NOT TO CONTEST SEAT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 256, 26 July 1935, Page 10

NOT TO CONTEST SEAT

Sir Charles Statham and

Dunedin Central

REASONS FOR RETIRING

Tin.- lli'ii. Sir Charles Statham. Speaker of tin? ilouse of Representatives ami member for Dunedin Central, has decided not to contest, the seat at the forthcoming General Election.

Interviewed by a representative of •■'The Dominion” yesterday Sir Charles said lh.it at. the declaration of the poll at the last General Election he had stated that if ever lie. fought another election lie would do so “with tiie gloves off.” When lie said this at that time he fully realised, although ail his hearers may not have done so. that, he could not possibly allow himself to be nominated for the Speakership after tiie expiration of tiie present I’arlianient.

Sir Charles said that be felt very strongly that, as in England, once a member became Speaker, be should refrain from taking any part whatsoever in party polities or political controversy, ami for his part lie had faithfully observed that principle. In England, there was a well-estab-lished tradition that in the interests of fair play and for the preservation of the strict impartiality of the Chair so necessary to tiie proper conduct of the proceedings of the House, the Speaker should not lie opposed in his own electorate, but that tradition was not wholly observed in New Zealand. However, as he had said on former occasions, this was a free country, and. although he might not agree with their views, he did not find fault with those who thought tit to oppose him. So far as lie was concerned he had. as a past and prospective Speaker, always refused to be drawn into any party controversy, and it was not easy

for a candidate to “fight” an election with his hands tied behind his back. He was not unmindful of the fact that as the presiding officer of the House he had enjoyed the confidences and, he hoped the confidence of members of all shades of political opinion. He had no doubt that he would win his old seat if he did “take the gloves off,” but it would involve throwing aside all his neutrality, and fighting against some of those who had been good enough to place their confidence in him and give him their loyal support in his arduous duties as their Speaker. After very serious consideration, he felt that it was better to retire altogether from the contest.

Sir Charles also mentioned that there had been some rumours afloat that he had been looking for an easier seat in the North Island. This was not the case. He certainly had been asked on more titan one occasion to stand for one of the Wellington seats, but had said that he could not see his way to do so. If lie stood at all, it would be for his old seat, Dunedin Central, the constituents of which had supported him so faithfully and had returned him continuously since 1911. He would take another opportunity of tendering his thanks to them.

Finally, said Sir Charles, he would like to mention that the Speaker of the House was the most elected person in the Dominion; he was elected to his position by the elected representatives of the people. lie hoped that his constituents would feel that for the best part of 13 years they had shared that honour with him. DISTINCTIVE CAREER Doyen of Representative Speakers Sir Charles Statham can claim a distinctive career iij the Parliamentary history of New Zealand. He is not only the first New Z< aland-born Speaker of the House of Representatives, but he is also the doyen of representative Speakers in the Br.tish Empire. Moreover, he holds the New Zealand record for unbroken service as Speaker in the elected Chamber of Parliament. He was appointed to the position on February 7, 1923. It may be mentioned incidentally that, although he has decided not to contest the Dunedin Central seat at the forthcoming general election, he will, according to traditional practice, hold his position or at least draw its emoluments until the new Parliament next year elects his successor.

Sir Charles is sixty years of age. He was born in Dunedin in 1875, and is the eldest and only surviving son of the Rev. Canon Charles Hadfield Statham. His two brothers, Major F. H. Statham and Corporal Clive Statham, were killed in action bn Gallipoli during the Great War. As a boy Sir Charles was educated at Park’s School, Dunedin, the Cathedral School, Christchurch, and the Otago Boys’ High School. He entered commercial life, ami was trained as an accountant, but ho studied law and became a solicitor in 1901. He was admitted as a barrister in 1906, and practised in Dunedin. During his young manhood lie was a keen supporter of athletics was treasurer of the Pirates Football Club, and for many years was an active member of the Otago Rowing Club, being in turn its captain and treasurer. In 1911 lie was elected a member of the Dunedin City Council, retiring in 1913. He was first elected to the House ot Representatives for Dunedin Central on December 7, 1911, and has represented that electorate over since. For his service as Speaker of the House he was knighted in 1926. Ju 1929 he was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In 1905 he married Lilias Harata Hine te Aho, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett.

Sir Charles and Lady Statham have one daughter, who married Mr. G. Muntz, assistant British Trade Commissioner in New Zealand.

As it had been rumoured for some time that Sir Charles Statham intended not to contest tile Dunedin Central sent at the next general election, the definite announcement yesterday did not occasion great surprise in Parliamentary circles. It may be said, however, that there were some interesting conjectures as to his future, and the consensus of opinion among politicians was that in view of his outstanding career in the House of Re-

presentatives be appeared to be certain of a "call” to the Legislative Council. NATIONALIST CANDIDATE Rev, L. B. Neale Mentioned By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, July 25. The name of the Rev. L. B. Neale is being freely mentioned as the possible Nationalist, candidate for Dunedin Central from which seat Sir Charles Statham, who is Speaker of the House of Representatives, is withdrawing. When questioned, however, Mr. Neale was not prepared to substantiate or deny the rumour. MATAURA ELECTORATE Choosing a National Candidate By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, J uly 25. Over 100 Reform and United supporters in the Mataura electorate met the Hon. R. Masters at Gore to-day, and the decision to form the National Political Federation was unanimously endorsed. Those present pledged themselves to use every endeavour fo secure the return of a selected National candidate, and to this end decided to form a branch of the National Political Federation.

Messrs. E. 11. Murney and T. Golden, who have been mentioned as possible candidates, were present, and voluntarily stated that they were willing to submit their names to a selection committee and abide by the decision of that body.