LEGISLATORS OF OTHER DAYS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21747, 1 April 1936, Page 12

LEGISLATORS OF OTHER DAYS

SIR FRANCIS BELL'S CAREER

TRIBUTES IN THE HOUSE

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, March 31. All sides of the House united to-day in paying high tributes to the services given to the Dominion by Sir Francis Bell Speakers described him as a great citizen, an eminent constitutional lawyer, and an invaluable adviser to many legislators. "Sir Francis Bell carried with him to the grave the respect of every person with whom he had been associated," said the Prime Minister (the lion. M. J. Savage). "It was admitted by all sides of the House that fair Francis was a very keen opponent and a faithful friend, trusted and respected by his opponents. The long list of public positions he held, not only in Parliament but in other snheres, was sufficient evidence of his wonderful life of service to this country and the Empire." Mr Savage said that no man had passed from the political and the world sphere and left behind him a greater number of friends, and in the hearts of members a greater degree of real sympathy for those who had been left behind. The leader of the Opposition (the Rt Hon. G. W. Forbes) said that the death of Sir Francis Bell had ended a lons and very fine career. He was born in an atmosphere of public service, and he gave signal service to his fellow citizens. Sir Francis was an ardent imperialist, a man with a great belief in the future of the British Empire.

The Minister for Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) spoke of the personal generosity of Sir Francis Bell. Sir Francis had represented the best type of political mind, he said. Dealing with legislation, no man was more able to look through the meaning of words and find out the flaws and faults which might be in them. Sir Francis Bell had been a strong and abiding link with the past, said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. He doubted if there had been a man in the country with a wider knowledge of national, imperial, and foreign affairs. Mr Coates also mentioned the eminence to which Sir Francis had risen as a great constitutional lawyer, and told of a contest Sir Francis Bell had had with Lord Birkenhead.

The Minister for Justice (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason), the Minister for Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb), and Mr R. A. Wright (Ind.) also spoke of the work of Sir Francis Bell. Members of the Government and other speakers also spoke warmly of the services given to the Dominion by four other former legislators who had died recently, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, who was for a time Minister for Mines and Minister for Labour; Mr P. A. d* la Perrelle, a Minister in the Ward and Forbes Governments; the Hon. K. 3. Williams, and Sir James Mills. The House then adjourned until 8 o'clock as a mark of respect.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TRIBUTES

DEATH OF SIR FRANCIS BELL

(PMBS ASSOCIATION TEHOEAM.)

WELLINGTON, March 31

The Legislative Council this afternoon paid tributes to the Rt. Hon. Sir Francis Bell. The Hon. Mark Fagan. leader of the council, said he doubted whether the council had ever before suffered such a loss. Sir Francis Bell would be sadly missed, particularly in the Statutes Revision Committee. He had been a world figure, and his reputation was known far outside New Zealand.

The Hon. Sir James Allen, the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, the Hon. R. Masters, the Hon. D. Buddo, the Hon. L. M. Isitt, the Hon. W. Perry, and the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre added tributes. Reference was also made to the death of the Hon. G. J. Anderson. Mr Fagan emphasised Mr Anderson's sympathy as Minister for Mines, and also paid tribute to his work as Minister for Mines in putting through the Safety and Welfare of Miners Act and in bringing the Coal Mines Act of New Zealand more up to date than in any country he knew.

The council adjourned at 5.5 till Thursday, as a mark of respect to the late members.