LEGISLATOR'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 154, 1 July 1940, Page 11

LEGISLATOR'S DEATH.

SIR WALTER CARNCROSS. EMPIRE SPEAKERSHIP RECORD. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sunday. The death of Sir Walter Carncross, aged 85, a former Speaker of the Legislative Council, occurred at hie home at Eltham this morning, after a brief illness. He is survived by Lady Carncross, one daughter, Miss S. Carncross, and one son, Mr. C. Carncross all of Eltham.

Coming to New Zealand as a boy in 1855 from Bendigo, Victoria, Sir Walter, who was a compositor by trade, became owner of the "Taieri Advocate" at Mosgiel. In 1901 he acquired the "Eltham Argus" in Taranaki, and conducted this paper until 1931.

Sir Walter created an Empire record for speakership, holding the office of Speaker of the Legislative Council for 21 years. Hβ retired from this post last year. He had been associated with the political life of New Zealand for 50 years. He wae member for Taieri in the House of Representatives from 1890 until 1902, and on his retirement from the House was appointed to the Legislative Council. He held the position of Chairman of Committees from 1910 until he succeeded Sir Walter Johnston a* Speaker in 1918, and was a member of the Council at the time of his death In 1916 Sir Walter was one of the four delegates who visited England at the invitation of the Parliamentary • ™! tio "' He received Ms knighthood ui 1922.