THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 142, 16 June 1923, Page 7

THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT.

Solemn references were made in theHouse of Representatives yesterday to the death during the last recess of several former legislators. It is remarkable how the personnel of the Lower House changes with each session, and this fact is brought home to members on occasions such as occurred yesterday. The portly and familiar form of the late Sir William Herries is missing from the piesent Parliament, and the foeling references to his character made on all sides indicated the truth of the Prime Minister's statement that no member was more popular or more respected. The late Sir William was known personally to the majority of the members, but it was not so with the others to whom dignified reference was made. The late Hon. C. H. Mills, who was, in" the words of the Prime Minister, aji extraordinarily sympathetic man, imbued witl' the spirit of the pioneers, was' almost unknown to the present generation of politicians, and the same could be said to even a greater <le"gree of the late -Mr. A. P. Seymour. There are those, however, who can claim the privilege of knowing intimately these gentlemen who left their footprints on the poltieul sands of the Dominion. The late Mr. Seymour, who was 91 years "of age when he died; was described as the Grand Old Man of Marlborough, and along with th« late Hon. C. H. j\j,ills, also of Marlborough, his memory is revered. Reference was also made to the recent death in England of Mr.: Edward Pearce, one of the founders of the city of Wellington and of the firm of- Messrs. Levin and Co. The House also recorded its regret at the death which occurred at Sydney on 14th April last of Mr. W. W. Collins, who formerly represented Christchurch in the House of Representatives. The late Mr. Collin.s was very greatly interested in social and econo"mic questions, and was renowned as an orator. After the House had expressed its high sense of appreciation of the work done in the interests of the Dominion by the gentlemen named it adjourned until Tuesday afternoon out oi respect for their memory. At an earlier stage of. the sitting members gave notics of many questions, and if the present rate is maintained the, Order Paper will be a very bulky document before another week is over. In two days something like sixty questions have been handed in, and the Ministers, together with their departmental officers, will have a busy time satisfying the curiosity oi' members. The Learfer of the Opposition achieved something. His plea of urgency was accepted by the House, and he asked a question without notice. The new Minister of Railways (the Hon. J. G. Coates) informed Mr. Wilford that the level crossing peril would have the early consideration of himself and his colleagues.