THE SPEAKER

Evening Star, Issue 18258, 24 April 1923, Page 12

THE SPEAKER

OVERSEAS CLUB CONGRATULATIONS An “at home” to the Hon. C. E. Statham was tendered by the Overseas Club in its rooms yesterday _ afternoon. Mrs Statham was presented with a beautiful floral bouquet. The president (Mr IT. L. Tapley) presided, and at tho outset referred to the number of apologies he had received from members who were either suffering directly from tho catastrophe or were marooned by tho flood waters. They were met there to ido honor to Mr Statham, and took special pride in his elevation to tho high office of tho Speakership, because ho was one of their members and had been brought up among them. No hotter selection could have been made. Mr Statham enjoyed a groat popularity in the House among all shades of political opinion. Mr Statham must take pride in the fact that it was unprecedented for a man so young to have this distinction conferred upon him. It was because of his uprightness of character, his ability, and hia varied social gifts that he occupied that position to-day. Mr Statham was a man who always had the courage of hjs convictions. They tendered him the heartiest congratulations on attaining the high office to which his colleagues in Parliament had appointed him. He could not let the occasion pass without reference to Mr Statham’s devoted wife. If there was any man who had a true helpmeet fitted in all ways to stand beside him in his honorable office it was Mr Statham. They' congratulated Mrs Statham also on the. honor that had coma to her husband. All joined in the hearty singing of ‘ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’

Mr Statham, in reply, said he hardly knew how to return thanks for nil the kind words said about him. He could only hope he would be, worthy of whit had been said. ITo had been greatly struck by the wonderful freedom g'Ven to our Government by the Mother Land, a freedom not enjoyed by any other country. This freedom had come down to u? after long centuries of striving, and wo should specially appreciate the fact that we were the heirs of groat struggles. He apoko also of the system of just ice tha t wu have. There might bo fault to bo found with our government and laws, but reform with us could be made by constitutional means. All members of the House had earnestly endeavored to assist him in carrying out the duties of the office. Ho returned thanks also for the kind things said of his wife. Vocal items were afterwards contributed by Miss Muriel Garter and Mr S. Taylor. Miss Alice George presided at the piano. Afternoon tea and refreshments were Inter dispensed.