HON. GEORGE FORBES

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1929, Page 2

HON. GEORGE FORBES

THE NEW “FATHER OF THE HOUSE.”

The resignation of tbe Hon. T. M. Willord as memiuor for Hutt, places the Hon George Forbes, member lor Hurimui in the position of being tbe “lather of the New Zealand House, of Representatives.” Mr Forbes has bad longer continuous service in Parliament than lias any other of the present members. Although both the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and Air J. T. Hogan, member for Rangitikei, were in the House before him they have had broken service and the honour of being the “father of the House,” always goes to the member with the longest continuous service. Air Forbes was first elected member for Rurunui in 1908, after successfully contesting the seat, in ]932. At the general election in 11)08 Air A. AV. Rutherford who had represented Huninui for many years in the Liberal interest, did not seek re-election and Air Forbes was returned at the second ballot by a majority of 647 votes over the Reform Candidate, Air O. F. Clothier, At each sub equeltt election he has held the seat with substantial majorities. It is rather remarkable that the political life of a member of Parliament in New Zealand should be so short,that a member with twenty-one years’ service only should have the honour of being the “father of the House.” The general elections of 1925 and 1928, however, caused a thinning out in the ranks of the members with long service.