IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press, Issue 14828, 20 November 1913, Page 10

IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(PBKSS ASSOCIATION TI.I_I.GRA--.) WELLINGTON, November 19. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, immediately after prayers, the Hon. F. H. D. Bell rose, and with evident foelings of emotion proposed that tho Council records its sense of tho faithful services tendered to the Dominion by the late Mr Georgo Laurenson, and • respectfully tenders to his widow and family an assurance of its sincere sympathy with them in their bereavement. Speaking to the motion, Mr Bell said he had known tho lato member for many years, and he might be permitted to refer to one incident in his career which clearly exemplified his fairness and courage. As member for Lytteiton ho on one occasion proposed a Bill authorising tho Lytteiton Borough Council t-o establish gas works in that town, notwithstanding tho fact that there was already a company supplying gas to the town. He (Mr Bell), as"solicitor for the company, approached Mr Laurenson, and suggested that he should alter his Bill so as to enable the, Council to buy the company out. Mr Laurenson at once said that that was fair, and used his great influence with his constituents to persuade them to agree to that course. His action in tliat respect was characteristic of tho man. Those who had been associated with him had seen how the strength had been passing from his frail body, and must have felt sincere regret at his comparatively early death.

The Hon. G. J. Smith seconded the motion, and in doing so said the lato Mr Laurenson had been his personal friend for many years, and he was sure he was only expressing the mind of the Council in deploring his early death. The fairness and courage of which tho leader of the Council had spoken were always evidenced in the late Mr Laurenson's life, while his kindly heart ever prompted him to offer his sympathy and help in cases of trouble and sorrow. Wherever injustice was being done his voice was raised against it, and for that reason he was loved in the con-

stituency which he had so long repreThe Hon.'G. Jones and tho Hon. W. C F. Carncross paid a high tribute to tlie character and public services of the late member. The motion was agreed to, and tne. Council adjourned as a mark of respect.