and not goodbye he would say to his friends and supporters in the hall, he concluded amidst applause. Interspersed with the speeches were a number of excellent musical and other items, while an enjoyable dance and a card tournament rounded off a most successful and enjoyable evening.