THE SPEAKERSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18298, 15 January 1923, Page 8

THE SPEAKERSHIP.

MR. STATHAM'S QUALITIES. Discussing the . suggestion that 'Mr. Statham, may be elected Speaker of the House,-,the Otago Daily , Times says:— Mr., Statharn occupies a position of independence in politics^and; it is probable; , that this fact alone \will make his probable • elevation /to/ the ;: Speahership unusually • acceptable ;to;a ' majority . of ; the members.; There is no question-of his-iii-tegrity arid fair-mindedhess, - and if ; lie is appointed, to the office he, will' certainly ;bring desirable qualities/ of 'tact and* impartiality to the ;■■ performance of his duties. Upon occasion he'- bas. r .occupied the :.Chair/when 'the/House' lias- -been in" Committee of the Whole, ; .he; is - familiar, with the Standing Orders "of parliament, l and his legal training/ajid his ; judicial mind; would. be , valuable/'assets'; to /the occupant of the; Speaker's chair. /If Air. .Statham can be persuaded by. liis fellowrepresentatives that- by accepting /the office he would be rendering 1 useful service . to his country, he may, we. think, be induced to allow. his; name to be submitted to; the members of the House, and: ; iwe have no 'doubt at-all that,; in' the event,, of his election/ .the- House will have evei'y; reason to.be satisfied with the choice /it ' has made-'. -' ; : - : -'-- ::