PASSING MOURNED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 156, 3 July 1940, Page 9

PASSING MOURNED.

SIR WALTER CARNCROSS.

FIFTY YEARS' SERVICE AS M.P.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary WELLINGTON, this day.

Paying a tribute to the memory of the late Sir Walter Carneross in the House of Representatives last night, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, said a notable figure in the public life of the Dominion for half a century had passed away. In the earlier days of his career Sir Walter Carneross had been conspicuous in the Liberal party under Ballance and Seddon. He had been Chief Whip of the party and had many stories to tell of the capacity and ability of Seddon. He often said that he loved to serve under the great Liberal leader because of his decision, his insistence on discipline and his humanitarianism.

In those days, Mr. Fraser proceeded, social legislation was in the ascendency and those opposed-to the Liberal Government waged war bitterly on the Government's proposals, both inside and outside Parliament. The rules of debate were different in those days compared to now, and there were many "longdistance" speakers who showed much ingenuity in delaying the business of the House. Despite all the wrangling and bitterness introduced into the debates. Sir Walter Carneross retained friendships on both sides of the House throughout his life.

The Leader or tie Opposition, Mr. Hamilton, recalled that Sir Walter was one of three men in the Empire who had a recud of 50 years' service in the Legislature, the others being Mr. Lloyd George and Dr. W. R. Maloney, of Melbourne. That was a wonderful record, and it represented also a hi?h standard of service. It was also no mean achievement to live to the ripe old age of 85. By his passing the New Zealand Legislature had lost one of its most accustomed personalities. It must, however, be a great sense of satisfaction and pride to Lady Carneross and her family to know that. Sir Walter had such a distinguished career in the service of his country.

After other members had paid tributes, the House placed on record its high sense of the distinguished services rendered to the Dominion by Sir Walter Carneross, and tendered his widow and family its sympathy in their bereavement.

The House adjourned at 8.19 p.m. as a mark of respect.