LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22066, 23 September 1933, Page 12

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS

(Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 22. The Legislative Council met at 3 p.m, SWORN IN.Sir Francis Bell, who was reappointed during the recess, was sworn. TRIBUTES TO DECEASED MEMBERS. Moving the motion recording the sense of appreciation of the distinguished services rendered to New Zealand by Sir Thomas Sidey (the Leader of the Council), Sir James Parr said that the death of Sir Thomas Sidey had been a shock to all members of the Council. His life had been a most useful one. He had been a man of considerable capacity, and had possessed a likeable character and disposition. His services to education had been outstanding, and his activities in Dunedin had been innumerable. ' Sir Thomas had been the pioneer of the daylight saving legisla tion, which at first had been received with ridicule, but which eventually was adopted. Not soon would they look upon his like again. Sir Francis Bell said that all remembered the day four years ago when Sir Thomas Sidey had entered the Council as leader. He had shown a quiet competence which had won the personal regard of his fellow councillors. Mr J. A. Hanan said not only had Sir Thomas Sidey shown initiative and constructive ability, but he had also shown kindliness, understanding, and a high sense of honour and justice. Messrs D. Buddo and M. Fagan also paid, tributes to the deceased. Moving a similar motion in respect of Mr G. M. Thomson, Sir James Parr said the deceased member had had' a distinguished career as a schoolmaster and scientist. He had served for six years as a member of the House of Representatives and 14 in the Legislative Council. He had been a great pioneer, and had rendered conspicuous service to the Dominion during a wonderfully fine and pure life. Sir James Allen said that Otago owed a great deal to the educational work of a great scientist and a great lover of Nature. Messrs R. Scott and J. A. Hanan also spoke of the outstanding qualities of Mr Thomson. Speaking on a similar motion with respect of Mr Wiremu Rikihana, Sir James Parr said that the deceased had been a member of the Legislative Council from 1923 to 1930, during which period he had done fine service on behalf of the Maoris. Mr R. Moore said that Mr Rikihana Lad been held in the highest respect by his colleagues. The motions were adopted, and the Council adjourned at 5.15 p.m. as a mark of respect to the deceased members.