The new and the old side by side -- West Germany's ex-president Theodor Heuss, and successor, President Heinrich Luebke -- drove in an open car to Bonn's main railway station, September 16, past thousands of cheering well-wishers who came to bid Professors Heuss farewell as he left for Stuttgart - and retirement.

In the following cars, were Chancellor Adenauer and all Government ministers, to give the popular ex-president - first to hold this non-executive position - a big send-off. At the station, with President Luebke, formerly Minister of Agriculture; and Defence Minister Strauss, Professor Heuss inspected a guard of honour before entering the train and waving goodbye to the people - and public life.

Professor Heuss, who is 75, was President for ten years. He will live in a new house he has built on one of the hills above Stuttgart, where he is to resume his writing. Many believe he is starting his memoirs. Although strictly above party politics, Professor Heuss contributed much to the inner balance of the West Germany Republic.