SIR WILLIAM FRASER.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1919, Page 4

SIR WILLIAM FRASER.

(Dunedin “Times.”)

Sir William Fraser’s decision that lie will not be a candidate for re-election to the House of Representatives is of more than ordinary political interest. The general regret with which it will be received must, however, be linked with an appreciation of the justice of Sir William’s own simple statement, that he has taken an active part in the public life of the dominion for a. great many years ahd may fairly claim that he is entitled to a little rest. Sir Wil- . liam Fraser might, like Othello, justly have said “I have done the State some service and they know’t, had his habitual modesty of disposition suffered him to do so. The felicity of the relations which have subsisted between himself and his constituents is eloquent ly shown .in the fact that he has repre-; sented the Wakatipu seat for an unbroken period of nearly 26 years. It can fairly be said that few electorates have had better reason to be satisfied with their parliamentary representative. In all that pertained to the interests of liis own constituency, and of Otago, Sir William Fraser has done zealous and yeoman service. As Minister for Public Works for seven years he has performed an important task with characteristic thoroughness, a fact the more, to be emphasised because, during the war period, the lack of funds necesitated the observance of a policy which has been productive of’ a certain amount of undeserved criticism. Sir William’s presence will be greatly missed in the House of Representatives. No man possesses in Parliament, a greater measure of esteem.of his.fellow members on 'both sides of the House. His popularity'lias rested on an enduring basis—a respect born of and willingly accorded even by liis political opponents to his frankness and unswerving straightforwardness. We may hope that his career of public usefulness is not yet at an end. His retirement from the House of Representatives should not necessarily involve his retirement from politics, and we may anticipate that he will be called to the Legisaltive Council. His ripe experience and judgment qualify Him unquestionably for appointment to that Chamber -