SESSION ENDS

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1935, Page 8

SESSION ENDS

PARLIAMENT CLOSES MANY TRIBUTES PAID. “AND NOW THE BATTLE STARTS.” [From Our Parliamentary Special . 3 WELLINGTON, This Day. The session ended at two o’clock on Saturday afternoon after valedictory speeches, in which the approach of the election was not overlooked but was referred to on both sides in sporting terms. The Prime Minister, Mr Forbes, made a special point of the retirement of the Speaker, Sir Charles Statham, expressing warm appreciation of his services in upholding the very high reputation of the New Zealand Parliament. He remarked that the legislation came thick and fast towards the finish, but that was unavoidable. It seemed part of the Parliamentary system that when Parliament was sitting interest in the legislation was keenest, and right- up to within the last day or so the Government had requests for legislation. Now they were going to the testing ground, and they were in a position for shaking hands before the fight. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Savage, he said, had played the game according to the rules. He was essentially a fair man, and while he would do his best to score the necessary number of tries to gain a victory, when the battle was over he had no ill-feeling left. Mr Forbes concluded by wishing members a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Mr Savage, paying a tribute to “Mr Speaker,” said he had no hesitation in saying that his conduct of Parliament squared with anything in the world. This was the last time Sir Charles would occupy the chair, but he hoped to see him occupying other important positions. Mr Savage expressed appreciation of the generous remarks of the Prime Minister. Though going on to the battleground they would go as men and come out as men. If the battle pending was to be fought on personal grounds he did not want to take part in it. “If we can’t win the battle by fair means then let us lose it,” said Mr Savage. He added his appreciation for the courtesy he had received from the Prime Minister and other Ministers. He had been, he said, a personal friend of Mr Forbes for many years and he valued that friendship. Sir Apirana Ngata, on behalf of the Maoi'i members, expressed appreciation of the uniform courtesy extended to them.

Mr Coates joined with other speakers, and made sporting references to the Opposition. Sir Charles Statham, in reply, said that naturally after so many years in