FIFTY YEARS SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2591, 13 October 1915, Page 7

FIFTY YEARS SERVICE

MR, L. STOWE, C.M.G., CONGRATULATED.

A very interesting ceremony took place in the Legislatives Council yesterday morning, when congratulations were extended to Mr. Leonard Stowe, Clerk of tho Council, on attaining his fiftieth year of officc.

Tho Hon. Captain Baillic, tho senior member of tho Council, took the opportunity to movo tho following resolution :—

"Tho Council on this fiftieth anniversary of the appointment of Mr. Leonard Stowe, C.M.G., to tho office of Clerk of tho Council resolves to record in its journals of this day's proceedings its sense of the ability, industry, and unfailing courtesy which havo distinguished him in the porformanco of tho duties of his office, and tho unanimous hopo of all the present members that ho may for many years still to como continue at tho table of tho Council his honourable and useful service to the public." In doing so Captain Baillie saTd that ho had known Mr. Stowe when tho latter was a little brown-headed boy. "He was present in tho church when 1 was married, and that was 61 years ago." After describing Mr. Stowo's career, Captain Baillio said that during the fifty years ho had sat at tho Council table ne had given every satisfaction, had been kind and courteous to all' and especially to young Councillors. It gave him tho utmost satisfaction to move tho resolution, with tho request that it should bo rocordod in the Journals of tho Council.

Tho Hon. \V. C. F. Carncross (Chairman of Committees) seconded, the motion, and said that they all recognised Mr. Stowe as their friend. In all cases whero tliev required a little guidance they went to him._ On many occasions Mr. Stowe had guided him (Mr. Cam<srcss) in decisions.

The Hon. Sir Francis Bell added his word to tho remarks of tho previous speakors. They all recognised that Mr. Stowe had been their friend, and continued to be their friend, Personally, Mr. Stowe had given him great assistance, and friendly generous aid and advice. His service was an extraordinary record. Fifty long years he had fiat at the table, and throughout that limo had given complete satisfaction lo those in the Chamber. On behalf of the Government and himself he heartily supported the motion.

Tho Speaker (the Hon. 0. J. Johnston) said that as tho occasion was a very memorable one lie would like to add his testimony of tho appreciation folt for Mr. Stowe's services.

The Hon. T. MaeCiibbon, J. T. Paul, and A. Baldey supported lim inolion, qnd it was carried with acclamation. Replying, .Mr. Stowe expressed his deep appreciation of the kiudncss and consideration shown him throughout his career by members of tho Council. Ho had had the honour and privilego of sitting under no fewer than ten Speakers. Tie thanked all bon. members for their kind speeches. (Applause.)