DEEP SENSE OF LOSS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27572, 14 December 1950, Page 8

DEEP SENSE OF LOSS

Mourning In Parliamentary Circles PA WELLINGTON, Dec. 13. Mr Fraser’s death would be a severe loss to Parliament and would be mourned as a personal loss by all members of Parliament, both past and present, irrespective of their party affiliations, said the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Oram, today. He said: “ In big matters Peter Fraser was always capable of rising, above party considerations and made his personal influence, and that of the Dominion, felt in the councils of Empire and Commonwealth, as well as those of the United Nations, to an extent out of all proportion to the size and population of this country.”

“ I think it can be truly said.” added Mr Oram, “that he was entitled to a place in that select category reserved for world statesmen. He was a firm and uncompromising supporter of democracy and the -British system of free parliamentary government which is the safeguard of our rights and liberties. No man in the House had a better knowledge of the rules and procedure of Parliament than Mr Oram recalled that during his recent visit to the United Kingdom he received from a wide circle of people in all walks of life, and of diverse political views, messages of goodwill and respect for Mr Fraser, which he had conveyed personally on his return. In Mr Fraser’s death New Zealand had suffered a severe loss, but could be proud of his achievements.