DEATH OF HON. JAMES KERR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 August 1901, Page 3

DEATH OF HON. JAMES KERR.

(ode parliamentary hbportbr.)

Wellington, This Day.

As soon as the House met Sir Joseph Ward referred to the death of the late Hon. James Kerr, which took place on Sunday at Westport on his way to Greymouth. Deceased was for nine years member of the Council, being one of the first batch of the twelve Councillors appointed under the seven years' system. Deceased had been a truly representative man in the district he belonged to, having belonged to most of the local bodies and had. also been part proprietor of one of the journals published there.

"While a member of the Council, deceased had been generally respected, and had not left behind him an unkind memory so far as the members of either Chamber are concerned. It would be some consolation for the family to know that he had left behind him a quite and dignified personality which will be remembered by his colleagues. He moved that the House do now adjourn till 230 to-morrow as a mark of respect to the late Mr Kerr, Member of the Legislative Council. Mr J. Allen, in seconding the motion, said all members with Parliament must have been impressed of the quiet demeanour and. venerable appearance and dignified bearing of deceased. The Council had sustained a severe loss by Mr. Kerr's death.

Mr. Fisher said that he had known Mr. Kerr since 1857 when with _ the speaker's father he was part proprietor of the Age. This was before the advent of the Syme family. Then and in later years deceased was always known tD be an upright, honest and sterling man. The House by passing the resolution were paying a very worthy tribute, which will be appreciated by deceased's family.

The resolution was carried, the House immediately adjourning.