PRESENTATION TO MR GUINNESS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1904, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR GUINNESS.

A large number of electors assembled at tho Town Hall last night, on the occasion of a presentation to the Hon. Mr Guinness, commemorative of his elevation to the Speakership of the House of Representatives. The Mayor, who presided, said they had assembled to make a presentation to their member upon his return, after being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. Ito was pleased to preside at such a gathering. Mr Guinness had ably represented them for nearly 20 years, arid lus promotion was well earned. Mr Guinness as Speaker had shown marked ability, and had in no way suffered through following such an illustrious predecessor as Sir Maurice O’Borkc. The presentation which he now made, consisting of a clock and silver plate, would, he trusted, he treasured by Mr Guinness as a genuine tribute by tiro electors to their long-trusted representative. , The Hon. Mr Marshall was pleased to be present on tho occasion and hear his testimony to tho excellent services rendered by their member. As a representative he had shown capacity and energy in a marked degree, while as Speaker his firmness and impartiality were admitted on all sides.

Mr Mathoson declared that meeting on such an occasion and for such a purpose was ample proof of the position Mr Guinness hold among tho electors. Ho had risen, by dint of faithfulness to his party and in spite of opposition, to tho position of Speaker, and lie heartily congratulated him thereon. As a private member he had been most energetic, and ho felt sure his energy would he in no way diminished by reason of elevation to tho first place in Parliament.

Mr Campbell did not know that he could add much to what had already been said. Mr Guinness had served them faithfully for 20 years, and,ho trusted he would long continue 10 enjoy good health and occupy his present position. Mr Sliced} 7, said he had watched Mr Guinness from boyhood and had supported him. He was pleased when ho got the Speakership and hoped to soon sec him attain Cabinet rank.

The Mayor then made the presentation.

Mr Guinness, on rising to respond, was loudly cheered. Ho said that for close on 20 years he had'represented the constituency in Parliament, and had always found his constituents kind and considerate. There were at the present time only four members in the House who had sat continuously as long as he. Last session he had been elected Speaker, and ho was gratified at the confidence his fellow members had reposed in him; He wished, however, to disabuse the minds of some of the electors in regard to the idea that had been, put forward, that the district was practically disfranchised by reason of his position. There could bo no greater error than this. With the Premier representing the adjoining electorate, and the Speaker the Grey, they could rest assured the, interests of the district would be safeguarded. If he found it was not sc that instant would ho resign the Speakership. Ho showed that Sir Maurice o‘Rorke iif.d been 20 years as Speaker, and his constituents hal felt perfect confidence. In committee lie could, and did, take his place as a private member, and debated the various provisions before the House, and he intended to avail himself of that privilege. He heartily thanked them for their handsome presentation. The gifts would be always valued by him. Three cheers for Mr and Mrs Guinuess concluded proceedings.