THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2501, 30 June 1915, Page 6

THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Notaw.e as one of the exceedingly rare occasions on which an Addrcss-in-lleply debate has begun and ended on a single evening, last night's sitting of the House of Representatives «'as notable also for the quality of the speeches in which the Address was moved and seconded. Messrs. (J, J. Parr and W. Downie Stewart are new to national politics in the sense that they - are entering their first session as members of the House of Representatives, but both are men of trained ability and wide practical experience in public affairs. Each of them is able to look back upon a career of distinguished service in local politics. From such men no stumbling efforts were to be expected 10 their maiden speeches in a full-dress ' debate in the House, and undoubtedly they answered expectations. Ab the event turned uncommonly able men were called upon to open the first big debate of the session in quite extraordinary .and unprecedented circumstances, and they rose capably to the _ occasion. Their speeches contain a clear and forcible expression of the principles which should unquestionably govern and dominate Parliamentary action while the Empire is plunged in war. Alike in their complete avoidance of all the pettiness and bickering of party warfare and insistence upon the plain duty of sinking all other considerations whatsoever in face of the paramount necessity of advancing tie common Imperial cause, Messrs. I'aiir and Stewart admirably expressed the sentiments which without doubt aro held throughout the country, and happily seem, likely to obtain full recognition also'in Parliament. In thoir references to Imperial affairs and to the Imperial developments which may be expected to follow the war, both members give evidence of a broad outlook and a firm grasp upon the essentials of the problems with which they dealt. Both are to be congratulated upon the matter and spirit of their inaugural speeches in the House, for they were worthy of a great occasion. Mr. Parr will doubtless render as useful service in Parliament in the troublous times that lie immediately ahead as lie has rendered hitherto in local politics. Having joined the Expeditionary Force, Mr. Stewart will be absent from Parliament during tho coming session, and while the sense of duty which has impelled him to enlist must be heartily commended, there is room for very real regret that the House of Representatives will meantime bo deprived of a member qualified by an exceptional combination of _ native gifts, scholarship and practical experience, to take a distinguished part in its deliberations.