MR WITTY'S RETIREMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1925, Page 2

MR WITTY'S RETIREMENT

iIY TEBEGHAm —J’IIKSS ASSN, COl"'glGHI. (TIRISTCHI’RCTI. Alay 20. Why has Air Hen. Witty, the Member lor Rieearton. decided to retire alter the coining session of Tarliamclit. and not to seek re-election.' Air Witty was asked that question l\v a reporter to-night. “Aly reasons.' lie replied. “Old age and poverty are ibe two chic, rea-ons I” To all .’Xclamat ion m iiuT. diniiy from the interviewer. Air Y\ iily said that, in a fortnight's time, he would I e in his seventieth year, lie added that, out of lil tv V.ars’ sojourn in this country, he had been engaged in the public service for -In year- 2.1 as a Member of l’arliament. He had also held many important positions on various local covering authorities, and lie was proud to he able to repeat that, never during his public career had he ever known a defeat when be came before the electors.” “What a bum poverty 8" questioned the reporter. “Had I remained out of the House, he said. “I would have been better oil' in point, of possessions than 1 am to-day. but I have ibis satisfaction, that while I have lost personally. the people I served have gained tin* benefit.” “Rut you have other reasons:-'” ‘“Yes.” he said. “My family are now away, and my wile is alone, and it. is time 1 had a little bit of ease and rest, for hitherto I have been going ail the time for others. Another reason is that 1 will not led the same interest in the House, now that Mr Massey has gone. !l was always a pleasure to meet him. and to have anything to do with him.” “Now that you arc in a position ol detachment, what do Von think ol the political .situation r” he was ask- “ The only thing 1 call see lor the safely of the country is that the two parties Reform and Liberal- nnw nine together and form one National Pnri v. and that for the good ol the country, persmuil ambitions must be put aside. The parlies must sink their differences and personal ambitions. Only that will save the country. If that is not 'lone, all I can see j, rba - ahead, and ibis country is 100 good to h ■ ruined by the ambition of a few. It is unfortunately generally il,:. case that, the most ambitious and pushful men are the least capable ones."