Mr Speaker

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 72, 26 March 1936, Page 8

Mr Speaker

Mr W. E. Barnard Installed in Office First-Business of New Parliament

WELLINGTON, Last Night. Without much ceremony New Zealand’s twenty-fifth Parliament met yesterday. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 and a few minutes later were summoned by the Black Rod to the Legislative Council Chamber, where a commission declaring the session open was read. A message was read from the Governor-General asking members to elect a Speaker and they returned to their own chamber where they were sworn in by the clerk of the Houso. Only Messrs. Bodkin and Holyoake were not in their places. The clerk then called upon the House to elect a Speaker and Mr. W. J. Jordan at once rose and nominated Mr. W. E. Barnard. This was seconded by Mr. R. McKeen. Both referred to Mr. Barnard’s term in tho House and contended that he was eminently suited to fill the high office of Speaker. Mr. Barnard, who was sitting at the back of the chamber, rose and thanked the mover and seconder of the motion for the kind things they had said about him. He said he understood that for something like two centuries iu the House of Commons it was the custom for the person proposed as Speaker tt plead his utter unworthiness to fill the office and Mr. Barnard said he felt some sympathy for that old-time practice. However, it seemed proper to do nothing more than follow the wise words of the standing order, and he accordingly submitted himself to the judgment of the House. Messrs. Jordan and McKeen proceeded to Mr. Barnard’s bench and escorted him to tho Speaker’s chair. Standing beside the chair Mr. Barnard thanked members for their confidence and goodwill in electing him to the responsible office of Speaker of the House. He understood he was the tenth in the line of succession since responsible Government was established in New Zealand in 1854. The names oi previous occupants of the chair such as Sir Maurice O’Rorke and Sir Arthui Guinness were still remembered with respect and even affection. The stand ard of chairmanship of the House hat always been an exceptionally high one He liad sat under one Speaker only, Sii Charles Statham, and he was glad tc testify to the marked ability and stricl impartiality with which Sir Charles always executed the duties of Speaker Mr. Barnard said he believed he hah the sympathy and goodwill of every member of the Houso and asked foi that indulgence which had always bees extended to new members of the House

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and to members who were new in office. Ho would always try to be fair and impartial and maintain tho best traditions of tho Speakership. He would endeavour to uphold tho dignity and decorum of Parliament and so preserve unsullied and unharmed that Constitution which had come down to them and which it .was their task to leave as a noble heritage to others. “In conclusion,’’ said Mr. Barnard, “I thank honourable members for the very high honour they have conferred upon me, and 1 desire to assure you that I shall at all times endeavour to preserve the great trust which you have imposed in me.” Mr. Barnard then took the chair and the Sergeant-at-Arms laid the mace on the table. Mr. M. J. Savago said he counted it a privilege to be able on behalf of the Government to congratulate Mr. Barnard on the high office to which he had been elected. After being 15 or 16 years in the House one could perhaps extend sympathy as well as congratulations to tho person who was elected Speaker because after all it was a fairly worrying position and the Speaker needed a great deal of patience in order to be up with the undercurrents of the conflict of opinion and sometimes the heat that aroso on the spur of the moment. “We have every' reason to be proud of your predecessors, Sir, and we have no reason to doubt your ability to rise to the heights they have marked.” Mr. Savage said lie had spoken on behalf of the Government and he was sure he .could include all sections of the House when he said Mr. Barnard -would have the sympathy and assistance of very member of the House in the arduous task to which he had been called.

Mr. Forbes also congratulated Mr. Barnard. He had every confidence the House could rely on Mr. Barnard's fairness and also his desire to see that the reputation of Parliament was upheld to the highest degree. The New Zealand Parliament had a very fine record. Mr Forbes did not remember anything that could be called a scene in that chamber. He did not think there was a popular assembly in any part of the world of which that could be said. The Opposition would do everything it could to uphold the reputation of the House and also to maintain the privileges of members of the House.

Messrs. Coates and Wright added their tributes after which Mr. Barnard thanked members for their remarks.

The House then adjourned till 2.30 to-morrow.