PARLIAMENTARY TRIBUTES TO FORMER LEGISLATORS

Evening Star, Issue 26138, 27 June 1947, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY TRIBUTES TO FORMER LEGISLATORS

(Special.) WELLINGTON, Juno 27. < Party politics did not obtrude into the sitting of the House of Representatives yesterday, members of the Opposition refraining from asking questions of Ministers, so that the whole of the attention of the House could be given to placing on record, regret at the passing of five former legislators, all of whom were horn in New Zealand. The late Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr D. G. Sullivan, said the Prime Minister, (Mr P. Fraser, had dedicated his life and his work to the cause of Labour because he believed it was the cause of humanity and the cause of advancement and emancipation of mankind. He had employed not only his voice, but also his pen in the direction of bettering the conditions of his fellow men. . . Mr Sullivan had left behind him a record of service that anyone might be proud of, said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland. It could be truly said that his death was a national loss and his passing would be felt more in liis own city of Christchurch than in anv other centre. Tributes were also paid by several other members on both sides of the House, including Mr L. Mathison, Mr Sullivan’s successor in Avon. Sincerity and courage marked the life of the late Mr G. W. Forbes, a former Prime Minister, said the Prime Minister. Whether one disagreed with him as leader of his party and as Prime (Minister, that did not mean that as a person he was not a friend of all other members of the House. .Mr Forbes was a truly representative citizen of the Dominion and his memory would have an enduring place in the hearts of New Zealand people. He was a sterling man, a good friend, and a man of outstanding probity. Mr Forbes was a great man 'of simple tastes and habits, said Mr Holland, in addition to being a model farmer. He served his country for 35 years as a private member of Parliament, as a Cabinet Minister, as Prime Minister, and as Leader of the Opposition. _ • The early days in the evolution of New Zealand’s arbitration and compensation systems were recalled by speakers who paid tributes to the memory of the late Hon. P. J. O’Regan, former member of both Houses of Parliament and judge of the Arbitration Court. Tributes were also paid the late Mr Peter Carr, who succeeded the former Prime Minister, Mr M. J. Savage, as member for Auckland West, and to Mr H. Burnett, who from 1935 till 1938 was Government member for Tanranga. As a mark of respect the House rose at 5.15 p.m. until 10.30 this morning.