MR SPEAKER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22710, 24 October 1935, Page 12

MR SPEAKER

EVE OF RETIREMENT

COMPLIMENTARY REFERENCES

(Per United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 23,

Expressions of goodwill and hopes that they would be long spared to enjoy every happiness were extended to Sir Charles and Lady Statham at a complimentary supper to-night. The Prime Minister, Mr Forbes, said those present had gathered to express their goodwill to Sir Charles and Lady Statham and to express regret that Sir Charles was stepping down from the position he had occupied during the last 13 years. Sir Charles had carefully guarded the dignity of Parliament and he thought the New Zealand Parliament could compare favourably in that respect with any Parliament in the world. Mr Coates said that Sir Charles had set a standard that could well be followed in this country and had set a tradition that they could also well follow. He sincerely hoped Sir Charles would give them the benefit of his experiences in book form. Sir Charles had gained the respect of every member, both inside and outside the House, and in all matters he had been very strictly fair. He thought a better feeling existed in the present Parliament under Sir Charles than had existed in the days when they had Liberals and Reformers. Sir Charles by his courtesy and consideration had brought members of all shades of political opinion together and members had gained a respect for one another, irrespective of what party they belonged to. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Savage, expressed pleasure at being able to pay a tribute to Sir Charles. He regretted that Sir Charles had decided to resign from Parliament, but ventured to predict that he would yet be heard of in the councils of tlu British Commonwealth.

The remarks of the previous speakers were endorsed by Sir Walter Carncross (Speaker of the Legislative Council) Mr Veitch and Mr Downie Stewart Mr* Forbes and Mrs Coates ilec spoke, and referred to Lady Statham as a charming hostess, who had given many pleasant parties in the Speaker's rooms. The Prime Minister then presented Sir Charles with a silver tea mid coffee set and salver and a case pipes. Sir Charles, returning thanks for members' references to himself and Lady Statham and for the presentation, referred humorously to several episodes that had occurred in the House during his term of office. He h«jd always endeavoured to uphold tha dignity of Parliament. The New Zealand Parliament was, he thought, the fourth Parliament in the Empire and he had tried to make it a worthy daughter of the " Mother of Parliaments." Taking it all in all, he thought the New Zealand Parliament could set a good example of what Parliament ought to be. Lady Statham also -eplied in a neat speech and expressed t.haiiks for the many kindnesses that had been extended to her and Sir Charles while Sir Charles had been Speaker. Mr J. A. Nash said he had been asked by the messengers of the House to express their best wishes to Sir Charles and Lady Statham and re wish them every success in the future.