OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1018, 2 November 1912, Page 3

OBITUARY.

HON. SIR WILLIAM DUKES

STEWARD

The death occurred on Thursday at Wellington, of the Hon. Sir William Dukes Steward, M.L.C., and for over a quarter of a century a member of Parliament. The deceased legislator, who was known as “the father of the House of Representatives,” was born in 1841, and lauded in New Zealand in 1862. He engaged in commercial pursuits for some years, and then entered in journalism, in which he wes employed for thirty-three years. He took a prominent part in volunteering, and was major commanding the North Otago volunteer district from 1873 to 1879. It was in Parliament, however, that Sir William was best known to the Dominion. In the days of Provincial Government he was a member of the Otago Council, and he became member for Waitaki in the House in 1891. He was Speaker from 1891 to 1893, and was knighted in 1902, Sir William was noted for his advocacy of a number of legislative measures, including the Elective Executive and the reform of the marriage laws.

On receipt of the news, the Eegislative Council adjourned as a mark of respect to the deceased. Yesterday afternoon the House carried a motion appreciative of the distinguished services rendered to Parliament and the Dominion by Sir William Steward and sympathising with his widow and relatives. The motion was carried in silence. At 5.5 p.m. the House adjourned till 7.30 p.m. as a mark of respect to deceased.