SIR FRANCIS BELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19138, 2 October 1925, Page 10

SIR FRANCIS BELL.

Sir Francis Bell, in closing the proceedings of the Legislative Coun- ; cil yesterday, told his fellow members that he was doing this for the last time. Next session would not see him in his old place. Those who know the facts of his career, and of his work in Cabinet and Parliament, will admit that, having expressed the wish to retire, he has earned the right to have it respected. At the same time they will feel that the step he takes leaves a gap which it will be very difficult indeed to fill. In the political history of New Zealand during the past 13 years Sir Francis has been a notable figure. His activities reached their culminating point when, on the death of his old chief and colleague, he was called upon to fill the breach as Prime Minister until there was time for a readjustment. Prior to that he had played many parts in the Government. Whatever the portfolios he happened to be holding it is generally known that, his sage counsel, his ripe judgment and his immense knowledge of the law were of inestimable value to the Cabinet the whole time he was a member of it. This was especially so during and immediately after the war, when many difficult questions outside the usual scope of public affairs in New Zealand presented themselves for consideration. Without seeking or gaining a great measure of public applause he helped to shape the history of the country to a degree which will probably be better appreciated in the years to com© than it is now. The Legislative Council will not seem the same place without his dominating personality and his quiet, yet firm, guidance. Thoroughly though his right to retire has been earned, the announcement of the step he is tajdng will nevertheless be received with deep regret by all who have had the opportunity to realise the magnitude and value of the service he has done the country as a Minister of the Crown and Leader of the Legislative Council.