CURTAIN RUNG DOWN

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1935, Page 7

CURTAIN RUNG DOWN

RISING OF PARLIAMENT

VALEDICTORY. SPEECHES MADE. SIR CHARLES. STATHAM PRAISED. ELECTION TO. BE FOUGHT FAIRLY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. When the House of Representatives resumed yesterday afternoon the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said that as a curtain would shortly be rung down on the present Parliament he wished to take the opportunity of paying a tribute to the way Sir Charles Statham had presided over the House for the last 13 years. The New Zealand Parliament .compared favourably with other Parliaments in the Empire for the manner in which business was done, for the respect which it held in the minds of the people of the Dominion and for dignity. • He thought the House was very much indebted to the Speaker for upholding the reputation it had earned. It was with feelings of regret that members knew of Sir Charles’ determination to vacate the position of the Speaker and Mr. Forbes expressed the hope that he would enjoy a happy and prosperous life. Mr. Forbes paid a tribute to the officers of Parliament for their efficient work and thanked the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. M. J. Savage, for his assistance in putting through the business of the House.

Mr. Savage, added the Prime Minister, had expressed his opinions definitely but he had always been fair and had gained the appreciation of all members of the House. Mr. Forbes knew in the election to come that Mr. Savage would fight according to the rules and would do his best to secure as many “tries” as possible and he knew that when everything was settled there would be no ill-feeling. Mr. Savage said he wished to join the Prime Minister in thanking the Speaker for his generosity to the House in his unfailing courtesy. Unles a Speaker had the courage to enforce the standing orders things would end in chaos and he thanked the Speaker for the way he had controlled the House. Mr. Savage also joined in tributes to the officers bf the House. He appreciated Mr. Forbes’ remarks to the full and, although they were going into battle, they would go into and come out of it as men. If the battle were to be fought in personalities he would rather not go into it. Life was too short for that sort of thing. LABOUR LEADER’S THANKS.

He .thanked the Prime Minister and members of the Government for the courtesy, extended to him on all occasions. He and Mr. Forbes were firm friends and he was sure they would always remain so. He assured Sir Charles Statham that he was leaving the Chamber carrying with him the respect of every member.

Sir Apirana Ngata, on behalf of the Maori members, added his tribute to Sir Charles Statham and the officers of the House.

The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates endorsed the remarks of Mr. Forbes and Mr. Savage. He paid a compliment to the Chairman of Committees, Mr. J. A. Nash, for the way- he had carried out his duties. He added that no matter what was said on the public platform all members had a personal regard for Mr. Savage. The session had been a trying one, said Mr. Coates. Many important measures had come up for consideration both inside and outside New Zealand and he trusted the decisions had been wise ones.

Sir Charles Statham said that after a long time in the House he naturally felt the wrench of. leaving. He found that while in the chair he had listened to 39 volumes of Hansard and hoped he had listened sympathetically. A presiding officer had sometimes to act firmly and he hoped members would make due allowance for what he, as Speaker had done. He referred to the many officers of the House and thanked them for assistance.

Sir Charles added that if he had passed on the office of Speaker with its traditions unimpaired ‘he felt his time had not been in vain. He assured members that his prayers would always be for the House and its integrity and reputation. The motion that- the House adjourn was, according to custom, challenged but was carried. The National Anthem was sung.

BRIGHTER LEGISLATION

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RISES.

MR. MASTERS’ GREAT PATIENCE.

Wellington, Last Night.

Valedictory speeches were made in the Legislative Council yesterday. The Leader of the Council, the Hon. R. Masters, expressed his personal appreciation of the help and co-operation of members during the session. He said they could look back with a good deal of satisfaction to the work done during the session as they had passed a brighter type of legislation due to the improvement of conditions. There was no doubt that to-day conditions were much brighter than was the case four years ago.

Mr. Masters expressed his sincere appreciation of the co-operation he had received from the Speaker, Sir Walter Carncross, and the Chairman of Committees, the Hon. A. J. Hanan. He also paid a warm tribute to the work of-the staff. Sir Francis Bell said it was due to the Leader of the Council largely that the proceedings had been conducted in such an excellent manner. Mr. Masters had exhibited singular patience that had earned great respect. Sir Francis paid a tribute to the Speaker on the manner in which he had carried out his duties through a long period with dignity. Sir Walter Carncross had earned the respect of members. He also paid a tribute to the work of the Chairman of Committees. The Hon. V. A. Ward said last Monday week it, was 48 years since Sir James Allen had been first elected a member of Parliament. In five years’ time the council would celebrate its centenary.

Mr. Hanan thanked members for their references. Sir Walter Carncross spoke briefly but with feeling, thanking members for the kindly and courteous consideration they had extended to him.