HON. D. H. GUTHRIE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19443, 31 October 1925, Page 10

HON. D. H. GUTHRIE

ENTERTAINED BY ELECTORS SERVICES TO DOMINION RECOGNISED. “A GREAT CAREER.” All roads led to Feilding on Wednesday on the occasion of the garden party held in honour of the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, and it was a large and representative gathering that attended the important function. The proceedings were in charge of Mr. A. Campbell (chairman of the Oroua County Council) who expressed pleasure at seeing such a large attendance. He said Mr. Guthrie had represented the Oroua electorate in Parliament for 17 years, and electors of every shade of political opinion were proud of his career. (Applause). The speaker referred to Mr. Guthrie’s yeoman service as Minister of Lands and Minister of Repatriation, Und stated that the fact that his health had broken down was due to his unfailing and devoted attention to duty. Mr. Guthrie had been only too pleased to assist the settler in trouble, and his integrity and honesty won for him the esteem and confidence of the whole community. Mr. Campbell then presented Mr. Guthrie with an illuminated address, in recognition of his services to the Dominion and as a mark of the esteem in which he is held throughout the electorate.

Mr. A. G. Simpson (chairman of the Rangitikei County Council) said they were pleased to have the opportunity of recognising the valued and honest service of Mr. Guthrie. He referred to the strenuous life of Cabinet Ministers during the war and expressed regret that Mr. Guthrie’s health necessitated his retirement from active politics. Mr. Simpson concluded by wishing Mr. Guthrie a speedy restoration to health and strength. Mr. W. H. Smart (chairman of the Pohangina County Council) endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. Ho spoke in fitting terms of the part taken by Mrs. Guthrie during the illness of her husband and stated, amid applause, that this fact must not be overlooked. He joined in wishing Mr. Guthrie renewed health. The Hon. Edward Newman, M.L.C., said that he and Mr. Guthrie both entered Parliament in 1908, and it soon became evident that the latter gentleman was to make a mark in public life in New Zealand. He spoke interestingly of Mr. Guthrie’s rise up the political ladder until he was called upon to take over the portforlio of Lands. The country settler would never forget the work done by Mr. Guthrie. He had proved himself to bo an honest, just, and able administrator. Mr. J. A. Nash, representative of Palmerston North in the last Parliament, also spoke, paying a tribute to the public service of Mr. Guthrie. He had been a great administrator, and he would always be remembered as such.

Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie were also the recipients of a silver service, suitably inscribed. In accordance with medical adviceMr. Guthrie did not reply, his son, Mr. Milton Guthrie, speaking on his behalf. Mrs. Guthrie also feelingly expressed the thanks of her husband fiad herself. The singing of 44 For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and the handing round of afternoon tea concluded a very enjoyable and memorable afternoon.