SIR ROBERT STOUT.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 244, 5 February 1898, Page 2

SIR ROBERT STOUT.

Sm Robert Stodt has formally announced his resignation, on the grouuds that his duty towards his fami.y necessitates devoting the whole of his attention, for some time ti come, to business. It is understood that the story that he was offered a position worth £3OOO per annum if he would give up politics is not correct. In an address to the electors of Wellington Sir Robett states :— '' In severing my connection with political life and with the constituency, I must express my deep obligation and gratitude to you for the confi fence you have so gencra'ly reposed in me during the last four years, and for the many acts of kindness I have rcceivtd at your hands. If I can, as a private citizen, assist in any way to promote the advancement and progress of our city and colony, I shall be only too pleased to do eo. I shall tender my resignation, but will allow a short time to elapse before doing so, to allow any who may not be on the roll an opportunity of being registered as electors." Responding to a vote of thanks, after the unveiling of the liallance Memorial, Sir Robert Stout niada a public announcement with regard to his resignation, which he said he intended to place in the hands of the Speaker of the House of Represcnta'ivcs in a few days. He said he was resigning purely for private reasons, an 1 in the interests of his family, lie would not have alluded to this personal matter hud he r.ot seen ihat his motive in resigning had been He had made no bargain with myotic. He recognised, and he hoped the people of the colony would ever recognise, that no one should enter p-tlitics to make money. That would set up a dry rot in the democracy if it ever became the rule. His duty to his family demanded his resignation. He remained, as he had been for some years, an opponent of the Ministry. It had been said he would now and his partners would now obtain Government work. So far ns that was concerned, the obtaining of Government woik would be no gain to him, as he had executed a deed disentitling hiais'-lf to auytlrne that cou'd or might come from that source. An to a barga : n that he was to get payment from anyone, that was ». fabrication. (m TELEOR.Vrn.—own correspondent). Wellington, Last Nijelit. For the seat that will become vacant by the resignation of Sir Robert Stout qu : te a host of Richmonds is in the field, including Messrs Legrove and Newman The Wellington Trades and Labour Council will also run a candidate