A WIDOW PETITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11482, 2 September 1915, Page 8

A WIDOW PETITION.

DISCI'S U IN THE ROUSE. . [FROM OUR C'oKitEsroxDEST.] WELLINGTON, September 1. The widow of Mr lioyd Gariick, late Director of Physical Instructions petitioned Parliament for relief owing to distressed circumstances due to her Uusband's sudden death. The Public Petitions Committee reported _ to-day that it had no recommendation to make, a report which the Hou<se I not endorse, the matter being referred i back for further consideration. { Mr R. A. Wright stated that Mrs I Gariick required lie.p, not for her&ed, ; but to pay oif debts incurred in tittin 0 up a sciiool of physical culture formerly : conducted by her husband. She intended going to the front as a nurse, tie moved that the report should be referred back. Mr Witty expressed pleasure the course taken by Mr Wright. Whatever had been said about the method of Mr Gar lick's appointment, nothing could be said against him personally, and the House, out of justice and • humanity, should give the petition i favourable cons:derat-on. | Sir Joseph Ward said he could not ■ help feeling that justice had not been served out to the petitioner, the wid'ow of a man who had been employed by the State. The House was always able to rise above party considerations when the interests o"f a widow in sueh a position as Mrs Gariick had to be dealt with# Messrs It. Fletcher and W. H. Field supported the motion. _ The Hon James Allen, former Minister of Education, said he hoped' the Committee would reconsider the case. Mr lloyd Gariick agreed upon his apI pointment to absolutely sever his ax-so-i ciation with the sciiool fvhich he had j conducted. What prejudiced the echoed j more than anything was the public in- | quiry. Mrs lloyd Gariick was saddled with a seven years' iease, which could not bo disposed of. " Whatever might have been the method of appointment, that is my concern, and I am prepared to defend it anywhere," declared the Minister. "I do say that^ this man gave ui> great prospects to do a worS for the' State, and that he did it wirh self-sacrifice, and I believe that the worrv of it has led to his early grave : and left his widow, practically speaking, totally unprovided ior. ' The ] Mfnister wdd a warm tribute to the I Lite Mr lioyd Garlick's work and his high ideals. " We ought to do the generous thing by Mrs- Gariick." said _ Mr Isitt, who added that he was against the method ■of appointment, but had every sympathy with the petitioner. I The motion to refer the petition back j was adopted.