PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21216, 24 September 1932, Page 10

PARLIAMENT

TRIBUTES TO DECEASED LEGISLATORS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [Per United Press Association,] WELLINGTON, September 23. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. On the motion of Sir James Parr the Council recorded its sense of the distinguished service rendered to New Zealand by lion. E. H. Clark, who, at the time of his death, was Chairman of Committees in the Council. Sir James Parr referred to Mr Clark’s endearing capacity of making friends, and the conspicuous ability with which lie had worked in the interests of the dominion. The motion was seconded by Sir Francis Bell, and several other members of the Council paid their tribute to Mr Clark’s personal qualities and career of service. The Council rose at 3.30 p.m. until Wednesday, when the Address-in-Reply debate will commence. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. The new member for the Southern Maori electorate, Mr E. T. Tirikatene, was sworn in, Mr E. H. Howard and Mr D. Sullivan acting as his sponsors. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following Bills ;—Currency (Mr H. G, R. Mason), Wellington Empowering and Amendment (Mr R. Semple), Gaming Amendment (Mr H. T. Armstrong) Mr W. E. Barnard (Napier) asked tb© Prime Minister when the report of the Hawke’s Bay Rehabilitation Committee would be presented to Parliament. Mr Forbes replied that the principal features of the committee’s report, with the exception of the figures showing the amount of assistance made available, were included in the statement published in July. There would be a further statement on the subject in the Budget. Mr A. E. Jull (Waipawa) asked the Prime Minister whether lie would fix the date for the conclusion of the Ad-dress-in-Reply debate, pointing out that the public were anxiously awaiting the report and legislation relating to the Ottawa Conference. Mr Forbes replied that tho Government was anxious to get on with the business mentioned by Mr Jnll. Tho length of the Address-in-Reply debate was a matter for the House, but he would bo pleased to confer with' the Loader of the. Opposition to see if any arrangement could be arrived at.

Replying to Mr W. Nash (HuttL Mr Forbes said the State Advances Department was prepared to deal liberally with either tenants or mortgagors who were unable to meet their obligations. Every case would have to be dealt with on its merits.

Mi - Tan 11 cnarc (Northern Maori) was granted two days’ leave of absence on account of illness in the family. The following' Bills were introduced and road a first time:—Carterton Borough Council and Wairarapa South County Council Empowering (Mr A. D. APLeodl ; (Meat Export Control Amendment (Mr W. J. Poison) ; Akaroa Cocksfoot Seed (Air J. AFCombs). The customary motions recording appreciation of their services to New Zealand and expressing sympathy with the relatives were passed with respect to the following deceased members of the LegislatureMr W. Pember Reeves (member for St. Albans ISS7 and for Christchurch City IS9O-96, and also a former Minister of the Crown and High Commissioner), Air Tuiti Makitanara (member for Southern Maori 1928-32), Mr H. S. Valentine (member for Waikaia 1887 and for Tnapeka 1890-3), and Mr E. H. Clark (member for Chalmers 1908-14 and a former Chairman _of Committees in the Legislative Council). Tributes were paid.in each case by members representing all sections of tho House, and at the conclusion, of the speeches the House adjourned as a mark of respect. Referring to Air Pember Reeves, Air Forbes said he had been one of New Zealand’s great men. His prowess had been as marked in politics as it had been in athletics, and his literary ability had been of a very high order. By his death the world had lost a very able man, and New Zealand had lost one of its talented sons. The Leader of the Opposition said that Air Reeves had played a great part in the social legislation of New Zealand. His most famous work had been carried out at the Alinistry of Labour. He had been tho iirst man in the world to hold such a portfolio. With that of Edward Tregcar, tho name of Pember Reeves was revered by every worker with a sense of. gratitude for those who had worked for them in the early days. Tho House rose at 4.25 p.m. till 2.30 on Tuesday.