A NOTABLE CANADIAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19620, 26 April 1927, Page 16

A NOTABLE CANADIAN.

HON. ERNEST LAPOINTE. "QUEBEC'S NOBLEST SON." THE SUCCESSOR TO LAURIER. On liis way to Canberra, Where he will represent the Canadian Government at the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament on May 9, the Hon. Ernest Lapointe, Iv.C., Minister of Justice in tho Canadian Government, arrived at Auckland by the Aorangi on Sunday, accompanied by his son. On arrival he was met by the Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs—who welcomed him on behalf of the Government — and Mr. C. M. Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner. Mr. Lapointe will proceed to Sydney by the Aorangi to-day. On his return to New Zealand he hopes to make a short tour of at least the North Island. Mr. Lapointe is one of the finest types of Canadian, who adds to a personal charm of character that is irresistible the gift of eloquence in English, as well as his native French, tl'~» impresses all who meet or hear him. Ho represents in the Canadian House of Commons Quebec East, the stronghold of Liberalism, which returned his late chief, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, for 35 years, his latest majority there being on a par with those secured time and again by Sir Wilfrid. Born in the bush Mr. Lapointe represented his native district for 15 years, until 1920, when ho threw down the gauntlet to the Nationalists, who t.ud been very active in Quebec East, resigned his seat in the House, entered the lists as tho Laurier candidate; and was returned with a majority of 4000 votes-To-day he is known as " Quebec's noblest son." . Mr. Lapointe first becarhe a Minister in 1921, his portfolio then being that of Minister of Marine Fisheries. He was appointed Minister of Justice in 1923, and has held that position ever since. "I attended the Imperial Conference and there had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Coates," stated Mr. Lapointe in an interview in Auckland. "He impressed me very much and represented New Zealand well. As a delegate to the League of Nations I also met Sir Francis Bell at Geneva. • I sincerely hope that time will permit mo to see something of your country on my return."