TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2839, 2 August 1916, Page 6

TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT

TO DECEASED LEGISLATORS. In the Houso of Ileprcsontatives yesterday tho Eight Hon. W. ¥. Uassoy, referring to tho death of the lato Mr. John Stevens, moved: "That this Houso records its high sense of the services rendered to New Zoaland by the lato Mr. John Stevons, a former member of th House of Representatives, and tenders to his family tho assurance of its sincere sympathy .with them in their bereavemont." . ' "I doubt if there is a member of this Parliament," said Mr. Massey, "who recollects' Mr. John Stevens coming into Parliament in 1881. But though there ore not many who can recollect that advent there are quite a number of members liko myself who had the privilege of being fellow-members during his later years. I can say without any hesitation that during tho time ho was a member of this House lie was ono of the most popular members. AVe all liked him for his gonial and genuine disposition. '■ Sir Joseph Ward also paid a tribute to Mr. Stevens as an esteemed politician. Tho late Mr. Stevens, he said, was a man of great personal charm, and u, man much beloved among his fellowmembers. ' He was high-spirited and entertaining to the last. Mr. D. Buick endorsed the remarks made. Mr. Stevens was always ready to take a venture, and was the first man to take a cargo of horses to India. Mr. W. H. Field said be could never hope to havo a more kindly and generous colleague than the late Mr. Stevens. When he (Mr. Field) came into the House he looked to Mr. Stevens as.his guide, philosopher, and friend, and that trust was never disappointed. He bore the affliction of blindness with manliness and spirit. He personally felt his loss very much indeed. ' Tho Hon. G. W. Eussell said ho had knows tho lato Mr. Stevens for some thirty-eight years. No one could know, him. in those days without recognising that ho was a.man of brains and boundless energy, who was bound to make his mark. The Primo Minister moved a similar motion in respect of Mr. AVilliam Barron, a former member of the Houso of Representatives for Caversham, and well known in Otago. Ho did not know Mr. Barron personally, said Mr.' Massey, as ho had gone out of politics.before his time, but ho always heard him very lycll 6poken of as a likeable man. Sir Joseph Ward added his tributo of respecT and sympathy with tho relative's. Mr. T. K. Sidey and tho Hon. ,T. Allen also spolce of Mr. Barron as a politician, and as a private citizen, and of his fine record in both capacities. The motion was carried. As a mark of respect to the memory of tho deceased gentlemen, the House adjourned at 4 p.m. until 7.30 p.m.