THE ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13631, 28 June 1906, Page 6

THE ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER.

The re-election yesterday, with unanimity and acclamation, of Mr A. 11. J Guinness to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives was a well-deserved recognition of the qualifications ho has already shown for the occupancy of such an office of dignity and trust. The possession of an evenly-balanced mind is the prime qualification of a Speaker. Profound knowledge of parliamentary history, familiar acquaintance with the rules of procedure, presence of mind in applying them to unexpected situations, unfailing courtesy in circumstances which might often excuse impatience, are, it lias been well said, only of value in so far as the House knows that they are employed with a- single desire to do justice to everyone who has a seat in it. The Speaker Ims, at all times and in all circumstances, to remember that it is to the House as a whole, and not to any party in it, that he is responsible. The moment lie. permits his political opinions to affect his judgment, his influence over the House is impaired. Tlio efficient discharge of the duties of his office demands the existence of an unusual combination of qualities in the person of the Speaker. Speical attributes which ho should possess have recently been well defined in these sentences; :i He should be firm without being overbearing, patient without being weakly complaisant. He must, of course, not be a strong partisan, and yet he must have character. Presence and dignity should be his; and hp must manage to win the respect of the very members whom he will often have occasion to check and control. According to the'phrase of Lord .John Russell, his should be the ever-present courtesy which 'enables him to conciliate even those it is his duty to reprove.'" It is a high standard which is set, but in this colony wo have generally been fortunate in the choice that has been made of .Speakers of the House of representatives. There have been Clifford, Monro, Bell, Filzherbert, O'Rorke, Steward, and Guinness, am) of these the least has not been Mr Guinness, who had, indeed, been well tried in a long apprenticeship to the office which he served in the capacity of Chairman of Committees. It his inestimable advantage that he enters upon the performance of the duties of the Speakership in a new House with the thorough confidence of the members.