THE COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 855, 29 June 1910, Page 6

THE COUNCIL.

THE DEATH OF KING EDWARD. REMARKS BY DR. FINDLAT. When the Legislative Council met after the reading of the Speech from the Throne the chair was taken by the Speaker, Sir Chas. C. Bowen who formally read the Governor's Message announcing the death of King Edward VII, and later another message dealing with the succession of King George V. In iii'o7fng a resolution of regret in regard to the death of the King, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he would take it for granted that very fenwords were required from him regarding the services rendered to the Empire by our late Sovereign. For the past few weeks the civilised world had been ringing with well-earned and eloquent appreciation of the life work of the lato King whose character had endeared him to all loyal subjects. Monarchy had two aspects, its constitutional and personal aspects, and in the high office of Kingship the merit of the man who filled the position was measured by the feeling left behind. In expressing the grief of the Council, he felt that he should express sympathy also with her who assisted in the high and difficult office of wife and Queen. Queen Alexandra had been left to tread alone the path which, no doubt, would bring to her all day and every day menKiries of her late King. He (the speaker) might also be permitted to express the hope for the future of the sou who was succeeding so great and so worthy a monarch. Words in such a case could not, however, adequately express so real a national grief as.the death of King Edward. It was the hope of every member of the Council that the King who now reigned would be a worthy son of a worthy father. (Applause.) The resolution was then approved. MEMORIES OF DECEASED LEGISLATORS. RECORDS OF APPRECIATION. A distinct air of gloom pervaded the Legislative Council when reference had to be made to the loss by death of no fewer than three members of the Council since the last session. The members in question were the Hon. l'\ TraslC (Neison), the Hon. Jas. Holmes (West Coast), and the lion. R. U. J. Reeves (Nelson). In respect ot eoch of the deceased, a motion was passed that the Council records its high sense of the services rendered to the Council by the. deceased, and expresses deepest sympathy with the relatives. Referring to the death of the Hon. R. 11. J. Reeves, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL remarked that of ali the names mentioned in this sad connection, they would miss no one mure than the very loving figure of (he lato II r. Ik-eves. Very 'few men had gone through a long public career with moro honour than deceased, who. he believed, had closed his days without v.n enemy. Dr. Findlay went on to refer in detail to the career of the late Mr. Reeves., who had been in the Council for the pa'si 15 yea,rs. and had latterly occupied the position of Chairman of Committees. The HON. C. 11. MILLS also paid a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. Reeves. In referring to the loss of the Hon. F. Trask, Dr. FINDLAY remarked that Mr. Trnsk had made his way in the world by dint, of his own effort, and by unfailing honest and lioiiourabieiiefs of purpose, lie had alvjays fought hard in that Chamber, but it was invariablv a cleaji honourable fight. He had closed his days with a record of which any member of I lie Council might feel proud. Sneaking in reference to the death of the" late Hon. Jamos Holmes,

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said deceased bad been a man of retiring character imil modest, nature, hill lie possessed a quiet., reliable judgment, which he exercised fairly and wisely. He had done loy-ol and faithful service in numerous public potions, and would be long remembered by all who knew him.

l.vrerrins to the death cf llr. liaiime. The ATTORNEY-GKXriRAL remarked that he had been >>. college mate of Mr. Dannie's at Olago University some 25 or 3t) years ago. Mr. Daume was a man of hi-h ideals. He had had a brilliant career, which had unfortunately closed at the early age of IS. The record ho had left behind him was nut :;r-.illed with any stain. Deceased had left a. record ef which his old university w:i,s proud, and of which they as men could be proud. Sit- CIIAKI.KS HOWKX also paid a tribute to the worli done by Mr. Baiimc on the I'niversifv Penatc, and the Hon. W. ISoehan made reference to Mr. Baumo's ciireor. The Council was subsequently adjourned until Thursday as a mark of respect to the memory of the lato King .ajid tiia deceased lecislatorei