THE SPEAKERSHIP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19584, 8 June 1926, Page 6

THE SPEAKERSHIP

Rumour still says that at the opening of the new Parliament of New Zealand next week an effort will be made to oust the Hon. C. E. Statham from the office of Speaker. The stories that are going the rounds are to the effect that certain disappointed aspirants to Cabinet Tank are hoping to receive a sop in the shape of the Speakership, or perhaps the office of Chairman of Committees, and rumour even goes the length of naming a likely successor to Mr. Statham. It is claimed that the presence in the field of a rival to the present Speaker will be a great deal more than a mere expression of the exuberance of spirit natural in a new Parliament, and it seems that there is reason to believe that intrigues are being carried on. For our own part we should be glad to think that there could be no likelihood of a change in the Speakership. We very much doubt whether any other member of the new Parliament possesses such qualifications for the position as Mr. Statham does. He is an Independent, and therefore better able than most members are to maintain an impartial attitude. During the three years that he has held office he has discharged his duties in a manner worthy of the best traditions of Parliament, and the New Zealand Parliament has traditions because it has been happy in its selection of Speakers. It has not been the practice to regard the Speakership as a proper reward for service to the dominant party. The rule has been that on the return of the Speaker by his constituents the House should re-elect him to preside. The choice is made by the members, who are supposed on such an occasion to be quite free from party ties. We cannot suppose that the party leaders next week will nominate candidates in opposition to Mr. Statham, unless, of course, the Labour Party should deem it necessary to make a demonstration. If there is to be anything like effective opposition to the re-election of the present Speaker it must come from within the Reform Party’s ranks. Mr. Coates and his colleagues in the Cabinet should do their best to check any move of the kind, for they would' at once lose prestige if they permitted the country to think that they regarded the Speakership as a plum to be bestowed upon a faithful follower. The Prime Minister will be well advised to make it clear to his supporters that he does not countenance any plan of departure from the established procedure.