COUNTRY'S REGRET

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 3, 3 July 1940, Page 5

COUNTRY'S REGRET

DEATH OF SIR WALTER

CARNCROSS

TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT

A SHORT SITTING

"The name of Sir Walter Carncross will endure as one of the foremost Speakers of the Legislative Council," said the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) in the House of Representatives last night when paying tribute to the late Sir Walter Carncross and his outstanding record as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Dominion.

The Prime Minister said that the House, in expressing its deep regret in the passing of Sir Walter Carncross, was paying tribute to a notable figure in the political life of the' Dominion— a man who entered public life half a century ago and played a prominent part from that day until his death. In the earlier days of his career he had been conspicuous in the Liberal Party under both Ballance and Seddon. He had been Chief Whip of the party, and

had many stories to tell of the capacity and ability of Mr. Seddon. He often said that he loved to serve under the great Libera] Leader because of his decision, his insistence on discipline, arid his humanitarianism. In those days social legislation was in the acendancy and those opposed to the Liberal Government waged war bitterly on the Government's proposals both inside and outside Parliament. The rules of debate were different in those days compared to now, and there were many "long-distance" speakers who showed much ingenuity in delaying the business of the House. Despite all the wrangling and bitterness introduced into the debates the late Sir Walter Carncross made friends on both sides of the House and retained those friendships throughout his life.

Mr. Fraser said that the late Speaker of the Legislative Council was always willing to give advice to young members, and his ripe knowledge was available on all occasions to those who sought it. He visited Great Britain in 1917, together with other New Zealand legislators, and was shown over, the battlefields of France. It was during that visit that Sir Walter learned to realise how much New Zealand meant to the Mother Country, and how much the Mother Country meant to New Zealand. Right up to the time of his death Sir Walter had faith that the Empire would emerge triumphantly from the war and that righteousness would prevail in the end. That was a lesson for all. The name of the deceased legislator would endure as one of the foremost speakers of the Legislative Council. He moved that the

House of Representatives record its high sense of the distinguished services rendered to New Zealand by Sir Walter Carncross and tender to his widow and family its assurance of its I sympathy in their bereavement. A WONDERFUL RECORD. The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton), who recalled that Sir Walter was one of the three men throughout the Empire who had a record of fifty years' service- in the legislature, the others being the Rt. Hon. David LJoyd

George and Dr. W. R. Maloney, of Melbourne. That was a wonderful record and it represented also a very high standard of service. It was also no mean achievement to live to the ripe old age of eighty-five. Mr. Hamilton referred to the changes that had taken place in the New Zealand legislature in the last few years. Today they looked out on a very much different world from that which Sir Walter knew when he first entered Parliament fifty years ago. Sir Walter's life and service were an inspiring example to them all. He was one who

surely could lay down his burden and retire to rest in the knowledge that he had done his duty well. On behalf of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton extended deepest sympathy to Lady Carncross and family.

The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) said that Sir Walter had represented the Taieri electorate for twelve years, portion of which was now in the Dunedin South electorate, which he had the honour to represent. During the time Sir Walter lived in Mosgiel he took an active part not only in the political life of the country, but also in local body affairs, sport, the friendly society movement, and even in the early days, in the defence of his country. Throughout his life he continued to be interested in the defence of the Dominion. Mr. Jones extended his personal sympathy and also that of the people of his electorate and the southern part of New Zealand generally.

Mr. F. L. Frost (Government, New Plymouth), who spoke on behalf of the Taranaki members in the House, said that Sir Walter and his family bore an honoured name throughout the Taranaki Province.

Mr: E. T. Tirikatene (Government, Southern Maori), who spoke on behalf of the Maori race, said that Sir Walter had always been very interested in the Native race and he knew that his passing would be grieved by the Maori as well as by the pakeha.

Mr. A. E. Jull (National, Waipawa). the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. W. Lee Martin), and the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) also spoke, paying tributes to Sir Walter's

fine disposition and unfailing courtesy and helpfulness.

The House adjourned at 8.19 p.m. until 7.30 tonight as a mark of respect.