PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22896, 2 March 1938, Page 7

PARLIAMENT

THE SESSION RESUMED TRIBUTES TO DECEASED LEGISLATORS IPbb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 1. After the lengthy Christmas recess the House of Representatives resumed the second session of the present Parliament at 2.30 this afternoon, the benches and galleries being well filled for the occasion. There was no_ formal opening ceremony, as at the beginning of a new session, and immediately after the opening ■ prayer by the Speaker (Mr Barnard], the House proceeded with the usual business routine. Mr Wright gave notice to ask if the Minister of Pensions was aware'that no pensions were allowed to orphans where the mother predeceased the father, and that, on the death of the latter the children were left without support. He asked was it proposed to rectify the anomaly. Mr Cullen gave notice to ask the Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research if he would investigate the methods used by the Meteorological Department in compiling weather forecasts. and whether .it would be possible to give the farmers more immediate and accurate forecasts in future. He men-

tioned that the weather forecasts had

given no warning of the recent disas--4 trous floods in the Wairba and Hawke’s Bay districts; Leave of absence was granted members, as follows::—Three days for Mr Coleman, four days for Mr Smith, and four days for Mr T. D. Burnett, all on account of urgent public business; four days to Mr Holyoake and eight days to Mr Tau Henare, both on account of illness.

The House then proceeded with motions of sympathy and appreciation to past legislators. Moving a motion of sympathy to the relatives of the late Hon. David Buddo, the Minister of Health (Mr Fraser) said those who. had sat in Parliament with the late Mr Buddo recognised his geniality and friendliness, also his true service and kindly, tolerant nature. He had taken a particular interest in the welfare of Lincoln College to the. day of his death, and had been a devoted Liberal stalwart, and was looked upon as one of the Old Guard, who never wavered in his Members always respected and loved him, and his passing was deeply regretted by all. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hamilton), seconding the motion, said Mir Buddo during his long private and public career had played his part ,well, and his passing had broken a link with “h®,, o‘d 0 ‘d Liberal Party. 'The late Mr Buddo had been in public life for more than half a century, and he had set up an example for us to give 'our time and service for the country which had been BO good to us.

to Mr Buddo were also paid by Mr Morgan Williams, Mr Forbes, and Mr Holland.

Reference to the recent death of Mr Hugh Poland, who represented Ohineoun electorate in the House of Representatives from 1905 to 1925, was also made by Mr Fraser, who stated that Mr Poland was a fine, straightforward character, who earned the esteem of Swery section of the House. He had a strong, saving grace of humour, and his name had been connected with many progressive steps in industrial legislation. 6

Mr Hamilton, seconding Mr Fraser’s Potion of sympathy said Mr Poland IMd been naturally liked by all members. To represent a constituency for 30 years was a very creditable performance, and he thought it was only fitting that the House should record its appreciation of his services. The Hon. W. E. Parry' and Mr Howard also added their tributes to Mr Poland’s ihemorj. A. motion of sympathy and condolence was passed in connection with Me death of Mr Thomas Andrew Henry Field, iwho represented Nelson electorate ; from 1914 to 1919. Moving the taotion, Mr Fraser said Mr Field had always been a kindly guide and a helpful friend to young members. He was a man of wide reading and knowledge, tad was particularly interested ,in the ear ly_ history of the Dominion, and especially in that of Nelson province. Mr Hamilton said Mr Field, like the others mentioned that afternoon, had had a good, long public career, and had served the country well. Mr Atmore said Mr Field’s passing created a loss k> the country, even though be had lived, to the ripe age of 81. Moving a vote o? appreciation of his services and sympathy with the widow hr the late Thomas Lindsay Buick, ®' raser sa 'd that practically every member of the House felt that he had lost a personal friend when they learnt of the sudden death, of Mr Buick. He had become a member of the House as a very young man, and his election had attracted attention all over, the, Dominion. He had been looked tapon aa one of New Zealand’s coming (waters and statesmen. In later life iis inclinations and capabilities had led him in other directions, and ho had bejcome our best-known historian. All his pfe. Mr _ Buick had shown tremendous application to research work and study, land one could not get a better insight br knowledge of the Dominion’s history taan by a perusal of his works. Later, iwhen he had become a member and afterwards chairman of the Parliamentyy. Press Gallery, he had used taot and forbearance with members, and had peoome one of our national political figures. He had always been a trusts (worthy, competent journalist, and his Interests _ had been very wide, embracing music, drama, opera, as well as mahy. other phases of our national life. Hu passing left a great vacancy, and pis life and work were closely associated with the development of the Dominion.

Air Hamilton stated that Air Buick lad been among New Zealand’s greatest sons, and as time went on his work would prove to be of increasing value to the Dominion. His passing made another break with the early political history of New Zealand, but the value of his work had been recognised by Jjord Bledisloe when he was Governor, and the hononr of C.AI.G. had been conferred upon him. Mr Chapman stated that Air Buick was a true democrat, and some of his ideals expressed in the House 47 years ago were those of the Labour Government to-day.

Mr Wright also added his tribute, stating that the accuracy of Mr Buick’s

work could never, be challenged. His work as a journalist stood alone, and he never submitted an article the truth of which he could not prove. Mr Thorn added an expression of appreciation of Mr Buick’s work in connection with the Historical Committee for the coming centenary. Mr Fraser also moved a vote of condolence and appreciation in. connection with the death of Mr John Edward Jenkinson, M.L.C. The late .Mr Jenkinson, said Mr Fraser had been one of the missionaries of the trades union movement in the Dominion, and he had been conspicuous' in his efforts to bring about an improvement in industrial conditions.' Mr Fraser’s motion was supported by Mr Hamilton . and the Minister of Labour, Mr Armstrong. The House adjourned at ‘4.35 p.m, for the remainder of the day, as a mark. of respect to deceased . legislators, and will resume at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow, when it is proposed to take the notice of motion standing in the name of the Prime Minister, dealing with the Conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference at Geneva. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March I. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. Tributes to the memory of Air D, Buddo and Mr J. E. Jenkinson, former members of the Council, were paid, and motions recording appreciation of their legislative services were carried on the motion of the Leader of the Council (the Hon. M. Fagan). The references to Air Buddo were similar to those in the Lower House. Particular reference was made to the fact that Mr Jenkinson was one of the first Labour representatives in the Council, having been appointed by All John Ballance in 1592, when the Council was increased by 12, because the then Council had rejected several of the Government’s social measures. The Council adjourned at 2.55 p.m. until next Tuesday,