PARLIAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 16 June 1923, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

REFERENCE TO DECEASED LEGISLATORS From our Parliamentary Correspondent. WELLINGTON, This Day. Solemn references wore made in the House yesterday to the death, during last recess of several former legislators. It is remarkable how the personnel of tho Lower House changes with each session, and this fact is brought home to members on occasions such as occurred yesterday. SIR WM. HERRIES The portly and familiar form of the late Sir William Merries is missing from the present Parliament, and feeling references to his character made on all sides, indicated the truth of the Prime Minister’s statement that no member was more popular or more respected. The late Sir William was known personally to the majority of members, but it was not so with tho others to whom dignified reference was made. I HON. C. H. .MILLS i ' The late Hon. C. 11. Mills, who was, in the words of tho Prime Minister, an extraordinarily sympathetic man imbued with the spirit of the pioneers which was almost unknown to the present generation of politicians, and the same could he said to an even greater degree of tho late Mr A. P. Seymour. There are those, however, who can claim the privilege of knowing intimately these gentlemen, who left their footprints on the political sands of the Dominion. MR A. P. SEYMOUR The late Mr Seymour, said the Prime Minister, who was 91 years of age when he died, was described as the Grand Old Man of Marlborough, and along with tho late Hon. 0. H. Mills, also of 'Marlborough, his memory 'is revered. MR EDWARD PEARCE Reference was also made to the recent death in England of Mr Edward Pearce, one of tho founders of the city of Wellington and of the firm of Messrs Levin and Company.

MR W. W. COLLINS The House also recorded its regret at the death, which occurred at Sydney on 14th April last, of Mr W. W. Collins, who formerly represented Christchurch lin the House of Representatives. The late Mr Collins was very greatly interested in social and economic questions, and was renowned as an orator. After the House had expressed its high sense of appreciation of the work done in the interests of the Dominion by the gentleman named, it adjourned until Tuesday afternoon out of respect for their memory. MANY QUESTIONS At an earlier stave of the sitting members gave notice ot many questions and if tho present rate is maintained, tho order paper will he a very bulky document before another week is over. In two days something like sixty questions have been handed in and Ministers, together with their Departmental officers, will have a busy time satisfying the curiosity of members. LEVEL CROSSING MENACE •■The Leader of the Opposition achieved something. His plea of urgency was accepted by the llouso and he asked a question without notice. The new Minister of Railways (the Hon. J. G. Coats) informed Mr Wilford that the level crossing peril would have the early consideration of himself and his colleagues. CABINET CHANCES There is still considerable speculation in the lobbies as to who will fill the Cabinet vacancy or vacancies. The chances of Mr R. F. Bollard, -Senior Go* vernment Whip, are now held in high favour, and although the Prime Minister is not yet ready to make any announcement, it is expected that he will do so in a few days, at the same time giving further details of Cabinet reconstruction. A Regarding the prospects of Southern Reformers for Cabinet rank, the Wellington Post says the name held in greatest favour is that of Mr R. P. Hudson (Motueka). Mr Hudson, adds the Post, “is a senior member whose? claims to office cannot be disputed.” QUESTION BY MEMBER FOR NELSON Mr Atmore (Nelson) has given notice of the following question to ask the Minister of Education, Whether he intends to bring down legislation tliis session providing for free dental treatment for country children? (Note. —At present the parents of country children have to pay certain • charges in connection with travelling and other .expenses incurled by departmental dentists when visiting country schools, whilst treatment of city children is absolutely free. The charges on country parents is grossly unfair and should he removed.)