RETIRING PARLIAMENTARIANS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31197, 22 October 1966, Page 3

RETIRING PARLIAMENTARIANS

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 21. The longest serving New Zealand M.P. and former Labour At-torney-General, Mr H. G. R. Mason (Opp., New Lynn), was today praised from both sides of the House.

Speaking during his wind-ing-up address, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said: “The member has graced this chamber for over 40 years. This is easily a record. “This House will never be quite the same. 1 cannot remember ever a clash between we two. He is an honourable, venerable and very highly respected man. “1 have never known him to say and do a small or mean thing. 1 am afraid we are all guilty of that in the heat of debate.” In reply, Mr Mason briefly reviewed changes in personalities and circumstances during his years in the Jlouse. The main change was due to facilities in travel. “When I 'came into the House old habits were in full force, and that was about the beginning of changes which have accelerated over the years.” Mr Mason, referring to the amount of detail now facing members suggested that “some new look” might be required. “Keen, Clear Wit” Mr Holyoake paid tribute to the retiring Speaker (Sir Ronald Algie). “We and the people outside this House remember so vividly how your keen, clear wit shines out,” he said. “One is reminded of the skilled fencer—the man with the sharp rapier. To political friend and foe alike this was so clear and so much enjoyed.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) also paid tribute to Sir Ronald Algie. “We know that you have aspired to the best of your ability to uphold the traditions of the office,” he said.

“While you have made many rulings—some of which did not satisfy us—we hold great respect for your office.” In a witty speech, Sir Ronald Algie said he had learned a few lessons in politics. “One of them is that I run no risks of getting into trouble for what 1 don’t say.” He did not know how he would rate among the Speakers of this country. “But 1 hold a record,” he added. Sir Ronald Algie suggested that more notices of motion differing from his rulings had been presented during his time as Speaker than for any predecessor. “I tried to be right,” he said. The Minister of Railways, Mr McAlpine, who also holds the portfolios of Transport and Civil Aviation, was commended by Mr Holyoake for his service.

“John McAlpine’s first love has been the railways. We called him Mr Puff-Puff amongst ourselves,” Mr Holyoake said.

Mr McAlpine had given good service to the Railways Department, and his work for transport would be long remembered. He had fought for improved road safety and had had the satisfaction of seeing the Transport Amendment Bill pass through Parliament, a measure which would increase road safety, Mr Holyoake said. The Minister of Lands (Mr

Gerard) was described by Mr Holyoake as a “very real personality.”

“He is one of those who can bash an opponent over the head and smile while doing it. There is no man in this House who does not respect his integrity,” he said. Turning to the Minister of Defence and Tourism (Mr Eyre), Mr Holyoake said: “He is a dedicated crusader, everybody will give him this title.” Mr W. A. Sheat was described as a special kind of man and a special kind of member. “We used to call him our political battleship —1 don’t know why,” Mr Holyoake said.

Mr Holyoake said he regretted Mr W. B. Tennent was unable to be present because of ill-health. However, he had brought lustre to the House last year as president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Mr Holyoake said of Mr E. P. Aderman: “I have never known a man who worked so hard for his constituents. He is a grass roots member,” he said. The Prime Minister also praised Mr G. F. Sim. “I

can only admire the way he has suffered such serious disabilities. He has a very brave heart and a very cheerful disposition. He has triumphed through all kinds of disability,” he said. Mr Holyoake had a special word, too, for the “youngest of the retiring members,” Mr J. G. Edwards.

“He is a young man who was carving his way in the House. He has decided to carve a career elsewhere," he said. “Wherever your new place in life leads you we hope your experience here will be of some value to you.” Mr Kirk also paid tribute to retiring members.