THE CURTAIN FALLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 202, 27 August 1943, Page 4

THE CURTAIN FALLS

PARLIAMENT’S FINAL MEETING (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Aug. 26. The final meeting of the 26th Parliament of New Zealand commenced at 7 o’clock to-night, when the House met to receive a message from, the Legislative Council stating that the Council had passed the remaining Bills, and messages from the GovernorGeneral giving assent to the measures. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, moved the adjournment, until 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday, when, he said, the writs would be issued and Parliament dissolved.

Mr. Fraser referred to the extension of the life of Parliament because of war conditions. The Parliament ihad been elected in 1938 to administer a peace policy of progress, reform and social security, but had been forced to give up to the responsibility of the war. The Parliament and the country had accepted the burden and had never looked' back. He. recalled the loss of four members._Messrs. W. J. Lyon, A. G. Hultquist, J. M. Allen and A. N. Grigg, on v. ar service, and expressed the deep feelings of members at that loss. The House, he said, had done a good job during the five years, and the officers of the House had excelled themselves. Mr. Fraser paid a tribute to the way the Speaker the Hon. W. E. Barnard, had presided over difficult sessions, and a’so to the Chairman of Committees. Mr. R. McKeen, and the Clerk of the House, Mr. T. D. H. Hall, and thanked all others associated with Parliament for the way they had worked in the face of many difficulties. Mr. Fraser also referred to those who would not be recontesting 'their electorates.

The Leader of the Opposition, supported Mr. Fraser’s remarks and referred in particular to the retirement of the Hon. G. W. Fobes, who, he

said, was retiring from Parliament after 36 years as a member without a stain on his political character. The Hon. Sir Anirana Ngata joined in a tribute to Mr. Forbes, and also invited members to be present for the tribute to the memory of Lieutenant Ngarimu on October 6. Mr. Forbes and the Hon. J. G. Cobbe. the only retiring members present, replied, and the Speaker expressed his appreciation of all the help he had received from members and officers in conducting the House. The House adjourned at 8.33 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem.

During the session the House met on 59 days and sat for a total of over 335 hours. Twenty-seven public Bills, eight local Bills and four private Bills were passed. Three public Bills which were introduced were allowed to lapse.