LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 12, 30 August 1911, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(Per Press Association./ Wellington, August 29. The Legislative council met at 2.30,

Tho Hon. Mr. McGowan offered his congratulations to the Attorney-Gen-eral on the honour conferred oa him, and said lie was certain that Sir John Findlay would do honour to himself and the title.

The Hon. Mr. Sinclair, who also congratulated Sir John, took the title ccaionea on him as an honour to ahe Council. It had been conferred for good work nobly done by Sir John Findlay. He highly eulogised his leadership of tho Council, and expressed the hope that he would long be spared to boar his honour. The Hon. Mr. Jenkinson, referring to the matter of titles, adhered to his previous statement that seme of the honours bestowed on New Zealanders had not boon deserved. Where a title was given to a private citizen of the Dominion it should bo after long and faithful service . While agreeing that Sir John Findlay had done good work, ho averred that in tho bestowal of honours work had to be taken by comparison, and, in his opinion, compared with tho work done by other politicians, tho title to Sir John Findlay had not been fully earned. Ho hoped the acceptance of the title would not prejudice Sir John Findlay in the ores of the democracy, lie concluded Ivy congratulating Sir John upon tine title conferred.

The Hon. Mr. Jones contended that work such as Sir J. G. Findlay’s deserved recognition' at the hands of His Majesty, for no man had ever won a place in the hearts of the people more honestly than Sir John. He was a man whom they delighted to honour. Hon. Messrs. Beehau, Loughnan, and O. Samuel added their congratulations.

The Hon. Mr. Paul welcomed the hon. gentleman back. He would not say anything about the title, for he was one who did not believe in titles, but he did not believe the acceptance of the title would affect the good work of Sir John, whose work in the past had been for tho advantage of the democracy. Hon. Messrs. Wi Pere,, Luke, and Callan spoke in appreciation of Sir J. G. Findlay.

The Hon. j\ Rigg said his objections to titles were based upon principle. Ho failed to see that the title was conferred on the country. He, however, joined heartily with the others in welcoming Sir John back to tfie country. Hon. Messrs. McCardle, Arstcy, Millar, and Mills all spoke eulogistically of Sir J. G. Findlay, and congratulated him on his honour. Sir John Findlay, m reply, said he found some difficulty in speaking as freely as ho would like, because of the opinions expressed by members, 'those opinions he valued, because the Lost test of a- man was the opinions ol those who wore working with him. What had been said was gratifying to his -heart, and an effectual answer to lua critics. He thought he corild say ho had never left tho path of rectitude in public or private life, and he could afford to disregard the hard things said of him in his absence. Ho, however, strongly condemned the class of criticism which attributed evil motives. That sort of criticism often led to tho evils of public life bring disregarded. If New Zealand journals persistently and wilfully misrepresented and distorted public men they would chase to bo sentinels of public purity. Ho had been made tiie subject of criticism which bad not been honourable. As to the title, it was in no way a groat matter one way or other.’ He did think it might have been some honour, to the 1 Loader of the Chamber, and that the men who came after him, having done some work, might get some definite recognition. Referring to the Hon. Mr. Jenlduson’s remarks, ho said Mr. Jenkinson had boon amongst his most useful friends, and he novel admired the hon. gentleman more than when his candour led him against himself (the speaker). If he had not earned tiie title, ho hoped that before his career was over ho would have earned it. Ho went on to say that during tho five years he had been in the Council he had worked with great pleasure and without an eyo to reward, and tiie years ho had St amongst them would be field in tionate remembrance. In bis decision to retire, ho had boon actuated by various motives. There was groat work to be done in the Council, but he felt ho ! could do better work m another sphere for tho country which had done so much for him, for ho owed this country for all ho had, and everything he had got. The Methodist Cliantable and Educational Trust Bill (Hon. Mr. McGowan) was read tho second time. Sir John Findlay expressed Iris appreciation of tho valuable services of the Hon. Mr McGowan as acting-lead-er of the Council. The Council rose.