RESIGNED.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19893, 23 May 1936, Page 9

RESIGN ED.

l‘V » V j i'th COLONIAL SECRETARY. ! i MR J. H. THOMAS WITHDRAWS. . l *— l STAY IN OFFICE IMPOSSIBLE. l 'UHHEG Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (iieceived May 23. 1.0 p.mf: LONDON, .\lay 2‘2. It is officially announced that Mr J. H. Thomas, Colonial Secretary, has reslgned. Mr Thomas, In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Baldwin, dated April 20, said: “ i understand that the tribunal to-day finished Ite publlo sittings and will proceed Immediately to consider its report. However. regerdlese of what the report may contain, I feel It my duty to resign. You are aware that I offered evldenoe immediately the tribunal was appointed. My evidence ls public property, and my private and personal transactions have been submitted to the tribunal. “I have decided to resign because the way in which my name and private affairs have been bandied about ren—ders my continuation as a Minister im—possible. My only object in joining the National Government was because

ll felt that the coming together of all parties, regardless of (lltl'erences, was the only chance the country had of pulling through. ’l‘o-day 1 hold that opinion even more llrmly, but feel that. instead of being a source of strength to the Cabinet, 1 shall merely be a drug on it. Inm not in a position to pull my lfull weight in this desire to serve my country, which 1 hope my past publiclit‘e Jusliiios lne ill saying, this uiwuys been my object. Feels No Resentment. ~ “I ought, in fairness to all parties in the House of Commons. to emphasise that. I feel no resentment at the tiemand for a [nil and impartial investi—gation. insomuch its IIIC absolute integrity 01' the public life of the country is involved. it is well known that I have no political differences with my colleagues or the Um‘crnmont policy. 11 am fully conscious of the grave and idifllcult problems, changing almost hourly, which have been i‘uccd by the Cabinet. in coming to a decision meaning so much to me i can only wish you and my late colleagues God—speed in leading the nation out of the present difiieulty. Tribute from Prime Minister. I Mr Baldwin replied: “My dear | Jim, you acted as I should have done In your place. I accept your resignation with deep regret, which I know wlit be shared by my colieagues. The loyal support you have given through five strenuous years to the National I Government will always be remembered by those who worked wlth you.”