Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 1931. MR SPEAKER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 5, 5 December 1931, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 1931. MR SPEAKER.

The serious disabilities under which the Speaker of the House of Representatives contests his seat at the general election have been well demonstrated this week. For three successive Parliaments Sir Charles Statham, the member for Dunedin Central, has discharged in courteous and dignified manner the onerous duties attaching to this high office. The complimentary references made at the conclusion of each Parliament have been a well deserved tribute to Sir Charles for the exemplary performance of those duties. But occupancy of the chair entails certain restrictions. Mr Speaker, for example, cannot express his opinion upon political questions; he must observe long hours when the House is in session, and no matter how wearying or lengthy the debate, must remain alert. As a southern contemporary remarks, the Speaker must preserve an “even temper, a judicial calm, in all circumstances, and at all times must exercise a strict impartiality.’’ Rulings based on precedent and from the knowledge of Parliamentary practice and procedure are his only contributions to the debate. The office is an apt illustration of a paradox, for though called “Mr Speaker,’’ its occupant is denied speech, except when called upon foi* a ruling, or else impelled to call the House to order. It is, however, when Parliament expires that his peculiar position becomes more manifest. Holding his office in its traditional high regard, he cannot take part in party politics or criticise his opponent’s platform. The obligation, therefore, is upon him, as Sir Charles Statham did in the present election, to contest his seat simply as Mr Speaker. In the general elections since 1922—it was after the 1922 contest that the member for Dunedin Central became the occupant of the Speaker’s chair — Sir Charles has been opposed only by a nominee of the Labour Party, and that he has been seriously prejudiced by the disabilities attaching to his office are evidenced by the declining majority vote received. In 1925 it was 2599; in 1928, 1543, and in the contest this week was reduced to 91, excluding the final count of outstanding votes. The shock that Sir Charles admits he received was not shared by him alone, and there is sound ground for the contention that the British practice should be followed of re-electing Mr Speaker unopposed if he has filled his office to the acceptance of all parties. Reform and Liberal (now United) opinion has recognised the fairness of the belief that the Speaker should not be forced into the controversial arena by refraining from nominating- a candidate, but not so the Labour Party. Hence comes the statement from Sir Charles that this is the last election he will contest with Ins hands tied, in future he ‘.‘will take oft the crloves.” It is regarded as a foregone conclusion that he will be re-elected to the position otj

Speaker in the 24th Parliament, and the wish will be universal that, having contested the election as Mr Speaker, Sir Charles will return to the chair. Unless, however, there is a disposition on the part of Labour “to play cricket” as at Home, the member for Dunedin Central will be compelled at the next election to campaign as an ordinary candidate, for in fairness to himself he cannot stand by and see his seat lost while he himself maintains the traditions of his office, and another party does not observe the “rules of the game.”