LATE MR LAURENSON.

Clutha Leader, Volume XL, Issue 41, 21 November 1913, Page 3

LATE MR LAURENSON.

REFERENCES IN PARLIAMENT.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. When the House, of Representatives mot at 2.30 :>.m. to-day,' Hon. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister) said that he desired to move, "That the House placeon record) its high sense of the faithful services rendered to "the Dominion by the late Mr Geo. Laurenson, member for Lyttelton, and respectfully tenders to his widow and family' its siiicerest sympathy in their bereavement." He said that it waa very difficult to realise that Mr Laurenson, who was in his place a few days ago, had passed away, and Pairliament would be the poorer for his. death. He was a man of strong convictions and strong sympathies, but was liberal and broad-minded to a degree. He was a lover of books, therefore well read. He never allowed the heat of debate to interfere with his friendships in the lobbies. He was sure that the sympathy which was being tendered to his widow and family would tend to soften the blow. He was certain that his memory would never be forgotten by the men with whom he had worked in the Parliament of" his country.

Sir J. G. Ward (Leader- of the Opposition) said.that J Mr Laurenson was one of the most earnest and sincere men in matters appertaining to political life he had ever had the pleasure of meeting. That he held strong views upon matters of principle was recognised by all who knew him. He Wver made enemies, but on the contrary he made friends whenever he went. Itwas, a singular circumstance that Mr La-uranson's predecessor in 1899 passed away suddenly. He endorsed all that had'been said by the Prime Minister. Mr Laurenson would be remembered as *a -man. who brought to bear a great deal of intelligence on all matters lie discussed.- Sir Joseph concluded, "May his" ashes rest in peace." Hon. 11. H. Rhodes (Postmaster-Gen-eral) said that he had always found the deceased al man of broader views than he was given credit.for. The House had lost an able and fluent speaker, and the country had 1 lost a good servant.

Mr G. W. Forbes (Huninui) added his tribute of respect. He had lost one of his closest friends. One of Mr Laurcnson's strongest characteristics was his largeness of heart. He was a roan of strong convictions, and spoke strongly, 'but as soon as the debate ended 110 one had as quickly left the matter behind.

Mi- G. W. Russell (Avon} said that Mr Laurenson was a man of warm a.nd generous sympathies. He was liold a«d jrpurageous. in |all his public utterances. His. outstanding characteristic was his conscientiousness. No duty that was laid upon him by his most humble constituent was too small to warrant his attention. He could sum him up in the verse — "For the. cause that needs assistance.

For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do."

Hon. I). Buddb (Kainpoi), and 1 Messrs Ell (Christchurch South), Witty (Riccartonl, Payne (Grey Lynn), Davev (Cbristchureh East), and Isitt (Christchurch North) added their quota, of testimony to Mr Laurenson's worth. The House then adjourned till 2.30 to-morrow.

A similar motion was passed in the Legislative Council on the motion of Hoik H. D. Bell, supported by the Hous. Smith, Jones, and Carncross. The Council adjourned a« a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.